Understanding Pickleball Rules To Prevent Accidental Injuries

Pickleball is a sport with minimal injury risks as compared to many others. Still, people do get hurt on the court at times. One way to lower your risk is to understand (and abide by) pickleball rules and customs.

This article explains how knowing and following pickleball rules and best practices can help keep you safe on the court.

How Pickleball Rules Reduce Injury Risks

Like those of other sports, pickleball rules are primarily designed to make play fair and competitive. However, as an added bonus, they encourage players to stay in control, reducing the chances that they’ll hurt others or themselves.

Here are a few examples of key rules and their positive contribution to injury avoidance:

Non-Volley Zone

Also called the “kitchen,” the non-volley zone is a seven-foot-deep area on each side of the net. Players in the kitchen cannot volley the ball (meaning hit it out of the air); they can only make a groundstroke (hitting it after a bounce). This rule removes the temptation of lunging into the kitchen to make a volley and the risk of associated sprains, strains, falls, etc. It also helps protect a player on the opposite side of the net from an errant swing.

Double Bounce Rule

After a player serves the ball, it must bounce once on each side of the net before players can begin volleying. This rule prevents rushing the net and also gives players time to gain awareness of where others are on the court, reducing the risk of collisions.

Underhand Serves

Pickleball serves must be made underhand, with the paddle contacting the ball below the server’s waist. That means no overhand tennis-style services and the accompanying risks of various types of wrist, elbow and shoulder injuries.

Line Calls

Pickleball shots must bounce inside the court boundaries. Players traditionally call “out” when a ball is out of bounds. This keeps the person attempting to return a shot from overreaching and risking a strain or a fall.

Announcing Stray Balls

Players shout “ball” if their ball gets away and is headed for another court. That warning reduces the chances of someone stepping on or tripping over it and suffering a sprained ankle or other injury.

Player Spacing

It’s customary and strategic for teammates to maintain good spacing from one another on the court. The added benefit is that this strategy reduces the risk of collisions.

Focus on Fair Play

Pickleball culture emphasizes the importance of respectful play. As a result, players call their own faults, avoid targeting opponents with shots, give the benefit of the doubt on line calls, avoid excessive force on shots and generally avoid a “win at all costs” mentality. That approach to the game encourages everyone to play within their physical limits and not risk getting hurt.

Injured Playing Pickleball? Baptist Health Is Here for You.

Pickleball is a safe sport, especially when played within the rules. Still, injuries can occur. If you get hurt playing pickleball, your healthcare provider can diagnose your injury and recommend treatment. You can use our online directory to find a Baptist Health provider if you don’t have one.

If you need urgent or emergency medical attention, a Baptist Health urgent care center or emergency room can assist you.

Next Steps and Helpful Resources