If you're new to the sport or gearing up for tournament play, you've probably heard the term "fault" tossed around a lot. But what exactly qualifies as a fault in pickleball?
In short: a fault is any rule violation that ends the rally. It might cost you your serve—or worse, give a point to your opponent.
Let’s break down what counts as a fault in pickleball, how to avoid them, and how to stay cool when they happen.
Fault #1: Serving Faults
Most faults happen at the serve, especially for beginners.
These include:
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Serving the ball into the net
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Serving out of bounds
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Failing to serve diagonally across the court
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Serving before calling the score
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Letting the ball bounce before hitting it (serves must be hit out of the air)
Fix it: Practice your underhand serve from both the left and right sides. And always call the score first.
Fault #2: Volleying in the Kitchen
One of pickleball’s most famous rules: no volleying in the non-volley zone—aka the kitchen.
A volley is a shot hit out of the air without letting it bounce. If you hit a volley while:
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Standing in the kitchen
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Touching the kitchen line
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Letting your momentum carry you into the kitchen after a volley
—it’s a fault.
Solution: Stay just behind the kitchen line with knees bent and paddle up. And upgrade your grip with a Jet Black Paddle Band for better control during net play.
Fault #3: Double Bounce Rule Violations
Pickleball requires:
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The ball to bounce once on the receive side
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Then once again on the serve-return side
Only after both bounces can players start volleying.
Skipping this step? That’s a fault.
Tip: Stay patient and count those bounces before you rush the net.
Fault #4: Ball Bounces Twice Before Return
If the ball bounces twice on your side before you return it, that’s a fault.
This can happen during:
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Long rallies
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Lobs that catch you off guard
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Hesitation on soft dinks
Avoid this by staying on your toes and reading the ball early.
Fault #5: Out of Bounds Shots
If your shot lands outside the boundary lines, it’s a fault.
Ways this happens:
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Overhitting a drive or smash
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Misjudging an angle during a dink
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Lob shots that drift too far
Watch your positioning and use spin to control your placement.
Fault #6: Contacting the Net or Post
Touching the net, net post, or crossing over into your opponent’s space during play is a fault.
This includes:
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Your paddle or body making contact
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Stepping under the net or reaching across it
Solution: Keep your follow-through tight and controlled. And stay centered.
Fault #7: Hitting the Ball Twice
If your paddle hits the ball twice in one swing, it's a fault—unless it’s one continuous motion that results from a single hit.
Intentional or obvious double-hits are easy to spot and always a violation.
Fault #8: Carry or Lift
Carrying the ball on the paddle (instead of a clean hit) is illegal. You must hit the ball—not “scoop” or “hold” it.
How to prevent this:
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Don’t swing with a high-to-low dragging motion
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Use firm contact and quick reactions
Fault #9: Wrong Server or Receiver
In doubles, players rotate positions based on points scored. Serving or receiving from the wrong side = fault.
Avoid this by:
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Calling the score before every serve
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Tracking server numbers (1 or 2)
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Communicating with your partner
Fault #10: Illegal Serve Motion
Serve must:
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Be hit underhand
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Contact the ball below the waist
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Have the paddle moving upward
Overhand or sidearm serves? Fault.
What Happens After a Fault?
That depends:
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If you’re serving: you lose your serve (or rotate to the second server)
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If you’re receiving: your opponent gets the point
In tournament play, referees track faults and enforce penalties. In rec games, be honest and own your mistakes.
Avoiding Faults Starts with Grip and Focus
The best way to avoid faults is consistency. Your gear helps, too. A Jet Black Paddle Band improves control and reduces slippage, especially during volleys and quick reactions.
Want to add your name or favorite slogan? Personalize your band at CustomPickleballBands.com.
Learn More, Play Better
Explore more rules, gear tips, and strategy posts on our Pickleball Blog.
We cover:
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The kitchen rule explained
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Scoring like a pro
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The best balls and paddles for your style
Whether you’re a beginner or tournament player, we’ve got your back.
Final Serve: Master the Rules, Dominate the Court
What are the faults in pickleball?
They’re not just technicalities—they shape how the game is played. The better you know them, the more confident and consistent you’ll be.
Avoid faults, respect the rules, and play with gear that helps you stay in control.
Start with a Jet Black Paddle Band and explore all your options at CustomPickleballBands.com.