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2025 USA Pickleball rules - Section 8: Dead ball rules

In Section 8: Dead Ball Rules of the 2025 USA Pickleball rules, learn more about all the situations which would cause a dead ball in pickleball.

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Jaclyn Brandt

01/28/2025

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8.A. Any action that stops play will result in a dead ball.

8.B. A fault called by a referee or player, or a fault committed by a player, will result in a dead ball.

8.C. A hinder called by the referee or player will result in a dead ball. The referee will determine if the hinder called by the player was valid. A valid hinder per the Referee or a hinder called in non-officiated play will result in a replay.

8.D. A ball in play that contacts a permanent object after it has bounced on the opponent’s court will result in a dead ball. The player who hit the ball shall win the rally.

8.E. Other than non-volley zone violations, a fault may only be committed when the ball is live. The penalty for a fault (other than non-volley zone faults) is normally enforced the moment it is identified (e.g., distractions, double bounces, etc.) but may also be enforced any time before the next serve occurs.

Download the USA Pickleball rulebook here.

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