You Make the Call!
Here’s the Scenario:
You hit a groundstroke and the ball ricochets off the net post and goes in and is not returned. What’s the call?
It doesn’t happen frequently on the pickleball courts — but when it does, it usually sparks confusion. You attempt an around-the-post shot — or perhaps it’s just an errant shot — and the ball ricochets off the net post and goes in! You celebrate. Your opponents, on the other hand, shake their heads in total disbelief at your apparent “good fortune.” Before conceding the rally, however, they ask to see the applicable rule in the Pickleball Official Tournament Rulebook.
Luckily for your opponents — but unfortunately for you — you have the rulebook handy, and as you peruse through the pages, you come to Rule # 11.K of the 2019 International Federation of Pickleball Official Tournament Rulebook.
2019 International Federation of Pickleball — Official Tournament Rulebook
Rule #11.K:
The Net Posts. The net posts (including connected wheels, arms, or other support construction) are positioned out of bounds. If a ball or player contacts the net post, it is a fault and a dead ball is declared.
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