PADDLEBALL
Paddleball is a game played by 2, 3 or 4 players. There are 3 types of games played:
Singles: Played by 2 players
Doubles: Played by 4 players
Cut-Throat: Played by 3 players
A game is won by the first side scoring 21 points. Points are scored only by the serving side when it serves an “ace” or wins a rally.
THE SERVE
The serve shall be determined by a player from each team hitting the ball against the wall, with the ball landing closet to the bottom of the front wall winning the serve. Prior to each serve, the server calls the score giving the server’s score first. On the serve, the ball must hit the front wall first, and then may hit any side wall, or just rebound the back over the short line.
•Position of the server: The server may serve from anywhere in the service zone, between the short line and the service line. The server must start and remain in the service zone until the served ball has returned past the short line. Stepping on the line is okay.
•Service in doubles: In doubles, the side starting each game is allowed only one serve out. Thereafter, both players are permitted to serve until a serve-out occurs. The service order is established at the beginning of each game, and must be followed throughout. Serving out of order, or the same person is serving twice, will result in a serve out.
•Partner’s Position: during the serve, the server’s partner is required to stand in the “side” service box or behind the end line, until the ball passes the short line.
• Illegal serves: any two illegal serves in succession is considered a “serve out” the following are illegal serves:
1. Short serve- a served ball that hits the playing surface before crossing the short line.
2. Long serve- a served ball rebounding from the front wall past the end line, but still within the sidelines.
3. Foot fault- the server stepping out, or leaving the service zone before the ball passes the short line; when the server’s partner in doubles is not standing either in the “side” service box or behind the end line until the ball passes the short line.
Serve- Outs: the following will result in a serve out
1. Striking at and missing the dropped serve
2. Any serve striking the side wall before striking the front wall
3. Any ball touching the server’s clothing or body.
Playing the ball:
The ball must be hit with the paddle in one or both hands. Hitting the ball with the arm, hand, or any part of the body is illegal. In attempting to return the ball, a player may only touch the ball once. If a player swings at the ball but misses, his/her partner may make another attempt to return it until the ball touches the floor a second time.
A ball landing on a line is IN. If a ball hits the fence above the courts, or hits a person, the ball is dead.
SAFETY:
Always use your paddle strap and give it a twist, or two. Always face forward to avoid getting hit by the ball of a paddle. Always call “BALL ON!” If your ball goes onto another court, DO NOT just chase it.
Paddleball terms:
•Ace: A serve untouched by the receiver
•Back court: the area in the back of the short line
•Backhand: Hitting the ball from the opposite side of the forehand
•Court: the playing area
•Cut-Throat: a game involving 3 players with each player playing against the other two
•Doubles: Two players playing against two other players
•Foot fault: illegal position of the server’s feet during the serve
•Front court: The court area in front of the short line
•Game: The winning of 21 points of the team ahead by at least two points when time is called
•Hinder: Unintentional interference with an opponent during play which results in a replay or another ball entering your court.
•Kill: A ball hit that cannot be returned by an opponent
•Side-out: loss of service by one player in singles, or both players in doubles
•Rally: Continuous play during a game or practice
•Volley: Hitting the ball in the air on the rebound before it bounces