Pickleball Rule Clarification
The local pickleball is a great place to practice new techniques, devise strategies and learn the rules. Rule interpretations are discussed, argued and eventually conceded. A common discussion is momentum and the non-volley zone (NVZ). Specifically, consider the following scenario: Your opponent hits a shot that bounces beyond the non-volley zone (kitchen). You respond with a ground stroke but your momentum from the shot carries you into the non-volley zone. Is this a fault?
Some argue, regardless of where the ball bounces on the court (as long as it bounces) your momentum from hitting the groundstroke can carry you into the NVZ without penalty. Other argue that the ball must bounce beyond the NVZ or your momentum cannot take you into the NVZ without it being a fault. Looks like we need a pickleball rule clarification.
Pickleball Momentum Rule — Let’s Go to the Rulebook
Rule 9.B. states from the International Federation of Pickleball Official Tournament Handbook states the following with respect to momentum:
A fault will be declared if, in the act of volleying the ball, a player or anything the player is wearing or carrying touches the non-volley zone or touches any non-volley line… The act of volleying the ball includes the swing, the follow-through, and the momentum from the action.
This rule clearly states that is only applies to the act of volleying the ball — hitting the ball out of the air before it bounces. It does not apply to a groundstroke or a ball that bounces first. So as long as the ball bounces first (anywhere) you are safe of the momentum fault.
For more rules read our page on pickleball rules. If that not enough take a look at the full pickleball rulebook