The 30-second version
- A fault is any rule violation that stops play and ends the rally.
- The serving side’s fault means they lose the serve; the receiving side’s fault means the serving side scores a point.
- The big ones: hitting out or into the net, volleying in the kitchen, and breaking the two-bounce rule.
- Serve faults (illegal motion, wrong box, foot fault) are among the most common.
Part of our complete guide to pickleball rules.
In pickleball, a fault is any action that breaks a rule and ends the rally. Understanding them keeps you from gifting away points — here’s the full list.
What happens on a fault?
When a fault is committed, the rally stops. If the serving team faults, they lose their serve (side out, or the serve passes to the partner). If the receiving team faults, the serving team wins a point. Remember: only the serving team can score.
The complete list of pickleball faults
- Hitting the ball out of bounds.
- Hitting the ball into the net (or failing to clear it).
- Volleying in the kitchen — hitting a ball out of the air while in the non-volley zone (see the kitchen rule).
- Breaking the two-bounce rule — volleying the serve or the return before it bounces (see the two-bounce rule).
- Letting the ball bounce twice on your side before returning it.
- Serve faults: an illegal serve motion (not underhand / above the waist), serving to the wrong box, missing the serve, or a foot fault (stepping on or over the baseline).
- Serving out of turn or from the wrong position.
- The ball hitting a player or anything they’re wearing or carrying (other than a legal paddle hit) before it bounces.
- Touching the net or the opponent’s court with your paddle, body, or clothing while the ball is in play.
- Reaching over the net to hit a ball before it has crossed to your side (with some exceptions).
How to avoid giving away cheap faults
Most beginner faults are the two-bounce rule and kitchen volleys — simply slowing down and respecting the kitchen line eliminates the majority. For the rest, a legal, consistent serve and good shot selection do the trick. See all the rules together in our complete pickleball rules guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is a fault in pickleball?
A fault is any rule violation that ends the rally — like hitting the ball out or into the net, volleying in the kitchen, breaking the two-bounce rule, or an illegal serve. A serving-team fault loses the serve; a receiving-team fault gives the serving team a point.
What are the most common faults in pickleball?
The most common are breaking the two-bounce rule (volleying the serve or return), volleying while in the kitchen, hitting the ball out or into the net, and serve faults like an illegal motion or foot fault.
Is it a fault if the ball hits you in pickleball?
Yes. If a ball in play hits you or anything you’re wearing or carrying before it bounces, it’s a fault against you — even if you didn’t mean to be hit. The exception is a legal hit with your paddle.
Is touching the net a fault in pickleball?
Yes. If you, your paddle, or your clothing touch the net (or the net posts, or your opponent’s court) while the ball is in play, it’s a fault.
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