Paddle-ball is a sport that can be played on a one-wall court with paddle racquets amongst two players (singles game) or in doubles with two teams consisting of two players. Below are the intructions for single games.
Necessary Equipment
editTo play Paddle-ball, it is necessary to have a paddle (resembling a racquet ball paddle) that is no longer than 17-1/2 inches and no wider than 9 inches, weighing about 0.78 lbs. Paddle-ball can be played with either a tennis ball or any small ball made of rubber. The ball must be kept dry at all times. The appropriate attire for Paddle-ball is ideally one for running, taking climate conditions into consideration.
Court
editPaddle-ball is normally played on a court preferably about 20 feet wide and 37 feet long with a wall that is 16 feet in height. The court has a short line, a set of service markers, 2 side lines and a long line. The service zone is the area between the short line and the service markers. At the start of the play, one person must stand inside the service zone and strike the ball against the wall. The server must stay within the service zone until the ball crosses the short line.
Fault, Short, Long
editThe ball must cross the short line on each serve. Server must stay within the serving box. Once the serve is made, the opponent must hit the ball, hitting it off the wall. If the ball bounces before it crosses the short line, a Short is called. However if the ball bounces beyond the long line, a Long out is called. Any service where the server is not within the service zone upon service is called a Fault. The server has a second chance to serve the ball. Failure to successfully serve the ball into the court beyond the short line twice results in the receiver winning the play. The server and the receiver then switch spots. The game is played until one side wins with 15, 21, 25 or 30 points.
If the serve is good, the receiver must hit the ball before it bounces twice. If the receiver fails to successfully hit the ball back to the wall before its second bounce and have it bounce within the court, then the play stops and the server receives the point.
If the receiver hits the ball, but it hits the server, the play restarts again if it looked like the ball could have hit the wall. Otherwise, Fault goes to the receiver and the server wins the point.
After the receiver successfully returns the ball, the server can leave the box and must hit the ball before it bounces twice. The server and receiver then alternate until either the ball bounces twice or the ball falls out of bounds.
If the server wins the round they gain a point. If the receiver wins, they switch spots and then it is the opponent’s turn to serve.
If for instance, one player blocks the other in striking the ball, a block can be called and the play is restarted. If the striker feels that hitting the ball will risk injuring another player, then a Safety can be called and the play starts again. If the server blocks the receiver deliberately it’s out on server.
Technicalities
edit- Serving between the legs is an out.
- Stepping on or over short line, sideline or service marker is a fault. No fault if only the paddle crosses.
- Ball is short if on serve if the bounce doesn’t go pass the service line
- Ball is long/out on serve the first bounce is beyond court lines
- Receiver must hit the ball before it bounces twice within the court.
- When serving there is only one chance to strike ball, missing the ball is an out.
- Server’s partner on service must be outside sideline in between service line and short line
- If the ball on service hits the server/partner, its server’s out.
- Serving between legs is a fault
- Until the ball is struck or bounces twice, player can swing any number of times.
- After hit, ball must hit the wall before it hits the floor.
- If the ball breaks, the play stops and the point is played over again. Ball’s played over if it hits either a foreign object or if a foreign object enters court.
- If a player, while striking the ball, lets the ball touch any part of their body, it’s out against them.
- If ball goes between striker or partner’s legs, opponent can call block as long opponent has play for ball.
- The ball is live and in play until it bounces twice.
- Player can call Safety out of fear or injuring opponent with ball or paddle. Any needless Safety is a penalty.
- If the paddle touches opponent, stop play and do it over.
Note: A referee is not absolutely necessary in this particular game. It can be played on mutual or compromised agreements amongst the players.
Additional Rules for Single Play
editServer can serve anywhere within service box and must serve to major area of the court Major Area: Where the server begins serve. If the ball lands anywhere outside the major area, it’s out. Serving from middle, server must declare with side of court being served into. Serving into a minor area must be declared or it’s a fault.