Pickleball Double hit Rule “What is carrying the ball in pickleball”
When you strike the ball or serve you hear that the ball hit twice, But you don’t know if it is your fault. Carrying a ball and double hit is different in pickleball carry is illegal whether you hit intentionally or by accident.
But pickleball rules are different, they say if you double hit in one continuous motion, without intentionally second sewing then it’s legal.
So before calling a fault of a double hit, you must understand the pickleball double hit rule.
In this guide, we will discuss more:
Table of Contents
What is Carrying the Ball In Pickleball
In pickleball, when you hit the ball and it kind of sticks to your paddle instead of bouncing off right away, that’s called a “carry.” It’s like the ball gets caught on your paddle for a second as you swing. But you’re supposed to hit the ball in the game so it bounces off your paddle smoothly. It’s against the rules if it gets carried, and the other team gets a point.
3.A.2. Carry – Hitting the ball in such a way that it does not bounce away from the paddle but is carried along on the face of the paddle.
In pickleball, a ‘carry’ is a fault that occurs when you hit the ball in a way that it doesn’t bounce off your paddle but instead gets trapped or lingers on the face of the paddle.
Here’s what a carry looks like:
| Characteristic | Description |
| Ball movement | The ball rests or stops momentarily on your paddle instead of having a clean bounce. |
| Paddle action | You might cradle or trap the ball with your paddle for a better shot. |
Why is carrying a fault?
The carry rule ensures a fair and fast-paced game. It prevents players from gaining an advantage by controlling the ball for too long on their paddle.
What is the difference Between A Double hit or Carry in Pickleball?
A ball is indeed legal when double hit according to rule 11 A but it’s legal when it occurs in a single continuous, single direction during play.
But it is the fault if the hit does not continue in motion, not in a single direction, or struck on the paddle. The official pickleball rule book says:
11.A.Double Hits. Balls can be hit twice, but this must occur during a continuous, single-direction stroke by one player. If the stroke made while performing the serve or during a rally is not constant, not in a single direction, or the ball is struck by a second player, it is a fault.
Rule 11.A. in pickleball gives you a little leeway when hitting the ball. Here’s what it means:
Double Hits are allowed
You can unintentionally hit the ball twice on the same swing with your paddle.
Conditions for Double Hits
- The two hits must happen during a continuous, single-direction stroke. This means your paddle movement should be smooth and flow in one general direction (forward, upward, etc.) during the swing.
- Only one player can hit the ball twice.
What’s a Fault
If any of these conditions aren’t met, it’s a fault:
- The stroke is not continuous (hesitation or stopping mid-swing).
- The paddle movement is not in a single direction (chopping or scooping motion).
- The ball is hit twice by different players.
Basically: As long as your swing is smooth and intentional in one direction, you can accidentally hit the ball twice. But any jerky motions, changes in direction, or touches from your partner’s paddle will result in a fault.
Carrying the ball is illegal by all means in pickleball. Whether it is intentional or not.
7.L. A player carrying or catching the ball on the paddle while performing the serve or during a rally.
Rule 7.L. in pickleball deals with what you can’t do with the ball on your paddle. It states that catching or carrying the ball on your paddle during a serve or any point in the rally is a fault.
Here’s a breakdown of the rule:
- Carrying: This means the ball rests or lingers on your paddle for a noticeable time instead of a clean hit.
- Catching: This means you stop the ball in motion by trapping it on your paddle.
Important Change (as of July 2024): Previously, only deliberate carrying was a fault. Now, regardless of intent, if the ball gets caught or carried on the paddle, it’s a fault.
Reason for the Rule: This rule ensures a clean and crisp game. It prevents players from gaining an advantage by cradling or trapping the ball for a better shot.
