Skip to content
2 min read

Pickleball Rules to Know – What Is a Distraction?

News Stacie Townsend 07-11-2020

Have you ever been distracted by another pickleball player on the pickleball court?

Rule 11.J of the 2020 Official Rulebook for USA Pickleball states that a pickleball player may not distract an opponent when the opposing team is about to play the pickleball. If a pickleball player does distract an opponent, then that player would have committed a fault. A distraction is based on the referee’s judgment, as a referee in competitive play will determine if the distraction resulted in the loss of a rally by the opposing team.

With that said, team communication does NOT constitute a distraction. That means that, if a pickleball player communicates to his or her partner as the opposing team plays or is about to play the pickleball, then no distraction (and no fault) would have occurred.

Has another pickleball player ever tried to distract you on the pickleball court? Does the other team’s communication ever bother you on the pickleball court? Share with us in the comments below!

READ SIMILAR STORIES

View All

03-06-23

Stacie Townsend

2 Critical Ways Balance Affects Your Pickleball Game

There are two critical kinds of balance in doubles pickleball. And, both are equally important to your success on the court. Learn...

7 min read

08-21-23

Stacie Townsend

This Pickleball Rally Proves Why You Should Never Give Up on the Court

Check out this pickleball rally, where pickleball pro Allyce Jones flips over the perimeter barrier and then proceeds to...

3 min read

07-24-23

Stacie Townsend

National & Local Organizations Alike Foster Youth Development Through Pickleball

In recent times, the sport of pickleball has seemingly smashed the stereotype that it is a sport for just the elderly. But,...

5 min read