Pickleball courts are frequently part of multi-use courts, where you can play basketball, badminton, dodgeball, pickleball, among other sports (e.g., an indoor gymnasium). With these multi-use courts, there can be extra obstacles that can interfere with play (for instance, a basketball hoop). So, what happens if the pickleball hits one of these obstacles – like the basketball net in the air above – before bouncing on the court? Play on, replay, or fault?
The basketball net would be considered a “permanent object” in the rules of pickleball (see the definition below):
If the pickleball hits any permanent object – like the basketball net – before bouncing on the court, then it is a fault. So, beware of these obstacles and play within your environment. ⚠️