When is a rally replayed in pickleball?
A · Advanced · Officiating and play · 1 of 4A hinder is something not caused by the players that affects play, such as a ball from another court; any player may call it and the rally is replayed. Permanent objects like fences or lights are not hinders. A player who stops a rally without grounds commits a fault. Deliberate distraction, such as stomping or loud noises, is a fault.
How it works
- Hinder: outside, passing cause.
- Called by: any player.
- Result: replay.
- Permanent object: not a hinder.
- Stopping without grounds: fault.
- Distraction: fault.
- Cracked ball: replay if all agree.
- Soft ball: no replay.
The glossary has the hinder, the replay, the permanent object, the distraction, the damaged ball and the dead ball.
Tricky cases
The ball hits an overhead light. Hinder?
No. A permanent object; a fault.
My opponent shouts as I hit. Result?
A fault against them, if the referee rules distraction.
The ball cracks in a rally. Replay?
Only if all agree it affected play.
I stop play wrongly. Result?
My fault.
Why the rule exists
Replays put right what neither side caused.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Hinder | Replay | L 9.C |
| Permanent object | Fault | L Defs |
| Distraction | Fault | L 10.F |
From the rule book
USA Pickleball, Official Rulebook (2026), Rules 9 and 10 and the definitions. Checked 15 October 2026. Official document: USA Pickleball Official Rulebook 2026.