Section 5: Rules of Play
The Serve (Rules 4.A–4.L)
The serve must be made underhand. The paddle must contact the ball below the server's waist (navel level). There are two legal serving methods:
- Volley Serve: The server strikes the ball out of the air (without bouncing it). The paddle head must be below the wrist at the point of contact, and the arm must move in an upward arc.
- Drop Serve: The server drops the ball (without propelling it) and strikes it after it bounces. There are no restrictions on paddle position or swing arc when using the drop serve.
The serve must be made diagonally cross-court, clearing the net and landing within the confines of the opposite service area. The serve must clear the NVZ, including the NVZ line. The server must stand behind the baseline and within the imaginary extensions of the sideline and centerline. At least one foot must be on the playing surface behind the baseline at the moment of contact.
The Double-Bounce Rule / Two-Bounce Rule (Rule 7.A)
After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce once before returning it (first bounce). The serving team must then let the return bounce once before playing it (second bounce). After both bounces have occurred, either team may volley or play the ball off the bounce. This rule eliminates the serve-and-volley advantage and promotes longer rallies.
The Non-Volley Zone Rule (Rules 9.A–9.H)
A player may not volley the ball (hit it out of the air) while any part of their body is touching the NVZ or the NVZ line. This includes momentum from a volley that carries the player into the NVZ after the shot — the volley is a fault if the player's momentum causes them to touch the NVZ at any point after the volley. A player may enter the NVZ at any time to play a ball that has bounced. Items such as hats, sunglasses, or paddles that fall into the NVZ during a volley also constitute a fault.
Rally Play
After the two-bounce rule has been satisfied, play continues as a rally. Players may hit the ball out of the air (volley) or after one bounce. The ball must clear the net and land within the boundaries of the opponent's court. A ball striking any part of a court line is considered "in." A rally ends when a fault is committed by either side.
Common Faults (Rule 7)
- The ball is hit into the net or out of bounds.
- A volley is hit from the NVZ or momentum carries the player into the NVZ after a volley.
- The ball bounces twice on one side before being returned.
- The two-bounce rule is violated (a team volleys before both bounces have occurred).
- The ball strikes a player or anything the player is wearing or carrying (except the paddle hand below the wrist).
- A player, their clothing, or paddle touches the net or net post while the ball is in play.