Pickleball Basics · 8 of 10
Common Faults
Four mistakes end most beginner rallies.
A fault ends the rally.
Four mistakes cause almost every one — learn them here and stop giving points away.
What is a Fault?
A fault is a mistake that ends the rally on the spot. If the serving team faults, the serve passes (in doubles, to the partner, then to the other team). If the receiving team faults, the servers get a point.
Almost every beginner rally ends with one of these four. Learn them and you'll win points just by not giving them away.
The Big Four
- ✕Hitting the ball out of bounds
- ✕Hitting the net
- ✕Volleying while standing in the kitchen
- ✕Missing a legal serve — into the net, out, or in the wrong box
Quick Facts
- ✓A fault ends: The rally, immediately
- ✓Serving team faults: The serve passes
- ✓Receiving team faults: A point to the serving team
Curious what level you'd be?
Answer 12 quick questions and get your level (2.5 to 5.0), your weakest shot, and a plan built around both. Free, about two minutes.