Pickleball is a fast-paced, exciting sport that combines elements of sports such as ping-pong and tennis. It’s played with two paddles on each side of the court.
The object of the game is to hit the ball into your opponent’s court using a variety of strokes.
As with any other sport, there are a number of rules that govern how the game should be played – and this includes the foot fault.
We took a closer look at the details of a foot fault, as well as how to generally improve your game.
What Is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a popular sport (see also ‘Where Is Pickleball Most Popular In The USA?‘) that combines elements of tennis and ping-pong and is played with two paddles on each side of the net.
Players use their paddles to hit the ball back and forth between them. The main goal is to get the ball over the net and into your opponent’s court.
How To Play Pickleball
To begin playing pickleball, you will need a pair of paddles (one for each player), a set of balls, and a net. You can play pickleball indoors or outdoors (see also ‘Best Outdoor Pickleball‘).
The first step is to choose which type of stroke you want to use. There are three basic types: forehand, backhand, and serve.
Each has its own advantages and disadvantages and will depend largely on the style of your game, and that of your opponent.
Forehand Stroke
A forehand stroke is used when you’re attacking the ball from the front. This means that you’re standing near the net and facing your opponent.
Your paddle is held high above your head, and you swing down toward the ball.
When you strike the ball, you want to aim for the middle of your opponent’s court. This way, you can send the ball across the net and into your opponent’s court.
Backhand Strokes
Backhand strokes are used when you’re returning the ball (see also ‘Best Pickleball Ball‘).
These are done by holding your paddle low to the ground and swinging it up towards the ball.
As soon as you hit the ball, you want it to go straight back toward your opponent.
Serve Strokes
When you’re serving, you want to hold your paddle high above your head. Then, you want to move forward and swing the paddle downward toward the ball.
Once you’ve struck the ball, you want the ball to travel directly toward your opponent.
Foot Faults In Pickleball
If you commit a foot fault during a match, then you lose one point. However, you don’t automatically lose the entire game.
Instead, you get another chance to win the point. So, if you do commit a foot fault, you’ll still have a chance to win the game.
There are two main kinds of foot faults, and these include:
Foot Fault At The Baseline
This kind of foot fault occurs when the foot of a player who is serving crosses over the baseline – all serves must be taken from behind the baseline to be legal.
Foot Fault At The Non-Volley Zone
This kind of foot foul happens when a player comes over the line and hits the ball before it has had a chance to bounce – a lack of bounce makes this move illegal, and this will be considered a foot fault.
How To Succeed At Pickleball
Now that we have taken a look at some of the most common faults in the sport, it is time to take a closer look at how you can really succeed and excel at pickleball, and make sure that you win every point!
Some of the top tips include:
Learn How To Serve
You should learn how to serve well because it is an essential part of the game.
It is also very important to know how to receive the ball properly so that you can return it effectively.
A good serve involves using proper technique and timing.
You need to practice until you feel comfortable with your serve, as this will help boost your confidence and overall skill.
Know How To Play Defense
Defense is just as important as offense. You need to know how to play defense so that you can keep your opponents off balance.
Learning how to defend effectively will help provide you with more opportunities to score points.
Master Your Forehand And Backhand
It is crucial that you master both your forehand and backhand strokes (see also ‘How To Hit A Two Handed Backhand‘).
If you can consistently execute each of them, then you will find that you will be able to score more points than your opponents.
A forehand stroke is used after you’ve served or returned the ball. You stand close to the net and face your opponent.
Your paddle holds high above your head, ready to strike the ball.
You swing down toward the ball and try to hit it hard enough to send it across the net and into the other side of the court.
A backhand stroke is usually used when you are returning the ball. You stand about three feet away from the net and face your partner.
Your paddle is held low near your body, and you use it to push the ball back toward your partner.
Work on Weaknesses
If you want to improve your skills, then you should always work on your weaknesses.
For example, if you struggle with your serve, then you should focus on improving this first.
If you need to be faster on your feet, practice drills that boost dexterity and footwork – this will allow you to develop speed and endurance.
Final Thoughts
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports around the world, and there are many ways for you to get involved.
Whether you’re looking to start playing now or simply want to brush up on your skills, you’ll find plenty of information here to help you along the way – including the faults to avoid when playing your game!
