Backspin into the Net

By Mark Peifer, USA Pickleball Certified Referee; Past Chairman, USA Pickleball Rules Committee

QUESTION: I hit a ball across the net with enough backspin that after it bounced on the court, it spun into the net before my opponent could make a play on it. She stood somewhat dumbfounded because we didn’t know what the ruling was. Was this a fault? And, if so, on whom?

ANSWER: The rules concerning a ball back-spinning into the net (or being blown by the wind into the net) vary based on the type of net used and what the ball contacts after back-spinning. Temporary nets have structural components that could lead to a different outcome if the ball backspins enough to hit one of those elements. However, let’s assume this scenario involves a permanent net between two fixed net posts. Additionally, let’s assume the net is strung tightly enough between those posts that it does not billow due to the wind.

Once your opponent sees the ball bounce on their side of the net, they must play it before it bounces again. This means they need to attempt to play the ball before it hits the court a second time, which results in a dead ball. They can not touch any part of the net or net system while making that play.

To answer your question, the fault lies with your opponent because she didn’t successfully return the ball to your side of the net before it became ‘dead’.