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2026 pickleball rule answer

What happens if a pickleball gets caught in the net or hits the center support?

Ordinary contact with the net or its top cable leaves the ball in play. If a returned ball crosses the net and then becomes caught in the net, contacts netting draped on the ground, a deflecting net, a crossbar, or another support inside the court boundaries, the rally is replayed.

The result depends on which part of the net system affects the ball and whether the returned ball crossed the net first.

Published by
MYOPL Rules Desk
Originally published
September 23, 2026
Product review
Checked against the validated 2026 package, revision 5
Last updated
2026-09-23

Quick ruling

Ordinary contact with the net or its top cable leaves the ball in play. If a returned ball crosses the net and then becomes caught in the net, contacts netting draped on the ground, a deflecting net, a crossbar, or another support inside the court boundaries, the rally is replayed.

The result depends on which part of the net system affects the ball and whether the returned ball crossed the net first.

Rules cited

  • Rule 13.A
  • Rule 13.A.1
  • Rule 13.B.2

Frequently asked questions

What happens if a pickleball gets caught in the net or hits the center support?

Ordinary contact with the net or its top cable leaves the ball in play. If a returned ball crosses the net and then becomes caught in the net, contacts netting draped on the ground, a deflecting net, a crossbar, or another support inside the court boundaries, the rally is replayed.

Is a pickleball still live after touching the net?

Ordinary contact with the net or its top cable leaves the ball in play. If a returned ball crosses the net and then becomes caught in the net, contacts netting draped on the ground, a deflecting net, a crossbar, or another support inside the court boundaries, the rally is replayed.

What if the ball hits the net crossbar?

Ordinary contact with the net or its top cable leaves the ball in play. If a returned ball crosses the net and then becomes caught in the net, contacts netting draped on the ground, a deflecting net, a crossbar, or another support inside the court boundaries, the rally is replayed.

Sources and product references