Rule 4.4 Return of Serve

The receiver or receivers must stand at least five feet behind the short line, as indicated by the receiver’s restraining lines, until the ball is hit by the server. Any violation of this rule results in a point for the server. (See Rule 2.1.B.5).

In making a fly return, or any other legal return, the receiver may hit the ball anytime after it passes completely through the plane of the back edge of the short line; however no part of his/her body may extend on or over the plane of the back edge of the short line until after contacting the ball. In doubles, this also applies to the receiver’s partner. A violation results in a point for the server. After contacting the ball, the receiver and his/her partner may step on or over the short line without penalty.

After the ball is legally served, one of the players on the receiving side must strike the ball either on the fly or after the first bounce, and before the ball touches the floor the second time, to return the ball to the front wall either directly or after it has touched one or both side walls, the back wall, the ceiling, or any combination of those surfaces. A returned ball may not touch the floor before touching the front wall. A ball may be played off the back wall as well as the front wall, provided the ball does not touch the floor a second time. Failure to make a legal return results in a point for the server.