Rule 4.6 Rally

A rally is defined as when the ball is legally returned and kept in play after a legal serve is executed. Play during rallies must be in accord with the following rules:

Only the front or back of one hand may be used at any one time to strike the ball. A player, using two hands together in contact with each other when the ball is struck is an out.

The use of any other part of the body to return the ball, including the wrist or arm above the player’s hand, is a violation, even though the wrist or arm may be covered by a glove.

In attempting returns, the ball may be touched only once by one player. In doubles, both partners may swing at the ball, but only one may actually strike it. (see Rule 4.6.Rally A.).

Any of the following constitutes a failure to make a legal return during the rally:

1) The ball bounces on the floor twice before being hit.

2) After contact, the ball fails to reach the front wall before touching the floor.

3) The ball goes off a player’s hand or fist into the gallery, into any opening in a side wall, or ceiling.

4) A ball that obviously did not have the velocity or direction to hit the front wall strikes an opponent.

5) In doubles, a ball struck by one player hits that player’s partner.

6) Committing an avoidable hinder (See Rule 4.8).

Each violation results in an out or point. Any violation not detected by the referee must be called by the offending player (See Rule 3.5.A).

1) Singles. If a player swings at but misses the ball in play, the player may repeat attempts to return the ball until it touches the floor the second time.

2) Doubles. Both players on a side are entitled to attempt to return the ball. If one player swings at but misses the ball, both he/she and his/her partner may make further attempts to return the ball until it touches the floor the second time.

3) Hinders. In singles or doubles, if a player swings at but misses the ball in play, and, in his/her or his/her partner’s continuing attempt to play the ball before it touches the floor a second time, an opponent commits unavoidable interference, a hinder is called (See Rule 4.7).

Except as provided in Rule 4.7.A.2, any touching of a ball before it touches the floor the second time by a player other than the one making a return is a point or out against the offending player.

Any ball returned to the front wall that on the rebound or on the first bounce goes into the gallery or through any opening in a side wall is declared dead and the serve replayed.

1) No return. Any ball not returned to the front wall that goes off a player’s hand or fist into the gallery or into any opening in a side wall shall be an out or point against the player thus failing to make the return.

Every effort must be made to keep the ball dry. Deliberately wetting the ball results in an out or point. The ball may be inspected by the referee at any time. If a player’s gloves are wet to the extent that they leave wet marks on the ball, the player must change to dry gloves on a referee’s timeout. This is strictly a referee’s judgment. If a player wishes to change to dry gloves, he/she must hold his/her gloves up to the referee and obtain the referee’s permission to change. He/she may not leave the court without the referee’s permission. Two minutes are allowed for glove changes. The referee should give a one-minute warning, but the player is still responsible to be back in the court and ready to play within two minutes.

If there is any suspicion that a ball has broken on the serve or during a rally, play continues until the end of the rally. An official or any player may request that the ball be examined by the referee. If the referee decides the ball is broken, an approved ball must be put into play and the point replayed. Once a succeeding serve is attempted, the previous rally stands. (See Rule 4.3.A.2).

1) Foreign Object. If a foreign object enters the court, or any other outside interference occurs, or if a player loses a shoe or other properly worn equipment, the referee shall stop the game if it interferes with the continuance of play or poses an immediate danger. However, safety permitting, one rally-ending attempt should be allowed (See Rule 4.8.H).

Whenever a rally is replayed for any reason, the server is awarded two serves. All previous defective serves are voided.