Replay the rally when something gets in the way (hinder)

A hinder is a short, unexpected event that gets in the way of play and is not caused by a player. When there is a hinder, the rally is replayed (9.C, 9.C.2).

Things that count as a hinder

The rulebook's definition gives examples like these (9.C, definition of "Hinder" in Section 2):

• A ball rolling in from the next court
• A flying insect
• Something coming onto the court (such as a piece of paper blown in by the wind)
• A player or referee from another court coming in and getting in the way of your shot

Things that do not count as a hinder

Things that are always there, such as the net posts, fences, and lights, are not hinders (9.C, definitions of "Hinder" and "Permanent Object" in Section 2). If the ball hits one of them, the normal rules apply (7.E.3, 10.C.4, 10.C.5).

Who calls it, and how?

Any player can call a hinder (9.C.1). The rally stops as soon as the call is made. No point is scored, and the rally is replayed with the same score and the same server (9.C, 9.C.2).

The rulebook does not set the words or signals for the call (9.C). In English-speaking play, the word "hinder" is often used (PlayPickleball). When a ball rolls onto a court, guides recommend that the player whose ball it is call out "ball" or "ball on court," and that play be stopped right away (Selkirk).

Common questions

Q. A ball rolled onto our court, but it didn't seem to affect play. Can we still stop?

Under the rules, any player can call a hinder (9.C.1). Some guides recommend stopping play right away, because you could step on the ball and hurt your ankle (Selkirk). On the other hand, the USA Pickleball sportsmanship guide says to ask for a replay only when the hinder actually affected play (USA Pickleball). In a match with a referee, if the referee does not agree it was a hinder, it is a fault for the team that stopped play (20.H, 20.H.1).