Pickleball: A sport that unites all!

The following is a quick reference guide for Wheelchair players, as well as referees, identifying rules unique to Wheelchair play from the 2022 USA Pickleball Rulebook.

Section 1 - The Game - Unique Features

Players using wheelchairs may allow the ball to bounce twice before returning the ball. The second bounce can be anywhere on the playing surface.

Section 2 - Court And Equipment 

2.A.4 - The recommended playing surface area for Wheelchair play is 44 feet (13.41 m) wide and 74 feet (22,55 m) long. The size for Wheelchair play in a stadium court is 50 ft (15.24 m) wide by 80 feet (24.38 m) long.

Section 3 - Definitions  

3.A.46 - Players using Wheelchairs - Any person, with or without a disability, who plays the game in a wheelchair.  The wheelchair is considered part of the player's body.  This can be a player with a disability or anyone that wants to play in a wheelchair.

Section 4 - The Serve, Service Sequence, And Scoring Rules 

4.A.4.d - The moment the ball is served: Both rear wheels must be on the playing surface behind the baseline and may not touch the court on or inside the baseline or outside the imaginary extensions of the sideline or centerline.

Section 7 - Fault Rules

7.E - Failure of a player using a wheelchair to return a ball before it bounces three times on the receiving player's side of the net.

Section 9 - Non-Volley-Zone Rules 

9.A - All volleys must be initiated outside of the non-volley zone. For players using wheelchairs, the front (smaller) wheels may touch the non-volley zone during a volley.9.B - It is a fault if the volleying player or anything that has contact with the volleying player while in the act of volleying, touches the non-volley zone. For players using wheelchairs, the front (smaller) wheels may touch the non-volley zone.9.C - During the act of volleying, it is a fault if the volleying player's momentum causes the player to contact anything that is touching the non-volley zone, including the player's partner. For players using wheelchairs, the front (smaller) wheels may touch the non-volley zone.9.D - If the rear wheels of a wheelchair have touched the non-volley zone for any reason, the player using a wheelchair cannot volley a return until both rear wheels have made contact with the playing surface outside the non-volley zone.

Section 12 - Sanctioned Tournament Policies

12.A Event Categories - Wheelchair: Singles and Doubles12.A.3 - Players using wheelchairs may play in Men's Doubles, Women's Doubles or Mixed Doubles with either standup partners or wheelchair doubles.

Learn more here.