What is the difference between a pickleball hinder and a pickleball distraction? USA Pickleball ref Maddie Toren will teach you about the differences between a pickleball hinder vs. a pickleball distraction: How are they different, how do they each affect your game, and what are your rights as a pickleball player on the court during a hinder vs. a distraction?
A pickleball hinder (Rule 3.A.16.)
- A hinder is any transient element or occurrence not caused by a player that impacts play, not including permanent objects.
- Examples include (but are not limited to) balls from other courts, flying insects, or foreign material.
- A hinder called by the referee or player and will result in a dead ball.
- A valid pickleball hindrance will result in a replay.
A pickleball distraction (Rule 3.A.7.)
- A distraction is physical actions by a player that is not common to the game and may interfere with the opponent's ability or concentration to hit the ball.
- Examples include (but are not limited to) making loud noises, stomping your feet, or waving the paddle in a distracting manner
- If, in the judgment of the referee, a distraction has occurred, the referee shall immediately call a fault on the offending team.
If you would like to learn more details about these rules refer to the official rulebook at USAPickleball.org.