Never Fall for These Five Fake Pickleball Rules

Every group has its share of odd ducks, and pickleballers are no different. Follow any Pickleball Facebook Group, and you'll see some of that silliness on full display.

Usually, it comes in the form of fake pickleball rules.

We found five of the more absurd fake pickleball rules on the internet so you won't fall for them in your next rec game.

Fake Rule: No overhead smashes allowed

File this under the "April Fool's Jokes Gone Wrong" category.

Unfortunately, a few people fell for a social media post stating that USA Pickleball had officially banned the overhead smash. Even over a week later (10 days later, actually), some pickleballers were still confused.

The actual rule: There is no rule against hitting the ball with an overhead smash, as long as you're not doing it on a serve.

Fake Rule: "You can't stand there"

As if there weren't enough serving rules, this person was told something completely false when someone told them they couldn't stand so close to the center line during a serve.

Something tells me whoever said this has thrown a paddle or two.

The actual rule: "With the exception of the server, there is no restriction on the position of any player, as long as all players are on their respective team's side of the net."

Fake Rule: You can only step into the kitchen after the ball bounces

Kitchen rules are some of the most confusing rules in pickleball – even for those who have played for a long time.

Let's clarify this for everyone. You can step into the kitchen any time you want. Don't believe us? Check out the rule, straight from USA Pickleball.

The actual rule: A player may legally be in the non-volley zone (also called the kitchen) any time other than when volleying a ball.

Fake Rule: You can't play singles on a rec court

While people using a public court to play singles isn't a rule, many doubles pickleball players would probably like it to become one. There's nothing you can do if two people show up and park on one of the courts for two hours.

Perhaps if you tell everyone waiting to stare daggers into their souls, they'll get the hint.

The actual rule: The best you can do is kindly inform them that the courts are open for everyone, and if they could adhere to just playing one game, like everyone else, they can continue their singles match once their rotation comes up again. Also, good luck with that.

Fake Rule: In mixed doubles, the guy plays the left

Phew, boy. This one is a doozie. Guys, you do not automatically get to play the left side just because you're playing alongside a woman. Yes, that's what they do in the pros. No, you are not a pro.

Like this person said, STOP IT.

The actual rule: Don't be a jerk.