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Rules of the Return

In pickleball, the return of serve is an important part of the game. Here are some basic rules that apply to the return of serve:

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  1. The return of serve must be made after the ball bounces once on the receiving team's side of the court. The return can be made in the air or after the ball has bounced, but it must be made before the ball bounces a second time.

  2. The return of serve must be made diagonally across the court to the serving team's service area. The returner must hit the ball within the confines of the court and avoid hitting the ball out of bounds or into the net.

  3. The returner can return the serve with any type of shot, including a dink, a lob, or a drive. The goal of the return is to keep the ball in play and set up a point-winning shot.

  4. If the returner fails to make a legal return, such as hitting the ball out of bounds or into the net, the serving team earns a point, and the same player continues to serve.

  5. If the returner successfully returns the serve, the rally continues, with both teams trying to win the point. The first team to score 11 points and win by a margin of two points wins the game.

  6. The returner can switch sides with their partner after the first return of serve and after every subsequent point scored by the receiving team. This allows both players on the receiving team to have an opportunity to return the serve.
     

Remember that the return of serve is a crucial part of pickleball, and it's important to practice different types of returns and strategies to improve your game.

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