Pickleball is a sport that is played in all disciplines including singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Since it is played on hard courts, the sport is now being picked up by players with disabilities who use wheelchairs to play the sport.
Wheelchair pickleball or adaptive pickleball is played with two rules that are specifically for these players. The first rule is that wheelchair pickleball players are allowed to hit a shot even after two bounces. The second rule is that players are allowed to bring the front wheel of their wheelchair within the non-volley area to hit the shot. Apart from these rules, it should also be noted that the wheelchair is considered as a part of the player’s body. Thus, while playing, the ball must not touch the wheelchair and will result in a foul.
Wheelchair players also contest tournaments between each other in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles disciplines. Additionally, they can also play doubles in a manner such that one player is a standing partner. This team can play against a team of two standing partners as well. The rules in such a match are that standard rules apply for the standing partner whereas adpative pickleball rules apply to players in wheelchair. This is the hybrid rule of pickleball.
The hybrid game was started to encourage pickleball players to adapt to the game faster. By competing against standing players, and engaging in longer rallies, the players can also learn newer methods and tactics related to match play.
