# What happens if a ball from another court enters during a live rally? | 2026 Pickleball Rules | MYOPL Source: https://myopl.net/learn/pickleball-rules/what-if-a-ball-from-another-court-enters-play/ Language: en Public reference excerpt. Consult the source page for complete context. 2026 pickleball rule answer What happens if a ball from another court enters during a live rally? A stray ball from another court can be a hinder because it is a transient occurrence not caused by a player in the rally. Any player may call the hinder, and a valid hinder results in a replay. This is different from an extra ball carried by a participating player. In officiated play, the referee validates the player-called hinder. Published by MYOPL Rules Desk Originally published September 23, 2026 Product review Checked against the validated 2026 package, revision 5 Last updated 2026-09-23 Quick ruling A stray ball from another court can be a hinder because it is a transient occurrence not caused by a player in the rally. Any player may call the hinder, and a valid hinder results in a replay. This is different from an extra ball carried by a participating player. In officiated play, the referee validates the player-called hinder. Rules cited Rule 9.C Rule 9.C.1 Rule 9.C.2 Rule 20.H Rule 20.H.2 Frequently asked questions What happens if a ball from another court enters during a live rally? A stray ball from another court can be a hinder because it is a transient occurrence not caused by a player in the rally. Any player may call the hinder, and a valid hinder results in a replay. Do you replay a pickleball rally when another ball rolls onto the court? A stray ball from another court can be a hinder because it is a transient occurrence not caused by a player in the rally. Any player may call the hinder, and a valid hinder results in a replay. Sources and product references USA Pickleball official rules — The governing source controls sanctioned play. MYOPL validated question coverage — Question examples and resolver acceptance coverage.