Ron Ponder

Watch: Your Pickleball Paddle Snaps in Half Mid-Point... Now What?

by Alex E. Weaver on

Today in absolutely ridiculous pickleball rules, The Dink's founder Thomas once again teams up with USAP head referee Ron Ponder to discuss a very important scenario we're sure many of you have totally dealt with before: a paddle snapping in two mid-point.

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Let's not focus so much on the how here – yes, Thomas intentionally heel-kicked his JOOLA Pro IV in two for demonstration purposes – but instead get into the what now?

  • Is play whistled dead immediately, or does it continue?
  • Can he play out the point, wielding the paddle face in one hand and the handle in another?
  • Is there any feasible advantage to such a scheme?
  • Are we just making up new pickleball rules as we go along?
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"My ruling," said Ponder, "is that you're playing with one paddle. And that's OK."

So play would resume until the point ended, then a referee determination would be made about how to proceed.

Remember, the wrist and hand of your "paddle hand" are in fair play. So this effectively gives you two arms to swing wildly against an attacking opponent.

Your move.

Alex E. Weaver

Alex E. Weaver

Alex is The Dink's Digital Content Manager. (Have a tip? Hit him up.) His passions used to include hiking, traveling, and spending time with his family. Now all he does is play pickleball.

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