Games to 11 points
Teams must win by 2. Strategic timeouts encourage momentum shifts.
Introduction
Welcome to the Official SkyBall™ Rulebook
SkyBall™ is an exciting sport that combines elements of tennis and pickleball. These official rules govern all SkyBall™ matches and tournaments. Players are expected to familiarize themselves with these rules to ensure fair and enjoyable gameplay.
Let’s Play Fair. Let’s Play SkyBall.
Court Dimensions & Equipment
Know the Court, Gear, and Specs
Get familiar with every element that makes a SkyBall™ court unique. These standards ensure consistent play and tournament-level quality around the globe.
- Court Size
- 44 feet long × 20 feet wide (singles and doubles)
- Net Height
- 34 inches at center, 36 inches at sidelines
- Racquets
- 21-inch stringed racquets (textured or hexagonal strings prohibited)
- Balls
- High-density foam balls approved by SkyBall™
Serving Rules
Serve with Precision and Control
The SkyBall™ serve rewards accuracy and rhythm. Mastering these fundamentals keeps gameplay fast, fair, and energetic.
- 1Only one serve attempt is allowed.
- 2Serves that touch the net and land in the correct service box are considered lets (replay serve).
- 3Returner must allow the serve to bounce before hitting.
Standard Play — Pickleball Court
Standard Play Fundamentals
When playing on a traditional pickleball court, these rules keep gameplay aligned with the SkyBall™ experience.
- Serve underhand only.
- Serve crosscourt anywhere in bounds.
- The entire crosscourt half is valid, including the kitchen.
- SkyBall™ allows matches to be played on any regulation pickleball court.
Note: Standard Play is ideal for tournaments seeking rapid onboarding and lightweight logistical setup.
Service Box Play — Court Conversion
Court Conversion Mode for Advanced Play
Flip the tempo by switching to Service Box Play. This variant pushes agility and reaction timing while keeping the SkyBall™ spirit alive.
Standard Play Court
Use any traditional pickleball court
Service Style
Underhand serves only, prioritizing control and fairness.
Landing Zone
Crosscourt half is valid – entire zone including the kitchen counts.
Gameplay Tempo
Ideal for regulated tournaments and rapid onboarding.
Court Conversion Mode
Adjust markings for service box specific gameplay
Service Style
Any serve style allowed, encouraging creative plays and power shots.
Landing Zone
Must land in diagonal service box between the 12’ service line and the net.
Gameplay Tempo
Perfect for showcase matches with advanced skill sets and dynamic rallies.
Scoring System
Keep Track of Every Rally with Confidence
The SkyBall™ scoring framework rewards consistency and high-energy plays. Understand the rhythm to coach and compete.
Serve rotation
Initial server takes 1 serve; thereafter rotations occur every two serves per side.
Quickplay option
Single game to 11 for exhibition or high-tempo events.
Tournament formats
Series can run best of 3, 5, or 7 games depending on event scale.
Gameplay Regulations
On-Court Conduct for Competitive Integrity
These regulations set the standard for fair play while preserving the high-energy momentum that defines SkyBall™.
- Receiving side must groundstroke once before volley.
- If a player releases their racquet, the shot counts if it stays within their side of the court.
- Contact with the body results in a point loss.
- Players switch sides after each game.
Doubles Specific Rules
Pair Coordination that Elevates Every Rally
SkyBall™ doubles thrives on synergy, timing, and positional awareness. These rules keep matches clean while rewarding advanced team tactics.
Court Presence
One player from each team must remain inside court boundaries until the ball bounces.
Communication
Partners can communicate freely, but interference penalties apply if play is disrupted.
Formation Flexibility
Teams can switch zones between rallies, enabling strategic setups and role specialization.
Positioning Insights
Use legal/illegal positioning diagrams in future iterations to educate new teams visually. Highlight legal zone coverage versus encroachment penalties.
Faults
Fault Awareness Keeps Matches Clean
These common infractions halt play. Knowing them helps athletes, coaches, and officials maintain a fair, fast game.
Ball out of bounds.
Ball does not clear the net.
Double bounce before hit.
Serve lands outside the service box.
Touching the net or entering the opponent’s court.
Reaching over the net before the ball crosses.
Foot fault: stepping over the baseline before serve.
Double hit or carry.
Download the Full Rulebook
Want the Complete SkyBall™ Rulebook?
Access the full PDF with detailed diagrams, officiating notes, and advanced gameplay scenarios for tournaments and community clubs alike.