1. The receiver may not break the plane of the receiving line with the racquet or body until the ball either bounces in the safety zone or else crosses the receiving line.

Does this mean that once the ball has bounced, you can enter the safety zone to return the serve?

One cannot break the plane of the "safety line", until the ball bounces in the safety zone, or until the ball has crossed that line in flight.

Sorry for being dense, so I am correct in saying that as soon as the ball crosses the short serve line bounces, even if the ball has not crossed the receiving line, you can step into the safety zone and return the serve?

(i) Safety Zone Violation. An immediate loss of serve shall result if, after the serve has been struck, the server or doubles partner steps into the safety zone before the served ball passes the short line.

1. The receiver may not break the plane of the receiving line with the racquet or body until the ball either bounces in the safety zone or else crosses the receiving line.

2. The follow through may carry the receiver or the racquet past the receiving line, but neither may break the plane of the short line unless the ball is struck after rebounding off the back wall.

3. Any violation by the receiver results in a point for the server.

rktballrick

Sorry for being dense, so I am correct in saying that as soon as the ball crosses the short serve line bounces, even if the ball has not crossed the receiving line, you can step into the safety zone and return the serve?

YES, once the ball has bounced you can step into the safety zone... Just be careful not to cross the line even a little while waiting for it to bounce...

For me the easiest way to relate it is like such

When the server starts his/her service motion assume a force field starts and is shooting straight up from the receiving line (dotted line) to the ceiling. When this force field is active anytime you touch (encroach upon) this force field you will be blasted into a zillion bits, ok.... called for an encroachment.

Now... this force field is TURNED OFF only when one of the following two events occurs.

1) The ball bounces on the floor in the safety zone or
2) the ball crosses the force field in a fly

when the force field is turned off you may enter or 'encroach' into the safety zone.

billgeo

For me the easiest way to relate it is like such

When the server starts his/her service motion assume a force field starts and is shooting straight up from the receiving line (dotted line) to the ceiling. When this force field is active anytime you touch (encroach upon) this force field you will be blasted into a zillion bits, ok.... called for an encroachment.

Now... this force field is TURNED OFF only when one of the following two events occurs.

1) The ball bounces on the floor in the safety zone or
2) the ball crosses the force field in a fly

when the force field is turned off you may enter or 'encroach' into the safety zone.

LMAO - now is it true the doubles partner has to have his/her back facing the side wall during the serve ... and not towards the back wall?

Gdub

LMAO - now is it true the doubles partner has to have his/her back facing the side wall during the serve ... and not towards the back wall?

true

rktballrick

Sorry for being dense, so I am correct in saying that as soon as the ball crosses the short serve line bounces, even if the ball has not crossed the receiving line, you can step into the safety zone and return the serve?

Try timing the time elapsed from the ball bouncing past the short line on through the plane of the saftey line.....best to hang out around the saftey line wait for the bounce then short hop it, with foot firmly planted on the legal side of the saftey line.

billgeo

true

Wheres that one?

bill

Wheres that one?

Rule 4.2 SERVE IN DOUBLES
(a)

(b) Partner's Position. On each serve, the server's partner shall stand erect with back to the side wall and with both feet on the floor within the service box from the moment the server begins the service motion until the served ball passes the short line. Violations are called foot faults. However, if the server's partner enters the safety zone before the ball passes the short line, the server loses service.

Ahh...only have up to 3.17 in my bag....thanks bro...dosen't that leave a big sweat spot on the wall tho? What are the rules for wet ball again. lol

good point. #-o

bill

Ahh...only have up to 3.17 in my bag....thanks bro...dosen't that leave a big sweat spot on the wall tho? What are the rules for wet ball again. lol

From the way I understand it, your partner's back does not have to be touching the wall, only facing it...

lol...Mike, try it you might like it. wink wink... ' ' )

Receiving Line, Safety Zone explanations with graphics and real pictures at this site!

Rule 4.2 SERVE IN DOUBLES
(a)

(b) Partner's Position. On each serve, the server's partner shall stand erect with back to the side wall and with both feet on the floor within the service box from the moment the server begins the service motion until the served ball passes the short line. Violations are called foot faults. However, if the server's partner enters the safety zone before the ball passes the short line, the server loses service.

Ahh...only have up to 3.17 in my bag....thanks bro...dosen't that leave a big sweat spot on the wall tho? What are the rules for wet ball again. lol

The doubles partner simply has to be standing erect in the service box with both feet on the ground. It doesnt say anything about having to touch the wall just that his/her back is facing the wall. I know that when I play I usually dont lean against the wall for the reason I sweat a lot and I would leave a big sweat spot.

KyleS

Pictures and rules explanations for doubles servers partner position is available at:

Web Racquetball Doubles Position