In <a href="https://thegodofsports.com/pickleball/">pickleball</a>, a dead ball refers to a rally that has ended, which means no further play can occur until the ball is served again. A rally can end and the ball is considered dead for several reasons, such as:
Faults: A fault is committed by either team (e.g., hitting the ball out of bounds, into the net, or failing to clear the net).
Ball Bounces Twice: If the ball bounces twice before it is returned.
Ball Hits a Player: If the ball hits a player or any part of their clothing.
Out of Bounds: If the ball lands outside the court boundaries.
Foot Fault: If a player steps into the non-volley zone (kitchen) and volleys the ball or steps on or over the baseline while serving.
Once a dead ball occurs, play stops, and either a point is scored or the serve changes sides, depending on the circumstances.