Another year has flown by and in anticipation of 2025, USA Pickleball has released its latest Rulebook.
Reading the latest version of the rulebook is always a smart thing to do, whether you’re a competitive, club or rec level player. These new updates aim to enhance clarity, fairness, and safety for players at all levels of the game.
From the volley rules to the serving regulations and how line calls are handled, let’s break down the changes that could affect your next match...
Let's dive in!
Not a modification of the rules themselves, but rather a foundational approach to prevent a paddle from dominating the sport. The proposed and approved change submitted by the Equipment Standards group:
"Preserve the unique features and rules of the sport involving the Non-Volley Zone and the two-bounce rule and prevent one shot, one paddle, or type of play from dominating the sport."
The concern is that certain paddles that add an unusual amount of force and power have changed the pace of a rally. The proposed change was mainly due to safety concerns but also, to prevent consumers from buying their success.
Previously, the volley action involved not only striking the ball but also considering the backswing as part of the overall volley technique. However, that’s no longer the case.
Under the updated rule, the act of volleying starts when the ball is struck out of the air before it bounces and ends once the player’s follow-through momentum has stopped.
The new rule is clearer and more streamlined, removing the backswing from the equation.
Rule 9.B.1 now states that the volley begins as soon as the ball contacts the paddle and continues until the player’s follow-through motion has concluded. This change simplifies the definition of what constitutes a volley and eliminates any confusion surrounding the backswing movement.
One of the notable changes involves the serve, specifically how players can toss the ball. While the traditional method of tossing with the hand is still allowed, players now have the option to release the ball using the paddle. This provides a bit more flexibility in how players approach their serve.
However, there are a few important caveats to always keep in mind:
Rule 4.A.5 specifies that while natural rotation of the ball is allowed when released, players cannot add spin or manipulation with any part of their body or paddle.
Rule 4.A.8.a clarifies that the server must release the ball from one hand only or allow it to drop from the paddle face by gravity. This rule helps ensure that the ball is served fairly and without added external influence.
Players must be given a chance to get ready for the serve, and now, verbal “not ready” indicators are being recognized.
This new rule protects anyone from being caught off guard because it’s really up to the receiver to clearly state whether they are ready for the serve or not.
Simply put, you’re not prepared for your opponent’s serve, you can now use a verbal indicator (such as “not ready”) to prevent them from serving prematurely. This rule ensures a fair and respectful game, as both players should be ready before the serve occurs.
4.C. Any player may indicate “not ready” prior to the start of the score being called. 4.C.1. One of the following signals must be used to indicate “not ready”:
1) raising the paddle above the head
2) raising the non-paddle hand above the head
3) completely turning their back to the net.
4.C.2. After the start of the score being called, “not ready” signals will be ignored, unless there is a hinder. A player or team out of position is not considered a hinder. Verbal indicators to stop play such as “stop” and “wait” will be recognized.
This rule change introduces the phrase "prepare to hit" to the timeframe during which a distraction can be called. As a result, a fault can now be called if the offending team causes a distraction while the player is preparing to hit.
Proposed Rule: 3.A.7. Distraction – Physical actions by a player that are ‘not common to the game’ that, in the judgment of the referee, may interfere with the opponent’s ability or concentration to hit, or prepare to hit the ball.
Examples include, but are not limited to, making loud noises, stomping feet, and waving the paddle in a distracting manner., or otherwise interfering with the opponent’s ability or concentration, or ability to hit, the ball.
Rally scoring has now been officially included in the USA Pickleball handbook. While the traditional scoring method remains the preferred option, tournament directors now have the option to use rally scoring if they choose.
Here are some clarifications regarding rally scoring:
Points are awarded after every rally, except during game-point.
Game-point can only be scored while serving.
Only one server is allowed per side-out.
The updated rules also include a reminder about the Code of Ethics for Line Calling, which governs how players should behave when making line calls.
This set of ethical guidelines ensures fairness and consistency, even in situations where no referee is present. The most important elements of this code include:
Players are responsible for calling lines on their side of the court (with exceptions for service foot faults and non-volley zone faults, which are handled by the referee).
Players must resolve questionable calls in favor of their opponents whenever possible. If a player makes an initial line call and the opponent or referee disagrees but cannot make a clear "in" or "out" call, the player's original call will stand.
This code reinforces the spirit of fairness and sportsmanship, encouraging players to always act in the best interest of the game and respect their opponents.
Similar to past years, these updates to the rules of pickleball are encouraging participants to focus more on the fairness and integrity of the game.
Whether you're a seasoned competitor or a new player, understanding these changes will help you stay ahead of the game and make your matches more enjoyable.
These modifications streamline gameplay, enhance player safety, and maintain the fun and competitive spirit of pickleball.
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