The new 2025 USA Pickleball Rules has arrived! These updates introduce important changes for players at all levels. Here’s a summary of the most impactful rule modifications to help you stay competitive and informed.
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2025 USA Pickleball Rules
1. The Volley and Momentum (Rules 9.B.1. and 9.H.)
Rule 9.B.1. now redefines a volley as starting when the ball is struck out of the air and ending when the follow-through momentum stops. Furthermore, this clarification removes the swing before contact from the volley definition.
Additionally, Rule 9.H. emphasizes that while a player can volley with their partner in the kitchen, neither player nor their equipment may touch each other during the volley.
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2. Spectator Line Calls (Rule 6.C.4.)
Players are reminded not to solicit or accept input from spectators on line calls. Also, the updated rule explicitly states that outside opinions are not allowed, reinforcing the need for self-regulation on the court.
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3. Rally Scoring (Provisional Rules 4.G.1. and 12.B.1.)
Rally scoring will be introduced as an optional rule for doubles, where points are scored during any rally, regardless of who served. However, traditional side-out scoring remains the standard.
Importantly, in rally scoring, the game-winning point must still be scored by the serving team. Double-elimination tournaments will continue to use side-out scoring exclusively.
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4. Calling Faults (Rules 13.D.1.c, 13.D.1.a, and 7.O.)
New rules emphasize team consensus and accountability. For example:
- First, Both teammates must agree on a foot fault for a replay.
- Second, Players must call faults not only on themselves but also on their partners before the next serve.
5. Serving Adjustments (Rule 4.A.5.)
Players can now release the ball for a serve using their paddle instead of their hand. For example, for drop serves, the ball must roll off the paddle face using gravity alone, with no added force or spin.
6. “Not Ready” Signals (Rule 4.C.2.)
The receiving team can now use verbal cues like “stop” or “wait” to signal they are not ready after the score is called. Additionaly, this verbal indicator replaces prior restrictions, though non-verbal signals still must be ignored by the server.
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7. Autographed Paddles (Rule 2.E.5.c.)
Autographed paddles are now permitted in sanctioned events, provided the autograph does not alter the paddle’s surface. Identification markings, such as names or phone numbers, remain acceptable.
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8. Server Positioning (Rule 3.A.38.)
The definition of the server has been clarified. The rule now states that the correct server in doubles is determined by their score and starting position. While still somewhat technical, this revision aims to reduce confusion about proper server placement.
Stay Updated on the Court
Understanding the 2025 USA Pickleball rule changes can help improve your game and ensure you play by the official guidelines. For a full breakdown, you can view the 2025 USA Pickleball Rulebook here.
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