2025 Pickleball Rules Update: The pickleball community has seen some key rule updates for 2025 that players need to understand. These changes impact non-PPA pro players, and it’s crucial to stay informed for a smooth tournament experience.
Let Serves Are Now Playable
One major update is that let serves will now remain in play. In previous years, a serve hitting the net would stop the point.
However, for 2025, if a let serve happens, players should be ready to play the ball, whether it bounces deep or short. This change applies to all non-PPA tournaments.
Out Calls Must Be Made Immediately
Another important rule is that out calls must be made promptly. Players should immediately signal an out ball either verbally or by raising their finger. Waiting until after the opponent hits the ball to call it out is not allowed.
Clarification on Serving Rules
There are also new guidelines for serving. Players can toss the ball as high as they want, but the ball must be hit below the waist. Additionally, players can use the drop serve, where the ball is released and allowed to bounce before being struck.
The drop serve can be executed in various ways, such as sidearm, with no rule against letting the ball bounce more than once. However, no force or spin can be added during the release.
New Rules on the Non-Volley Zone
One of the most significant changes in 2025 involves the non-volley zone. If a player’s paddle touches the floor of this zone while they are about to hit the ball, it is no longer considered a fault, as long as the pickleball paddle is lifted off the zone before contact. This change aims to prevent faults in certain situations, allowing players more flexibility in their stance.
The Ernie Shot and Crossing the Net
When performing an Ernie (a shot executed near the net), players must ensure they contact the ball on their side before following through past the plane of the net. If they cross the net without hitting the ball, it is considered a fault.
Serving Order Flexibility
For 2025, if a player serves from the wrong side and the point continues without anyone noticing, the point stands. However, players can stop the play if they notice the mistake, allowing the referee to correct the position. If a player mistakenly halts a valid point, they will lose the point.
These rule changes aim to make the game smoother and more consistent. Players are advised to stay alert and adjust their strategies accordingly.
As pickleball continues to evolve, these updates highlight the need for players to stay informed to keep their competitive edge.
News in Brief: 2025 Pickleball Rules Update
The 2025 pickleball rule updates include major changes for non-PPA players. Let serves now remain in play, out calls must be made immediately, and serving rules are clarified. A new non-volley zone rule gives players more flexibility, and Ernie shot rules are clarified. Serving order mistakes will now stand unless noticed during play.