New Pickleball Rules For 2021 by Pickleball Terry

Yesterday I received an email with the new rule changes to the Official Pickleball Rule Book from the USA Pickleball Association. Surprisingly, the “let” rule has been eliminated. Meaning, that there are no more LETS on the serve. If during the serve, the ball hits the net but lands in the opponents correct side of the court, and not in the kitchen, it is a playable ball. No more TAKE OVERS. If someone calls a FAULT and stops the play, they lose the serve, or if the opponents yell LET during  serve the, the serving side gains a point.

Or when the ball hits the net then lands in the kitchen, the server loses the serve. This should move the game along.

Another interesting change, you can not hit a ball then call BALL and a replay if a ball rolls on the court.  You must stop play before returning a stroke. As in no more, I messed up but it was because a ball rolled on the court.

Rule 4 M 11 States that it is a FAULT if the ball is served before the entire score is being called. This is to end quick serving. (A tactic to catch opponents off guard. Can’t do that anymore.)

Here is a new one…a player may use their paddle to toss the ball up for the serve. You no longer are just limited to your other hand to toss the ball for the serve. Reason…to stop the spread of disease. (Not making this up.)

There are 81 pages of changes, most have to do with clarifications when a referee is present. But here it is in PDF for you to review.

  NEW CHANGES TO THE USA PICKLEBALL RULES FOR 20212021 Change Document 12-13-20

Thanks for reading,

Pickleball Terry
USA Pickleball Ambassador
Certified Pickleball Coach PPR
Owner of SarasotaPickleball.com

Dinkpickleball@gmail.com