Pickleball is a sport that has been growing in popularity in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a fun and engaging game that can be played by people of all ages and skill levels.
However, like any sport, there are rules that players need to follow.
Recently, the USA Pickleball Association announced some changes to their rules that will take effect in 2023.
In this post, we’ll go over each of these changes in detail so that you can be prepared for what’s to come.
The “spin serve” will no longer be legal
The spin serve is a technique that some players use to generate more spin on the ball when serving.
Yes, we are personally saddened by this one. We understand it, but we love trying to out-spin our friends from time to time.
However, it has been deemed unfair by the USA Pickleball Association, and as such, it will no longer be legal in 2023.
This means that players will have to rely on other techniques to get the ball over the net and into play.
Our take: Not the biggest fan of the rule. Pickleball is meant to be inclusive, but we never saw a spin shot that was so difficult as to be illegal. Time will tell.
Players will have until the return of serve to stop the point for a score
In the past, players had to call out the score before the serve.
However, this rule has been changed to give players more time to make sure they have the correct score.
Players will now have until the return of serve to stop the point for a score.
This change is expected to reduce confusion on the court and make the game more enjoyable for everyone involved.
“It’s still risky to stop play when you think the score was called incorrectly. If you stop play, and it turns out it was the correct score, it’s a fault on you and your opponents will win the rally (and therefore the point).”
Our take: We are torn still. On one hand, people can use this to their advantage to throw off the other team. On the other, scoring arguments are the most common in the game.
The 10-second rule will still apply after the score has been called
The 10-second rule is a rule that requires players to serve the ball within 10 seconds of the score being called.
This rule will still apply in 2023, even after the score has been called.
This is to ensure that the game moves along at a reasonable pace and that players don’t waste time in between serves.
Our take: Yeah, this one is groovy. We want to keep pace large tourney days. When it’s just for fun. Give your opponents a little leeway.
The rule regarding wrong scores will be changed back to the previous version
In the past, if a player called the wrong score, they would lose the point. However, this rule was changed to allow players to correct themselves without penalty.
The USA Pickleball Association has decided to change this rule back to the previous version, where calling the wrong score will result in the loss of the point.
This is to ensure that players are paying attention and calling the correct score.
Our take: Well, I personally have a terrible memory and always need help remembering the score. Started back in my college corn hole days. I tried, I really tried.
Players will not be allowed to wear clothing colors that match the color of the ball
Lastly, the USA Pickleball Association has decided to prohibit players from wearing clothing colors that match the color of the ball.
This is to prevent confusion on the court, as players may mistake their opponent’s clothing for the ball.
This rule is expected to make the game easier to follow and more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Our take: Fine.
In conclusion, the 2023 rule changes for the USA Pickleball Association are aimed at ensuring fair play, reducing confusion during the game, and making the sport more enjoyable for players and spectators alike.
By familiarizing yourself with these changes, you’ll be ready to hit the court and enjoy this fantastic sport to the fullest.
Before you go, check out our ultimate guide to pickleball to learn what it takes to be feared on the court… if that’s what you are looking for of course.
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