What Are the Rules of Pickleball: How They Impact the Game

Pickleball is evolving. As the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., changes are inevitable to maintain fairness, improve player experience, and keep the game competitive. In 2025, The USA Pickleball Official Rulebook has introduced several key rule changes that will impact how the game is played at both the amateur and professional levels.

From scoring updates to equipment regulations and court conduct policies, these changes aim to make the game smoother, more engaging, and more accessible to all. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, knowing these pickleball rule changes will help you stay ahead.

Let’s dive into the biggest rule updates for 2025 and how they will impact players, referees, and tournaments.

Why Did Pickleball Rules Change in 2025?

The USA Pickleball Rulebook is reviewed annually, allowing for revisions that enhance gameplay. In 2025, 133 rule changes were proposed, of which:

25 were approved as submitted
20 were approved with amendments
86 were rejected
2 were held for further study

With pickleball’s exponential growth, the need for rule modifications has become unavoidable. According to the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP), participation has surged by over 223.5% in recent years. This increase has placed pressure on rule-makers to refine and standardize the game for fairness across all skill levels. Each proposed change had to meet at least one of these three criteria:

Preserve the integrity of the sport
Improve the player experience
Minimize conflicts between players and referees

The approved changes are designed to keep the game fair, competitive, and enjoyable for all pickleball players worldwide.

Key Pickleball Rule Changes for 2025

Here are the most important pickleball rule changes for 2025 that players need to be aware of:

Rally Scoring Introduced in Doubles

One of the most significant changes is the introduction of rally scoring in doubles matches. Unlike traditional scoring—where only the serving team could earn points—rally scoring allows both teams to score points, regardless of who serves.

Impact: This makes games faster and keeps both teams engaged in every rally. However, traditional scoring remains the standard in most events.

Verbal ‘Not Ready’ Signals Allowed

Players can now verbally indicate that they are not ready for a serve by saying “stop” or “wait.” This is in addition to using hand signals.

Impact: Helps prevent quick serves that catch opponents off guard.

Players Can Call Faults on Their Partners

Previously, players could only call faults on themselves. In 2025, a rule now allows players to call faults on their partners as well.

Impact: Encourages fair play and accountability in doubles matches.

Spectators Are Prohibited from Making Line Calls

Spectators are now strictly prohibited from influencing decisions on line calls. The official rule now states:

“Spectators shall not be consulted on any line call.”

Impact: Reduces external interference and ensures that only players and referees make decisions.

New Definition of a Volley

Previously, the act of volleying included the swing, follow-through, and momentum. The new rule states:

“The act of volleying begins when the ball is struck out of the air and ends when the player’s momentum stops.”

Impact: Players can now touch the non-volley zone before hitting the ball, as long as momentum doesn’t carry them into the NVZ after contact.

Paddle Regulations Tightened

A new guiding principle was added to prevent a single type of paddle from dominating the game.

Impact: Ensures fairness in paddle technology while maintaining the core characteristics of pickleball paddles.

The 2025 paddle regulations aim to prevent any single paddle from dominating the sport. If you’re looking for paddles that comply with the latest standards, the Best Pickleball Paddles for 2025 guide provides a list of top-rated, tournament-approved paddles that balance power and control.

Serving Adjustments

Players can now release the ball from their paddle during serves—but without adding spin.

Impact: Adds more flexibility while ensuring fair serves for all players.

Withdrawal and Tie-Breaker Rules for Round Robin Tournaments

New rules dictate that if a team withdraws, forfeits, or retires from a round-robin tournament:

Their previous matches will be erased
Final standings will be based only on completed matches

Impact: Ensures fairness in round-robin tournaments and prevents incomplete matches from affecting rankings.

Round-Robin Tie-Breakers Updated

In the event of a three-way tie in a round-robin match:

The two teams with the highest point differential will advance
The emphasis on head-to-head victories has been reduced

Impact: Ensures rankings reflect overall performance, rather than just one-on-one victories.

How Will These Rule Changes Impact Players?

These pickleball rule updates are designed to improve:

Fairness: Players now have more control over faults and fairness in tournaments.
Speed: Rally scoring will make games faster and more exciting.
Clarity: New definitions and updated wording eliminate confusion.
Equipment Regulation: Ensures a level playing field with paddle limitations.

For recreational players, most of these rules won’t drastically change casual play, but they are crucial for competitive matches and sanctioned tournaments.

Beyond competition, pickleball offers significant cognitive and physical benefits. A Harvard study on sports and brain health highlights how paddle sports, including pickleball, improve reaction time, mental agility, and cardiovascular endurance, making it an excellent choice for all the players.

What’s Next for Pickleball?

The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) predicts that pickleball is on track to become an Olympic sport by 2030. With major investments, international expansion, and structured player development programs, the sport’s trajectory is undeniable. With these 2025 rule changes, pickleball growth is expected to continue at record-breaking levels. In the coming years, we might see:

Further professionalization with more TV deals and sponsorships
More international expansion in Europe, Asia, and beyond
Pickleball in the Olympics—possibly by 2030

Pickleball is here to stay. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just picking up a paddle, these new rule updates ensure the game remains fair, competitive, and more exciting than ever!

Want to improve your game? Join one of our pickleball classes! We offer expert coaching in multiple locations:

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With Olympic aspirations and worldwide expansion, the sport is entering a new era. If you’re curious about where pickleball is headed, check out our in-depth analysis in Pickleball: The Fastest Growing Sport in the U.S, where we explore its rise, future trends, and what lies ahead for players and fans alike.