It’s a new year, and that inevitably means new rules are here to shake up the game of pickleball. In years past, there have been major and minor rule changes that have had varying levels of impact on the game. For 2025, we can expect a few welcome changes that will continue to elevate our sport. In this article, the Paddle Experts at JustPaddles outline everything you need to know before you head out to the court for your next match.
What are the new rules for pickleball in 2025?
Let’s kick things off with the most confusing of the rule changes. It’s well documented that the hardest part of getting into the sport is learning and understanding pickleball serving rules. Am I player 1 or player 2? Am I on the correct side of the court? Do I need to switch sides? Like the subject matter, the rules are slightly confusing but we’ll break it down as best we can.
1. Your partner is now on the hook! (Rule 13.D.1.a)
In previous years, you were responsible for calling balls out of bounds on yourself. In 2025, you’re now required to call out balls on your partner as well, as long as you can clearly see that the ball was out. This new rule continues to build the integrity of the game and should increase the amount of accurate line calls throughout play. This also includes foot faults (non-volley zone or serving), touching the net, out balls, etc. If you see something, say something in 2025!
2. Spectators are no longer able to offer their opinion on calls! (Rule 6. C. 4.)
This rule now prevents spectators from giving pointers or advice, as well as players asking advice from anyone who is not a player involved in the match or the court official. No more bleacher coaching!
3. Hang on a sec! (Rule 4.C.2.)
This new rule allows a player to vocalize that they’re not ready to receive a serve. In years past, a hand motion that you were not ready to receive a serve was legal. Now, both a signal and verbal “not ready” is legal.
4. Release the ball how you want! (Rule 4.A.5.)
Previously, you were required to release the pickleball with your free hand to start your serve. In 2025, if you’d like to release it from your paddle, you are free to do so legally! However, you may not use any spin. If you plan on using your paddle to drop the ball, you will need to do so without any spin on your drop serve, just rolling the ball off of your paddle’s face.
5. Welcome, Rally Scoring! (Provisional Rules 4.G.1 and 12.B.1)
Well, kind of. For those of you who don’t know, rally scoring is a hot topic in the world of pickleball. Rally scoring is when a player or team will score every time the ball is in play and is different from “normal pickleball scoring,” where you and your teammate must be serving in order to score a point. This new, provisional rule would allow rally scoring in doubles, as it is currently allowed in singles, however, regular scoring will still be the official scoring method at most events.
There are several more rule changes that could affect your game in 2025! If you want to see the entire USA Pickleball list of rules, check them out here:
Now that you know the new rules, it’s time to get on the court. Before you head out, we’d love to chat! Our Paddle Experts are trained in providing the most up-to-date information for all things pickleball paddles. Give us a call or text at 866-382-3465, email experts@justpaddles.com, or click here to live chat. We're JustPaddles and we are here for you from Click To Court!&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.justpaddles.com%2fblog%2fpost%2fnew-pickleball-rules-for-2025%2f%3fsrsltid%3dAfmBOoqmanWpC54s-ZaGRLGzDQroYufK6jq8xSe9b8MBPCCl2S112pia){kind=small}
