2021 Official Rulebook Has Some Interesting Rules Changes
True or False:
If the serve hits the net, but lands in the correct receiver’s court the ball remains in play. There is no re-serve for a “let.”
The server may drop the ball to bounce it on the playing surface and serve the ball successfully, even if the paddle is above the wrist and the ball, when struck, is above the waist.
The complete score must be called before the service swing starts.
All true. USA Pickleball released the 2021 Official Rulebook this week and the most significant changes relate to serves:
4.A.8. Provisional Drop Serve. In addition to the standard serve sequence, players may opt to use a “drop serve” method.
4.A.8.a. Server must drop the ball from any unaided height and hit the ball after the ball bounces anywhere on the playing surface.
4.A.8.b. The ball can’t be thrown down or tossed or hit upward with the paddle.
4.A.8.c. If drop served, the ball may be struck with either a forehand or backhand motion. Requirements for paddle below the wrist and ball below the waist do not apply to the drop serve.
The drop serve rule is “provisional” for one year, meaning it will be reviewed at the end of the year and either be kept or dropped. The wrist/waist rules still apply to the traditional serve.
Remember, the score must be called BEFORE the service swing starts. See 4.A.1. Many of us still call the score during the service swing.
If you haven’t read the rules of pickleball, now would be a good time to catch up on the 2021 Official Rulebook. The new rules are effective Jan. 25 so let’s start discussing and practicing them now.