Pickleball "Ball In or Ball Out"
Key "In/Out" Related Rule Changes for 2026:
- Prompt Out Calls: You must call the ball out immediately after it becomes dead or before your opponent hits it if you return it; delaying the call means play continues.
- Partner Disagreements: If partners disagree on a line call (one says "in," the other "out"), the point is replayed (previously, the call would default to "in").
- No Spectator Help: Players can no longer consult spectators for line calls; all calls are player responsibility.
- Net Post Rule: A ball that bounces in bounds and hits a permanent object (like a net post) after the bounce is a win for the hitter (point won); if it hits the post beforethe bounce, it's a fault.
- Serve Volley Clarity: The volley serve requirements (upward arc, below waist, paddle head below wrist) have added the words "clear" and "clearly," making it easier for referees to call faults on borderline serves.
- "If in doubt, call it in" is still the general spirit for recreational play where there's no ref.
- Touch is In: If the ball touches any part of the line, it's considered in.