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It's end of '25, so here's the discussion on proposed rule changes for 2026

The official 2026 pickleball rule changes have not been finalized yet. The rule-making process involves a period for suggestions, review, and a final vote by governing bodies like USA Pickleball. 

Suggestions for the 2026 rules have been submitted and discussed within the pickleball community and professional tours, focusing on areas like the serve, equipment, and player conduct. 

Key Areas of Discussion for 2026

• Serve Regulations: A significant point of discussion is the potential elimination or further refinement of the "volley serve" (hitting the ball without letting it bounce first), due to the difficulty in consistently enforcing the rules regarding paddle height and upward arc. A proposal suggests mandating the drop serve for all play.

• Player Safety and Conduct: The United Pickleball Association (UPA), which oversees the PPA and MLP Tours, introduced a "Targeting Rule" in late 2025 to penalize intentional or reckless shots aimed above an opponent's shoulders, a move intended to enhance player safety and sportsmanship.

• Paddle Standards: Discussions are ongoing regarding updated regulations and testing policies for paddles to ensure fair play and consistent equipment standards across professional and sanctioned events.

• Rulebook Clarification: Proposals have been submitted to reorganize the entire official rulebook to make it easier to navigate and understand, separating general rules from tournament-specific rules and grouping related concepts together. This reorganization aims to improve clarity without changing the substance of existing rules.

• Other Minor Clarifications: Other suggested changes include more explicit rules on calling "out" balls on the opponent's side of the court, the handling of extra balls carried by a player during a rally, and the protocol for calling time-outs. 

Official, universally adopted changes will likely be announced and implemented closer to the start of the 2026 season. Players should monitor official sources like USA Pickleball and the International Pickleball Federation (Global Pickleball Federation) for final announcements. 

Pickleball L1 Coach Course

We have just hosted the course to introduce the IPTPA way of teaching to an enthusiastic group of players - all keen to share their love for the sport and the grow the level of play within their communities. 

The IPTPA is starting the part 1 of Level 1 coaches course as online modules from early January 2026.   Those enrolled in the revised course can get through the theory modules at their own pace.  This will cover all the theory aspects needed to demonstrate excellent understanding by teaching in a face to face part 2 session before the certificate is issued.

If you are keen to learn what it takes to be an effective coach, contact Jono at    hqpickleball@gmail.com 

 Useful Links

Basic Rules 2025

Rule changes for 2026    See the headline article

PNZA                                     NZ national body - with links to all regional tournaments

Pickleball in Auckland   Pickleball on FB

IPTPA                                    Coaching certification, coaching guides

Rules Test                           Be prepared to be surprised!  Free, enter your email - no spam - just your result.

 Get Pickled Friday sessions are on a rotation of a maximum of 8 invited players.  We start at 7pm and finish at 10:30 with a shared 'bring a plate' dinner.

If you would like to be part of the rotations drop Jono an email to get on the list.            hqpickleball@gmail.com 

Have a look!