Top 7 Pickleball Rules of 2026

If you are an avid pickleball player, then you know that the game is constantly evolving.

USA Pickleball is the national governing body for pickleball in the United States. Since 1984, they have written, updated, and published the Official Pickleball Rulebook on an annual basis. Their guide is the go-to source for all the rules and regulations you need to know to play pickleball.

Each year, they refine the rules to support the growth and advancement of the game. In 2025, 114 rule changes were submitted. Of the 114, 72 rules were disapproved, 23 were approved, and 19 were approved with amendments.

The Paseo Club is the only private pickleball facility in the Santa Clarita Valley. With drop-in and reserved play, drills, private instruction, and tournaments, The Paseo Club is the best place for pickleball in the area.

To help you stay up-to-date, we have highlighted some of the most important rule changes you can expect in 2026. Read on to learn more!

Top 7 Pickleball Rules of 2026

1. Net Post Calls

Nothing is more frustrating than to watch your ball cross the net, bounce inbounds, and then get blown into the post by a gust of wind. The old rules state that it is an automatic loss for the hitter. To help players in the Windy City and abroad, the updated rule states that now, when a player fails to return a ball that has bounced in their court before the ball contacts a permanent object, it is a fault against that player.

2. Timely Line Calls

The current regulation on line calls states that they can be made any time before the next serve when the ball is not returned. However, this can cause delays and encourage partner conferences or gamemanship. The updated approach to line calls is to make them “promptly” via voice, hand signal, or both.

3. Pre-Match Penalties

Penalties earned at a match used to be awarded during the game or at warm-ups. As of 2026, referees can now dispense warnings and/or penalties to bad-behaved players as soon as they are “in the vicinity of the court.”

4. Assault and Property Damage

Pickleball is known as a very welcoming sport populated by friendly players. However, that does not mean there are not a few “bad apples.”

In response to some of the violent outbursts seen by players in 2025, USA Pickleball made clearer rules regarding ejecting players for assault and/or property damage.

The rule book now states that players who punch or kick other players, officials, or spectators should be immediately expelled from the venue, potentially with police involvement. Players who damage the venue are also eligible for ejection or expulsion.

5. Thawing the “Freeze”

One of the challenges players kept coming up against is the “freeze” that happens during rally-scoring match formats. Until 2026, the game-winning point could be scored only by the serving team. This could lead to an unfair advantage for the trailing team since they could score points. Beginning in the new year, either team or player can make the game-winning point.​

6. Spinning the Serve

The serve is likely one of the most debated aspects of the game, and the legitimacy of spinning the serve has been hazy at best. This year, USA Pickleball tried to bring a bit more clarity to the legitimacy of spinning the serve.

In the past, the rule stated that there could be no spinning of the serve before the paddle’s contact with the ball. Many players took this to mean that all spinning was illegal.

This rule has been clarified to state that spinning the serve is completely legal when the spin is applied to the ball once the paddle makes contact with it. The rule isn't much different than in prior years, but it emphasizes how to legally apply spin, which should clarify this topic.

What remains illegal is any manipulation of the ball in advance of it touching the paddle, such as spinning the ball in your hand and then hitting it.

7. New Adaptive Rules

As the sport of pickleball has grown, the need to define adaptive play has become essential. This is especially true for tournaments. The new rules cover many foundational components, including eligibility, appropriate accommodations while maintaining the spirit of the game, and how to pair mixed-ability opponents.

The details of the new rules for adaptive play are extensive, making it too lengthy for this article. However, it dramatically improves the experience and opportunities for players with differing abilities, making the game even more inclusive than ever before — an important step for the game of pickleball.​

Final Thoughts on 2026’s Pickleball Rules

Pickleball is unique in that the sport is newer than most and is revised annually. Every spring, individuals — amateurs as well as pros — can submit suggested rule changes. The proposals are commented on by the public and then reviewed by the USA Pickleball Rules Committee for the final decision.​

In this way, the game continues to become more clearly delineated and improved to “ensure consistency, fairness, and fun across every pickleball court.”

If you are in the Santa Clarita area and love the game of pickleball, come check out The Paseo Club. There are eleven well-tended and well-lit courts to play on every day of the week. Enjoy drills for all levels, leagues, and tournaments.

Schedule a tour and check out the pickleball courts as well as the tennis courts, pool, Pilates and fitness studios, gym, and more. The Paseo Club has several wonderful amenities to make your stay a little sweeter. Discover Kids Club childcare, the bar and cafe, spa, sauna, and steam room.

Are you ready to be a member today? Simply sign up online and get instant access to all eight acres of the club. We can’t wait to see you!