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(picture Kerry Pittenger)
Some notable key points and changes have surfaced for 2024.
1. Rule Changes for 2024:
- Simpler Fault Rules: They've made it easier to call faults. For instance, if you 'carry' the ball on your paddle (meaning the ball kind of sticks and doesn't bounce off), it's now always a fault. No need for the ref to figure out if you meant to do it.
- Paddle Checks: In games, if you think someone's paddle doesn't meet the standards, you can now ask for an official check. Keeps things fair.
- Ball Quality: They've added rules about when to replace balls that are worn out or too soft. If a ball breaks during a rally, you can replay the point.
- Medical Time-Outs: You've got more wiggle room now. If you need a medical break, you can use your regular timeouts to extend the break if needed.
- Scoring and Paddle Tech: They're still deciding if they'll change the scoring system. Plus, there are updates on what tech and mods you can have on your paddle. It's about keeping the game fair and not letting equipment give an unfair advantage.
- Rally Scoring: There is an ongoing consideration regarding the implementation of rally scoring, with further details expected soon.
2. Major League Pickleball 2024:
- New League Structure: They've divided the league into two levels - Premier and Challenger. This means teams are more evenly matched.
- Teams to Watch: Each level has its own set of teams. For example, Arizona Drive is in Premier, and Austin Pickleballers are in Challenger.
- Match Marathon: Teams have a packed schedule - 40 matches over eight events. That's a lot of pickleball!
- Playoffs and Promotion: There's a mid-season championship and end-of-season playoffs. The best part? The top teams in the Challenger level can move up to Premier next year.
That's the quick rundown on 2024 changes. Now let's look at what evolved in 2025 and early 2026.
2025-2026 Rule Updates
Updated February 2026 — The rule landscape has continued to evolve significantly since the 2024 changes.
2025 Major Changes:
- Rally Scoring Trials: After extensive testing in 2024, rally scoring was officially adopted for MLP and select PPA events in 2025. Games are played to 21 points, and you can score on any rally, whether serving or not. Traditional scoring remains for most recreational and some professional events.
- Paddle Testing Enhancements: Following controversies around paddles like the Gearbox Pro Power and JOOLA Gen 3 models, USA Pickleball implemented more rigorous deflection testing in mid-2025. Several popular paddles were banned mid-season, causing significant disruption.
- Service Motion Restrictions: The "chainsaw serve" (spinning the ball before serving) was officially banned in January 2025 after extensive debate. The serve must now be a single, continuous motion without pre-spin manipulation.
- Kitchen Rule Clarification: New language clarified that momentum carrying you into the NVZ after a volley is a fault, even if you establish position outside the kitchen between the volley and when you enter. This closed a loophole some players were exploiting.
2026 Updates (Current):
- Certified Paddle List: As of January 2026, all tournament paddles must appear on USA Pickleball's updated certified list. Paddles are now tested every 6 months for continued compliance.
- Medical Timeout Expansion: Players now get two medical timeouts per match (up from one), each lasting up to 15 minutes.
- Challenge System: PPA introduced an electronic line-calling challenge system similar to tennis's Hawk-Eye at their Grand Slam events, allowing each player two challenges per game.
Major League Pickleball 2025-2026:
The two-tier Premier/Challenger structure introduced in 2024 proved highly successful. Key updates:
- 2025 Expansion: MLP added four teams, bringing the total to 16 Premier and 12 Challenger teams.
- 2026 Format: The league introduced a mid-season "Promotion Tournament" where top Challenger teams can earn immediate promotion rather than waiting for year-end.
- Increased Prize Pool: Total 2026 season prize money reached $15 million across both levels, up from $5 million in 2024.
What's Coming:
The pickleball governing bodies are currently discussing potential 2027 changes including:
- Standardized ball requirements across all professional tours
- Further paddle power restrictions
- Potential expansion of video review systems
- Uniform team timeout rules across MLP and PPA
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I still use my 2024 paddle in 2026?
A: Only if it appears on the current USA Pickleball approved paddle list. Several 2024 models have been retroactively banned. Check USA Pickleball's equipment standards page for the current list.
Q: Will rally scoring replace traditional scoring completely?
A: Not likely in the near term. While professional leagues have adopted it, USA Pickleball has stated traditional scoring will remain the default for recreational play and most sanctioned tournaments.
Q: How do the new paddle testing rules affect recreational players?
A: If you only play recreationally, you can use any paddle. However, if you plan to enter sanctioned tournaments, ensure your paddle is on the approved list before registering.
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