New Pickleball Rules in 2021 and Predictions for 2022

It's been six months since USA Pickleball made key rule updates to the game. 

The first was allowing the provisional drop serve and the second is playing balls that hit the net on the serve as long as they go past the kitchen line. 

So, now that we are half way through the year, let me give you my thoughts on how both of these rules are working.

Let's first discuss the drop serve. With the new provisional rule, you can drop the ball and let it bounce on the ground before you hit it. You don't need to hit the ball below your waist as with a traditional serve. However, you cannot propel the ball downward or throw the ball upward to make it bounce higher. You really just can drop the ball from your hand but your hand can be at any height. So you can hold the ball above your head if you want. Other than that, there are no other requirements with the serve so you don't have to worry about hitting in an upward motion or having your paddle head below your wrist.

So, are players really using this serve? I would say not so much after watching hundreds of players in Connecticut and California the last few months. Now, I have to admit I do use this serve because as a former racquetball player I'm used to bouncing the ball before I hit it so I have better rhythm. When I do see others using the drop serve, I usually ask them why. And, they are either former racquetball players or beginners. 

So, I would say I'm glad they added this rule if it makes it easier for beginners. But, again this is a provisional rule so the question is whether USA Pickleball will keep the rule the same, change it in some way, or not allow it come 2022. 

The Professional Pickleball Association already does not allow this serve in professional matches as these are not events sanctioned by USA Pickleball so they can choose to use the rules or not.

Now, onto the new rule for 2021 where lets no longer exist on serves. 

This was not a provisional rule so it is still expected to be in the rule book for 2022. However, I wonder how many people have been hurt on the courts having to run forward to get a ball that clips the net and lands very short in the service box. I've heard of a few people being injured in the situation so perhaps USA Pickleball will reconsider the rule. 

I guess we'll find out in another six months for both rules! Stay tuned!