Each year, USA Pickleball releases its official rulebook, and the updates often have a ripple effect across every level of the sport—from casual recreational games to sanctioned tournaments. The 2025 USA Pickleball rule changes are here, and they bring important clarifications on scoring, service, and even penalties. Whether you're a seasoned tournament player or just getting started, understanding these updates is key to playing with confidence.
So, what’s new, and why should it matter to your weekend game? This year’s changes focus on creating clearer expectations, reducing on-court disputes, and ensuring the game remains fair and fun for everyone. From official guidance on rally scoring to new penalties for misconduct, these updates are designed to make pickleball more consistent and enjoyable. Let's break down everything you need to know.
Scoring Updates at a Glance (Rally vs. Traditional)
One of the most talked-about topics in pickleball is scoring. For 2025, USA Pickleball has provided clearer guidelines for both traditional side-out scoring and the increasingly popular rally scoring format.
Traditional Side-Out Scoring Remains the Standard
For most recreational, club, and local league play, nothing has changed. Traditional side-out scoring is still the default system. As a reminder, here’s how it works:
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You can only score a point when your team is serving.
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In doubles, each player on a team serves until they lose a rally (a "fault"), with the exception of the very first server of the game.
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Games are typically played to 11, and you must win by 2 points.
This is the system most players are familiar with, and it will continue to be the standard for the majority of non-tournament play, including all USAP Golden Ticket events and the USAP National Championships in 2025.
Rally Scoring—What 2025 Clarifies
Rally scoring is gaining traction for its ability to create faster, more predictable match times. In 2025, USA Pickleball has made rally scoring an official provisional option for certain formats, including round-robins, team play, and singles events. However, it is not an approved option for doubles double-elimination tournaments.
Here’s how rally scoring works under the 2025 rules:
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A point is scored on every rally, regardless of who served.
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Exception: The game-winning point can only be scored when you are serving. If the receiving team wins the rally at game point, they win a side-out, not the game.
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Games are typically played to 11, 15, or 21 and must be won by 2.
Because this format speeds up games, you’ll likely see it used in leagues and tournaments where organizers need to keep matches on a tight schedule.
Practical Examples
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Side-Out Scoring: Your team is serving at 5-3-1. You win the rally. The score is now 6-3-1, and you switch sides to serve again. If you lose the rally, the score remains 5-3, and your partner serves as the second server (5-3-2).
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Rally Scoring: You are serving at 5-3. You lose the rally. Your opponent now scores a point, and the score becomes 5-4. Your opponents get the serve. This continues until one team reaches game point, at which time they must be serving to win.
Serve, Service Sequence & Score Calling—What Changed
Consistency in starting a point is crucial. The 2025 updates reinforce best practices to minimize confusion and disputes.
Calling the Complete Score Before Serve
Rule 4.A.1 remains a pillar of the game: the entire score must be called before you serve. This gives everyone on the court a moment to confirm the score and get ready. For 2025, the rules also formally recognize verbal "not ready" signals like "stop" or "wait," even after the score has been called. This helps prevent quick-serves and ensures fair play.
Starting Sequence Reminders
In traditional doubles scoring, the game begins with the score call "zero-zero-two." This designates the first serving team as having only one server (the "second server") for their initial service possession. After that first "side out," both partners on each team will get a chance to serve.
Position & Rotation Checkpoints
Are you in the right spot? Before the serve, any player can ask the referee (or opponents in non-officiated play) for the score, the correct server, and correct positions. An easy way to check your position in doubles is to remember: if your team's score is even, the player who started the game serving for your team should be on the right side of the court. If the score is odd, that player should be on the left side.
Penalties, Warnings & Technical Fouls—New Clarity in 2025
Sportsmanship is at the heart of pickleball. The 2025 rules provide a clearer system for addressing on-court behavior.
Verbal Warning vs. Technical Warning vs. Technical Foul
The progressive penalty system has been refined:
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Verbal Warning: A referee can issue one verbal warning per team per match for minor offenses, like occasional profanity.
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Technical Warning: This is a more formal warning for actions like arguing with the referee or abusing equipment. A second technical warning to the same team results in a technical foul.
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Technical Foul: This is for more serious offenses, such as aggressive actions or threats. A technical foul results in the loss of one point.
Post-Match Behavior Can Still Count
A significant change for 2025 is Rule 13.G.4, which allows penalties for misconduct that occurs after a match is over but while players are still on court. If a player engages in unsportsmanlike behavior, the Tournament Director can issue a warning or technical foul that will be applied to the offending player's next match.
Player Responsibilities in Non-Officiated Play
In games without a referee, players are expected to self-monitor. The rules now explicitly state that players should call faults on themselves or their partners. If there’s a disagreement between partners on a fault call, the benefit of the doubt goes to the opponents.
Equipment & Conduct Notes You’ll Hear About
A few smaller but important updates help streamline play and reduce interruptions.
Paddle and Gear Considerations
The rules continue to emphasize fair play through equipment standards. The goal is to prevent any single paddle technology from dominating the game. While autographed paddles are now officially allowed (as long as the signature doesn’t add texture), all paddles must be on the USA Pickleball approved list for tournament play.
Not-Ready/Let and Interference Clarifications
Clear communication helps every game run smoother. The 2025 rules reinforce that players can signal they are not ready before the serve. Verbal cues like "wait" are now formally recognized, reducing ambiguity and preventing disputes over quick serves.
How These Changes Affect Your Game Day
So, what does this all mean for you?
For Beginners and 50+ Players
The clarifications aim to make the game more approachable. With clearer scoring options and player responsibilities, there should be fewer on-court surprises and disputes, leading to better-paced and more enjoyable games.
For League and Round-Robin Nights
If your league adopts rally scoring, expect faster matches. This format makes scheduling predictable, which is a huge plus for organizers. Consistent score-calling and fault-calling protocols also mean less time spent arguing and more time playing.
For Tournament-Curious Players
If you’re thinking about entering a tournament, these rules are essential. Reading the event’s specific rule sheet is more important than ever, as the Tournament Director will specify the scoring format (rally vs. side-out). Understanding the penalty system also helps you maintain your composure under pressure.
Quick-Reference: 2025 On-Court Checklist
Before you start your next match, run through this quick mental checklist:
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Confirm the format: Is it traditional side-out or rally scoring?
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Agree on server/side: Decide who serves first and which side you’ll start on.
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Discuss disputes: How will you handle close line calls? Agreeing on do-overs for un-seeable shots can save a lot of headaches.
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Know the rules: Keep a mental note of the day's scoring system to avoid confusion.
Play Within the Rules—And With Gear You Trust
No matter the scoring system, success in pickleball comes down to consistency, control, and confidence.
Control and Comfort First
Having a paddle that feels like an extension of your arm is crucial. A paddle with a comfortable grip and a balanced weight helps you execute shots with precision, whether you're dinking at the net or driving from the baseline. This control becomes even more important in rally scoring, where every unforced error gives your opponent a point.
Voxl Pickleball Picks for New/Returning Players
At Voxl Pickleball, we design paddles that give players confidence. For those navigating the new rules, we recommend lightweight options with cushioned grips that enhance feel and reduce fatigue. Our beginner-friendly bundles are a great way to get started with high-quality gear you can trust.
Ready for 2025? Learn the Rules, Then Get on the Court
The 2025 USA Pickleball rule changes are designed to support the sport’s growth by promoting clarity, fairness, and great sportsmanship. While some updates may take getting used to, their goal is to make every game a better experience for everyone.
Take a few minutes to practice score-calling and rotations with your partner under both scoring systems. The more comfortable you are with the rules, the more you can focus on your game. To play confidently under the new rules, explore beginner-friendly Voxl paddles and find the perfect fit for your style.
Related Questions
Is rally scoring now the “official” scoring in USA Pickleball?
No, traditional side-out scoring remains the standard. Rally scoring is a provisional option for 2025 that Tournament Directors can choose to use for specific formats like round-robins and team events.
Can double-elimination tournaments use rally scoring in 2025?
For doubles, rally scoring is not an approved option for double-elimination brackets in 2025. It is allowed for singles double-elimination.
What’s the difference between a technical warning and a technical foul?
A technical warning is a formal warning from a referee for unsportsmanlike behavior. A technical foul is a more severe penalty, resulting in the loss of one point. A second technical warning to the same team escalates to a technical foul.
Do post-match penalties really carry into the next match?
Yes. New for 2025, if a player commits a significant act of misconduct on the court after their match has concluded, the Tournament Director can issue a penalty that will be applied at the start of their next match.