Pickleball Let Serve: What’s Rule Change 2023?

By: Brandon Fritze

Are you curious about the controversial let serve in Pickleball? If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated by the uncertainty surrounding let serves or the interruptions they cause during matches, you’ve come to the right place.

It is important to note that, as of 2023, the concept of a let no longer exists in the Pickleball official rulebook.

In this article, we’ll examine the world of let serves in Pickleball, exploring the rules, their impact on gameplay, and the recent changes that have taken place. So let us read ahead.

Pickleball Let Serve

Is There a Let in Pickleball?

There is no specific rule for a let-in pickleball, which was declared in the 2021 reports of the United States Amateur Pickleball Association.

Unlike tennis or squash, where a lot can occur during gameplay, Pickleball does not have a defined set rule for regular play.

In Pickleball, if the served ball touches the net and lands legally in the opponent’s service court, it is considered a live serve and the point continues as usual.

The players must play the ball regardless of whether it touches the net.

However, it’s worth noting that a specific situation called a “let serve” differs greatly during regular gameplay.

A let-serve happens when the server serves the ball, hits the net, and lands legally in the opponent’s service court. In this case, the serve is replayed and no point is awarded to either player or team.

So, while there is no let rule in Pickleball for regular play, a let serve situation can occur during the serve.

What is a Let Serve in Pickleball?

In Pickleball, a let serve refers to a specific situation during a serve. It happens when the served ball touches the net and still lands legally in the opponent’s service court.

When this happens, the serve is replayed, and no point is awarded to either player or team.

Essentially, it gives the server another chance to serve without any consequences.

Pickleball Let Serve

Why is it Called a “Let”?

The term “let” in Pickleball comes from tennis, where a similar rule exists.

In both sports, a let indicates that a serve is replayed due to a specific situation. The word “let” has its origins in Old English and means “to hinder” or “to delay.”

It is used to describe a pause or interruption in the normal flow of the game.

In Pickleball, when the serve hits the net and still lands legally, it hinders the usual progression of the point; hence the term “let” is used.

How to Let Serve in Pickleball?

To execute a let serve in Pickleball, follow these steps:

1. Stand Behind the Baseline

Position yourself behind the baseline on the right side of the court (for right-handed players) or the left side (for left-handed players).

2.    Hold the Ball at the Waist Level

Take the Pickleball in your non-dominant hand and hold it at waist level, ready to serve.

3. Prepare for the Serve

Position your paddle in your dominant hand and get ready to swing.

4. Serve the Ball

Toss the ball slightly in front of you and diagonally upward. As the ball reaches the desired height, swing your paddle to make contact with the ball.

5. Hit the Net and Land in the Correct

Ideally, the service should clear the net and land within the boundaries of the opponent’s service court.

However, for a let serve, allow the ball to hit the net and still land legally in the opponent’s service court.

6. Replay the Serve

The serve is replayed if the ball hits the net and lands correctly. The point is not awarded and you get another opportunity to serve.

Rules for Let Serves in Pickleball

Let me explain the rules for letting serves in Pickleball:

  • A let-serve occurs when the ball hits the net during service but still lands legally in the opponent’s service court.
  • In such cases, the serve is replayed and no point is awarded to either player or team.
  • The let serve gives the server another chance to serve without any consequences.
  • It’s important to note that regular gameplay in Pickleball does not have a set rule. The let serve is the only situation where a let comes into play.
  • The term “let” signifies a pause or interruption in the normal flow of the game, and it originated from tennis, where a similar rule exists.

Pickleball Let Serve Rule Change

Now let us discuss the rule change regarding let serves in Pickleball as of 2021:

A let-serve happens during a pickleball serve when the ball strikes the net but still falls legitimately on the opponent’s service court.

However, there has been a modification to the Pickleball rules governing let serves as of 2021.

The updated rule states that a let serve will no longer be replayed. Instead, the service will be considered valid and the game will continue without interruption.

It means that if your serve hits the net but still lands legally, it will count as a regular serve and you can keep playing without any pause or replay.

Why the Let Rule Was Removed?

The decision to remove the let rule in Pickleball in 2021 was driven by a desire to simplify the game and create more consistent gameplay experiences.

Let serves, where the ball hits the net during a serve but still lands legally in the opponent’s service court, used to be replayed disrupting the game’s flow.

It could lead to potential confusion and delays in matches.

So basically, these are the reasons for removing the let rule in 2021:

  • To simplify the game.
  • The change aims to create more consistent gameplay experiences for players.
  • To avoid disruptions because replaying let serves could cause confusion and delays during matches.

Benefits of Removing the Let Rule

Removing the let rule in Pickleball brings several benefits:

1. Simplified Gameplay

The removal of the let rule makes the game easier to understand and follow.

There is no need to pause and replay the serve when it hits the net.

2. Smoother Flow

Without the let rule, the game experiences fewer interruptions. Players can continue playing seamlessly without the need for a let-serve replay.

3. Consistency With Other Sports

The change aligns Pickleball more closely with other racquet sports like tennis.

This consistency makes it easier for players to transition between different sports and promotes a standardized experience.

4. Improved Pace

The elimination of let serves speeds up the game’s pace, allowing for a more dynamic and engaging playing experience.

5. Reduced Confusion

Removing the let rule reduces potential confusion among players and spectators, ensuring everyone understands the game’s rules and can enjoy the match without interruptions.

Also, the simplified rules resulting from removing the let rule make Pickleball more accessible to newcomers.

It lowers the entry barrier and encourages more people to participate and enjoy the sport.

How Many Let Serves are Allowed in Pickleball?

Pickleball has no specific limit on the number of let serves allowed. If a serve hits the net but still lands legally in the opponent’s service court, it is considered a let serve.

Each let serve the server another opportunity to serve without any awarded points.

So, if you keep hitting let serves you can continue serving until your serve successfully clears the net without touching it.

What Should You Do if a Serve Hits the Net?

If a serve hits the net in Pickleball, you should continue playing as usual and make sure to follow these steps.

  • The ball may still land legally in the opponent’s service court, allowing the game to proceed.
  • There is no penalty or interruption for a serve hitting the net in Pickleball.
  • Stay focused, be prepared for the ball to continue into play and continue following the game’s rules.
  • Remember, hitting the net with your serve is a common occurrence and it’s essential to maintain a positive mindset and keep playing without any particular actions needed.

Will The Pickleball Let Serve Be Reintroduced?

Maybe in the future, it gets some chances, but as of 2023, there are no indications of its reintroduction.

The reason is that the concept of a “let” no longer exists in Pickleball as per the latest official rulebook of 2023.

When a serve crosses the net but still falls in the proper service court, the game continues uninterrupted.

FAQs: Let Serve in Pickleball

1. Is a let serve allowed in Pickleball?

Yes, it is allowed in Pickleball because it has no discussions in the 2023 rule changes.

That is why you can fearlessly hit the ball without worrying whether it hits the net or not; it will be considered legal.

2. Can you let the ball bounce before serving in Pickleball?

No, in Pickleball, you are not allowed to let the ball bounce before serving. The serve in Pickleball must be executed by hitting the ball out of the air without allowing it to bounce on the ground.

The server stands behind the baseline and serves the ball diagonally to the opponent’s service court.

Letting the ball bounce before serving is prohibited and would result in a fault. So, it’s essential to hit the ball out of the air when serving in Pickleball.

Final Thoughts on Pickleball Let Serve

Let serves in Pickleball have been a topic of discussion and debate. However, as of 2023, the concept of a let no longer exists in the official rulebook. The removal of the let rule in 2021 aimed to simplify the game, promote consistent gameplay, and reduce interruptions.

While a let serve was previously replayed, the recent changes mean that a serve hitting the net and landing correctly is considered valid.

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