What is a Let in Pickleball “Can a Pickleball Serve Hit the Net”
While serving in the pickleball you wonder if a pickleball serve hits the net and what happens when the serve hits the net and lands on the opponent’s serving area.
Here we break down let rules and everything you want to know about pickleball let rule with the guidance of the pickleball official rule book 2024 after the rule change, we will see whether the rule stands or not.
Prepare your paddle and let’s dive in;
Table of Contents
What is Let in Pickleball
Let rule no longer exists in official pickleball play, it’s helpful to understand what is let and how it works in pickleball.
In pickleball, only single-serve attempt is allowed but the let rule does not apply to it.
Let us define it as a serve that hits the top of the net before landing in the opponent’s side serving area. Before the rule change is considered to re-serve or fluke that occurs but this happens occasionally.
Now after the rule change if the serve hits the net and lands correctly in the opponent’s area the ball is considered live and the opponent must play the ball. If the receiver team does not hit the ball or is not able to hit correctly to return the ball it’s considered fault and a point is given to the serving team or player.
The point is that if the serve ball hits the net and lands outside the serves area or on the kitchen line it is considered service fault and resulting second serve or ball outside call.
Is There Let in Pickleball
The US Pickleball Rules Committee removed the let rule in 2021 considering maintaining the integrity of the game.
According to the new updated official pickleball rule, the let rule is no longer applied in pickleball. Now if the serve hits the net and lands in the correct serving area the ball is live and to be played by the opponent player if the player is not able to return the ball it is considered a fault and a point is awarded to the serving player.
Other Serve Terms You Should Know
As a beginner or pro player other basic serving terms you learn and should know;
- Service fault: A service fault occurs when the ball fails to land in the correct receiving service area.
- Non-volley zone: if the serve lands in the non-volley zone or non-volley lines, it is also called the kitchen. This is the area 7 feet deep on both sides of the net. The kitchen area is designed where the ball must bounce before striking it.
- Opponent touch; The served ball touches the server or their partner, or anything the server or their partner is wearing or holding.
- Outside the court; The served ball lands outside the service court.
What Should You Do if The Serve Hits the Net?
As we discussed earlier you must return any serve that hits the net and land in the correct area. The correct serve area is the front of the baseline between the centerline and sideline but behind the kitchen line,
as mentioned in the picture below,
As a player many problems you will face when the serve hits the net. It loses its speed and bounces short, changes its direction, and has a chance to double bounce before the strike.
To prevent these problems always prepare your mind for such a situation. Work on your footwork to move fast and practice more and more to overcome these situations.
When the Let Rule is Removed in Pickleball
It is common in any sport for the rules to change to improve the game experience, maintain fair gameplay, and ensure that people enjoy the game. The pickleball let rule was removed by the Pickleball USA officials in 2021 to;
- Improve fair gameplay
- Protect the integrity of the game
- Reduce conflicts
- Make officials relax
Can a Pickleball Serve Hit the Net?
According to the new rules pickleball serve hit the net is legal on the condition that play landed on the specific area where the serve can be landed.
If the ball hits the net and other rules of serve are fulfilled then the ball is live and the recipient must return the ball,
USA Pickleball Rule Book 2024 does not include the let serve rule. So don’t be afraid while serving the ball hit the net or not it will be legal.
Tennis vs Pickleball Let What is the Difference?
Let rule come in pickleball from tennis both pickleball and tennis have coming things let serve means the ball hits the net and goes over to the opponent’s court area, but its concept of results comes in some similarities and some differences;
- In both games let serve is legal and not considered as a fault.
- In both games let serve not penalty in points.
- In tennis let serve is replayed
- In pickleball, A let serve hits the net and lands in the correct area of the court is a live ball and must be played.
Final Thought
Lastly, we hope this blog will answer all your questions regarding the let serve rule and what happens if the ball hits the net while serving. So practice and work on your footwork to overcome these situations.
All the rules make for fair gameplay as players we must follow and practice according to the rules to become pro players and practice for some tips and techniques for winning more games.
Frequently Ask Question
Can your serve hit the net in pickleball?
Yes, your serve can hit the net in pickleball. If the ball lands in the correct service box after hitting the net, it’s called a “let” serve and is considered good. Play continues.
What is an illegal serve in pickleball?
An illegal serve in pickleball occurs if the ball doesn’t land diagonally in the correct service box, or if the server’s feet touch the baseline before serving. Also, the serving motion must be upward, with paddle contact below the waist and wrist.
Is a let-serve legal in pickleball?
Yes, a let-serve is legal in pickleball. If the serve hits the net but still lands in the correct service box, it’s considered a good serve, and play continues.
How many let serves are allowed?
There’s no limit to the number of let serves in pickleball. If the serve hits the net but lands in the correct service box, it’s considered a let and replayed.
