Ask the Ref

New rules are on the way, along with several updates. Learn all about these changes so that you're prepped and ready on January 1, 2025.

A player misses a return shot and drops their paddle into the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ) but their partner successfully hit the ball over the net

Many sport players have rituals, certain movements or habits that they feel increase their success and pickleball players are no different.

So, if I can reach the serve from my side, can I swoop in return the serve if it's closer to me as I'm standing near the kitchen?

Can I stand in the kitchen and hit the ball? Well, yes you can, but is it legal? Dive into "Kitchen Capers" and see what the ref has to say.

Why can't we have a paddle for each hand?

QUESTION: My partner and I were playing pickleball last week and we were confronted with a situation that neither of us had seen. I am a...

The Drop Serve seem easier...but more confusing.

Don't let time get away from you...

Nobody likes my jokes...and I nearly got kicked out of a tournament over it.

Don't Push Me...

What do I do if I think the wrong score was called?

Do I HAVE to move up to the kitchen? Everyone tells me to "Move up!" But do I really have to?

Can I step into the NVZ now...or later? This answers a very common misconception.

When and who is supposed to make line calls? It can be a little confounding but Coach Ben clears the air.

Shall there be "lets" in pickleball? What does the rule book say? Here's a great explanation from Coach Ben.

What should players do when the ball hits the support bar?

QUESTION I've got a bone to pick with someone, but I don't want to say their name since I play pickleball with them at least once a week....

QUESTION: What should we have done here???? OK. So I was playing the other day and an incredible thing happened that stopped us all in...

Common situation to help understand when you can and cannot touch the net system.

Distractions, faults, and dead balls, oh my!

Boundary lines seem to always provoke rule questions; here's clarification on that center line while serving.

A question about Pickleball rules comes up during every game, right? Get answers when you "ask the ref," Certified Referee Trainer, Ben .