Referee Andrea Mayorga breaks it all down. She’s seen the wild calls, the weird questions, and the "wait, is that legal?" moments – and she’s here to help. Want more details, here's the Official USA Pickleball Rulebook.

Q. Most rec players use the toss serve. A lot of the “tosses” are above the waist, and the actual striking of the ball is at waist level or slightly below. Is this a legal serve? – Jack S
 

A. Let’s rename the “toss” serve and call it what it is — the volley serve. According to Rule 4.A.7, the volley serve is made by striking the ball without bouncing it off the playing surface and can be executed with either a forehand or backhand motion. A proper (legal) volley serve includes the following elements: 4.A.7.a – the server’s arm must be moving in an upward arc at the time the ball is struck with the paddle; 4.A.7.b – the highest point of the paddle head must not be above the highest part of the wrist (where the wrist joint bends) when the paddle strikes the ball; and 4.A.7.c – contact with the ball must not be made above the waist. (You may toss the ball as high as you want — you just must contact it at or below the waist.)
 

Q. If the server’s ball land on the center line in the opponent’s court, is that in or out? – Lan V
 

A. It would be in. 2.B.4 – Service Court – The area beyond the NVZ on either side of the centerline, including the centerline, sideline, and baseline.
 

Q. 6. Is it a fault not to call the score on your serve when there is no ref?
 – Janice S
 

A. It is not a fault – but your opponent may catch the ball, throw it back and ask you to call the score. Or, they might play out the rally and repeat the score based on results of the rally. Best practice? Shout it out loud and proud!

Have a technical pickleball question (or a rules mystery that keeps sparking court debates)? Email skye@playtimescheduler.com and your question might be featured in an upcoming edition of “Ask A Ref”!