Ever had a rule that made you scratch your head mid-match? Certified Pickleball Referee Andrea Mayorga has the answers! With over six years of experience — from USAP Nationals to the BallPark Series — she’s here to clear the confusion and keep your game crisp and confident. For more information, check out the Official Rule Book – USA Pickleball

Q. Do serves have to originate with the paddle and ball in a certain zone related to the waist or belly button? – Alison L

A. USAP rules regarding release of ball for the volley serve has no restriction. 4.A.7–The Volley Serve – The volley serve is made by striking the ball without bouncing the ball off the playing surface and can be made with either a forehand or backhand motion.

   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 wrist joint bends) when the paddle strikes the ball.

   4.A.7.c – Contact with the ball must not be above the waist.

Q. When using the bounce serve, does the ball have to bounce on the side you are serving from, or can it bounce anywhere? – William F

A. Please refer to this as a “drop serve.” 4.A.8 – The Drop Serve: The drop serve is made by striking the ball after it bounces on the playing surface and can be executed with either a forehand or backhand motion. There is no restriction on how many times the ball can bounce or where the ball can bounce on the playing surface.

Q. If a ball hits the kitchen line on the serve, is it out? – Donna T

A. 3.A.39 – Service Court: The area on either side of the centerline, sideline, and baseline, excluding the non-volley zone (NVZ). If the serve lands on the kitchen line, it is a fault.

Q. You are serving and hit the ball with the paddle behind the line, then step over the line after the ball is struck. Legal serve? – Teresa H

A. 4.A.4 – The moment the ball is served:

   4.A.4.b – Neither of the server’s feet may touch the court on or inside the baseline. Ruling: Legal serve. The player stepped over the line after the ball was struck.