USA Pickleball Rule Changes

Centerline. The line down the center of the court extending between the baselineson each end of the court extending from the non-volley zone line to the baseline. The centerline separates the right and left service courts. The portion of the centerline in the non-volley zone may be a different color than the other lines. This amendment will take effect January 1, 2029.

Centerline. The line down the center of the court on each end of the court extending from the non-volley zone line to the baseline. The centerline separates the right and left service courts.

Rule 14.B.1.c already provides for a continuous center line as an option for mini-singles (AKA skinny singles): "Additional Court Line. An additional line must be provided that extends the centerline of the court through each non-volley zone. The color of the additional line is not required to be the same as the other court lines." It is also useful when playing skinny triples (1 vs. 2). This rule change would make it standard for all courts, in order to facilitate those common variants of the basic game, but would allow several years before taking effect to permit localities adequate time to upgrade their court markings to meet the new standard.

Useful in situations where there are only 2 players who do not wish to cover their entire end of the court (mini-singles) or for skinny triples, in which a single player with two opponents only has to defend one half of the court. This make it easier to make line calls when the ball lands in the non-volley zone.