The 2025 USA Pickleball Rulebook is out now! And, although there are not many huge changes in the rules year-to-year, there are some interesting ones to know about before 2025 begins.
The main rule changes in relation to volleying has to do with the definition and length of a volley.
The most important 2025 pickleball rule changes.
Read the full 2025 USA Pickleball Rulebook.
Rule 9.B.1. When a volley begins and ends
Previously, a volley included:
“...the swing, the follow-through, and the momentum from the action.”
Beginning in 2025, a volley will begin:
“...when the ball is struck out of the air before bouncing (volleyed) and ends when the player’s movement from the follow-through action (momentum) stops.”
This also means that a paddle, foot, or other item being worn by the player can touch the non-volley zone (NVZ or kitchen) before they strike the ball — but they must still re-establish their feet outside the kitchen before they strike that ball.
Rule 9.H. Partner contact during the volley
If a player volleys a ball while their partner is standing in the kitchen, it is still not a violation. However, the 2025 rule adds a clarification: “As long as the partners, including anything the partners are wearing or carrying, do not contact each other during the act of volleying.”