The server hits the ball, it’s a good strike, but at the last moment, the ball clips the very top of the net. It wobbles, then drops cleanly into the correct service court. Both players freeze. Is it a re-do? Is it played on? That moment of uncertainty on the court immediately brings up the classic question for players transitioning from other racquet sports: are there lets in pickleball? The answer is one of the most significant changes in the sport’s recent history, and it’s essential for every player to know it. For a complete understanding of all official regulations and the game’s history, check out our Complete Pickleball Play Guide: Origins and Official Rules.
Understanding the Old Rule vs. the New Rule
For decades, the simple answer to are there lets in pickleball was yes—a service net touch was a re-do, just like in tennis. The fact that are there lets in pickleball used to be true is why so many players still argue about it on the court today.
The Change: Why the Rule Was Removed
In 2021, the governing bodies of pickleball officially removed the service let rule. This was a deliberate move to speed up the game and remove a frequently confusing element. The old rule that mandated a re-serve every time the ball touched the net slowed down rallies and, arguably, gave the server too many chances. The change ensures that when you ask are there lets in pickleball today, the rulebook says play continues.
The Rationale: Play Continues
The new rule simplifies the game immensely. It removes confusion and keeps the action moving. Every time the ball enters the court in bounds, it’s live. This new structure proves that are there lets in pickleball is a concept the sport has actively moved away from in favor of continuous play. The key takeaway for anyone still confused about are there lets in pickleball is that the net cord is just another obstacle to clear.
What Happens Now? Playing the Net Cord Serve
When the ball clips the net and drops in, the receiver has no choice. They must attempt to return the ball. The net touch often alters the trajectory and speed of the serve, making it more challenging to return. This is the current reality when you wonder are there lets in pickleball.
Serve In vs. Serve Out
The only time the server gets a chance to serve again is if the service attempt is a fault, such as:
- Serve lands out: The ball lands outside the designated service box, regardless of whether it touched the net.
- Serve hits the non-volley zone: Hitting the net and landing in the Kitchen is a fault.
So, the next time someone asks are there lets in pickleball, clarify that while a serve hitting the net and landing out is a fault, hitting the net and landing in is live. The difference is critical to fair play. The former question of are there lets in pickleball has been replaced by the question of “Did it land in bounds?”
When Are There “Re-Do’s” in Pickleball? (Non-Serve Stoppages)
Even though the definitive answer to are there lets in pickleball regarding the serve is no, there are rare situations where the rally stops and the point is replayed. These moments are conceptually similar to “lets,” but they involve external factors, not the net.
Interruption by External Factors
If the rally is stopped due to an external disturbance, the point is replayed. This is essentially the only time the question are there lets in pickleball is conceptually answered with a “yes, a re-do.” These factors include:
- A stray ball from an adjacent court rolling onto the playing area.
- An animal or person wandering onto the court.
- An interruption caused by a sudden, severe environmental factor (like a tree branch falling).
If the disturbance happens before the serve, the server simply re-serves. If it happens during the rally, the entire point is replayed. The official answer to are there lets in pickleball is zero for net touches, but these external factors allow a stoppage.
The Impact on Strategy: Why The Rule Change Matters
The fact that are there lets in pickleball is no longer true has changed the serving strategy. Servers can no longer try risky, low serves over and over, hoping for a lucky net cord that drops short. They must be more precise and confident in their shot.
Server Discipline
The removal of the let rule forces servers to prioritize clearance and depth over risk. The margin for error is much smaller. The historical debate over are there lets in pickleball favored tricky servers; the new rule favors clean, aggressive play. This shift benefits the receiver, who doesn’t have to defend multiple potential net-cords per game.
Receiver Anticipation
Receivers must now be prepared for the net-cord serve to come in low and fast. They cannot assume a stoppage. This heightens the mental game, as every serve must be treated as live. The answer to are there lets in pickleball is now firmly in the hands of the receiver, who must immediately react.
Final Thoughts: The Modern Answer to Are There Lets in Pickleball
The answer to are there lets in pickleball is simple: not for the serve. The sport has deliberately moved on to create a faster, cleaner game flow. This change promotes assertive serving and forces receivers to stay alert. The confusion over are there lets in pickleball is a natural growing pain as the sport evolves, but the rule is now clear. Embrace the live net cord, expect the unexpected, and play on!
