Yes, but not on serves in official play; only replays for true hindrances.
If you have wondered are there lets in pickleball, you are not alone. I coach players at many levels, and this rule trips up even seasoned tennis converts. In this guide, I break down how lets work now, why the let serve was removed, what still gets replayed, and how to handle tricky calls with confidence. If you care about clean play and clear calls, this will help you master the modern rules.
What is a let in pickleball?
In plain terms, a let is a rally that stops and gets replayed. In older pickleball rules, a serve that hit the net and landed in was a let serve. That is no longer the case in official play.
Today, the idea of a let still exists as a replay. But it applies to real hindrances, like a stray ball on court. So when people ask are there lets in pickleball, the answer depends on the situation, not on the serve.
Are there lets in pickleball today?
Here is the clear rule. There are no let serves in sanctioned pickleball. If a serve clips the net and lands in the correct box, the ball is live. Keep playing. If it lands short or out, it is a fault.
Replays still exist for outside interference. Think of a ball from another court, a sliding paddle, or a loud, sudden distraction that affects play. In those cases, you replay the point. So are there lets in pickleball? Yes, as replays for true hindrances, but not for serves.
The no let serve rule explained
The governing body removed the let serve in 2021. The goal was simple. Cut out delays and end debates over phantom net touches. Referees also no longer call serve lets. The rally either continues or it is a clear fault.
What does this mean on court?
- A serve that hits the net and lands in the diagonal service court is good. Play on.
- A serve that hits the net and lands short, in the kitchen, or out is a fault.
- If the served ball touches the receiver or their partner before bouncing, the serving team wins the point.
If you come from tennis, this feels odd at first. Give it a week. You will love the faster rhythm. And you will stop asking are there lets in pickleball on serves.
What still gets replayed: common hindrances
You can still replay a point when play is affected by something outside the rally. This protects fairness.
Common examples I see often:
- Stray ball enters your court. Call a hinder at once and replay the point.
- A player or ref calls the wrong score during the serve motion. Stop, fix it, and replay.
- A ball cracks mid rally. Stop and replay with a new ball.
- A distraction from a nearby court clearly affects a shot. Replay if both sides agree or a ref confirms.
Be honest with these calls. The rule is about safety and fairness. When someone asks are there lets in pickleball for these cases, the answer is yes, as a replay.
How referees and players handle calls
In officiated play, the referee does not call let serves. They also do not guess on faint net touches. The ball is either in or out, fault or live. Players can request a replay for a hinder, and the ref will decide if it is valid.
In rec play without a ref, use clear steps:
- Stop play right away if a safety issue occurs.
- Call hinder, state the reason, and offer a replay.
- If there is a dispute, replay the point.
- Reset the score and serve order before you resume.
This mindset keeps games friendly and fair. It also answers are there lets in pickleball by focusing on real hindrances, not borderline serves.
Strategy tips for net cord serves and the no let era
The no let serve rule changes tactics. Use it.
Practical tips:
- Aim deep middle. If the ball clips the net and trickles in, you still gain the edge.
- Add safe spin. Topspin helps the ball dip back in after a net kiss.
- Expect odd bounces. Be ready to move forward on a net cord ball.
- Do not stop. Keep playing until the rally ends. Do not wait for a let call.
At the club, I see many points lost when someone pauses after a net clip. Train your brain. If you catch yourself asking are there lets in pickleball mid rally, the point may already be gone.
My on court lessons and mistakes to avoid
When the rule changed, I made two big mistakes. First, I paused on net cord serves. I gave away free points. Second, I failed to call hinders fast. By waiting, I removed my right to a replay.
What works better now:
- Say play on out loud after a net clip. It keeps you engaged.
- Call hinder the moment a stray ball enters. Then stop.
- Review the rule with new partners before a game. This avoids drama.
- If someone asks are there lets in pickleball at your court, give the short rule and move on.
Common myths and local exceptions
There are a few myths that keep coming back.
Myth: Every net touch on serve is a let. Truth: Not in pickleball. Only tennis does that.
Myth: You can call a let serve in rec play if you prefer. Truth: You can choose house rules, but know they differ from official rules.
Myth: A faint net brush is always a redo. Truth: The ball is live unless a valid hinder occurs.
Some clubs still use old house rules. If your group asks are there lets in pickleball under your house rules, agree before the first serve. Clarity first.
Frequently Asked Questions of are there lets in pickleball
Are there lets in pickleball on serves today?
No. There are no let serves in official play. If the serve hits the net and lands in, play continues.
What counts as a let or replay in pickleball now?
A replay happens for real hindrances like a stray ball, a cracked ball, or a clear external distraction. Stop play and replay the point.
Why did pickleball remove the let serve?
The change reduced delays and disputes over net touches. It keeps matches moving and makes calls clear.
Do referees call let serves in tournaments?
No. Referees do not call let serves. The ball is either good or a fault, and play continues unless there is a valid hinder.
Can my group still play with let serves by choice?
Yes, if everyone agrees before the match. But know this is a house rule and not the official rule.
What if a serve hits the net and lands in the kitchen?
That is a fault. The ball must clear the net and land in the correct service court beyond the non volley zone line.
Are there lets in pickleball if a ball rolls onto the court?
Yes, that is a hinder. Stop play right away and replay the point.
Conclusion
The modern rule is simple. There are no let serves in pickleball. Replays still exist, but only for true hindrances that affect the rally. Learn this, and many on court debates vanish.
Work the rule to your edge. Serve deep, expect net cords, and keep playing hard. Share this guide with your group, subscribe for more rule breakdowns, and leave a comment with your toughest scenario. I am here to help you master the game.