Learn / Official rules explained
Line calls and the honor system
Who calls the lines, what counts as in, why a ball touching a line is good except the kitchen line on a serve, and how to make fair calls in recreational play.
Lines are in, with one exception
A ball that lands on any part of a line is in, with one important exception: on a serve, a ball that touches the kitchen (non-volley) line is short and is a fault. A serve that lands on the baseline, centerline or sideline of the correct service court is good.
| Where the ball lands | During a serve | During the rally |
|---|---|---|
| Baseline | In | In |
| Sideline | In | In |
| Centerline of the correct service court | In | Not relevant, either half is fine |
| Kitchen line | Fault | In |
| Outside all lines | Out | Out |
The call is about where the ball contacts the court, not where its shadow falls or where it appears to be from above.
Who makes the call
In recreational play and in most non-refereed tournament matches, players call the lines on their own side of the net. You call balls landing on your side; your opponents call balls landing on theirs. This is the honor system, and it is central to pickleball culture.
When a referee or line judges are present, the event's rules decide who calls what. Read the event rules before you play.
The benefit of the doubt
The key principle: if you did not clearly see the ball out, it is in. You are expected to give your opponents the benefit of the doubt. A ball that you think was out, or that was too close to call, is in.
Other points worth knowing:
- Call a ball out only if you can see space between the ball and the line.
- Spectators do not make line calls.
- You may ask your opponents for their opinion if you are unsure. If they saw it clearly, their call can be accepted; if not, the ball is in.
- If one partner calls the ball out and the other saw it in, there is doubt, so it is treated as in.
Making the call
- Call it promptly and clearly. Say "out" loudly and add a hand signal, such as a raised finger. A late call is unfair because your opponent may have stopped playing.
- Call your own faults. If you touch the kitchen while volleying, call it on yourself. See kitchen rules.
- Do not call balls on the other side unless your opponents ask for your view.
Out balls in the air
A ball is not out until it lands. If you hit a ball before it bounces, even one that was clearly going long, it is in play and you have volleyed it. Letting long balls go is a skill in itself. See the volley and the drive for how to read them.
Common disputes and how to handle them
- "I think it was out." Then it was in. Play on.
- A late call after a return. In sanctioned play, a late out call can be ruled against the caller. In rec play, replay the point if everyone agrees.
- Disagreement between teams. In rec play, a replay is often the friendliest fix if both sides are unsure. In tournaments, ask for a referee.
The best line callers watch the ball, not their opponent. Keep your eyes on the bounce spot near the lines on your side, especially on deep lobs and drives.
Why it matters
Fair calls keep open play friendly and make people want to play with you again. A reputation for honest calls is worth more than any single point. More unwritten rules are in court etiquette.
