PPA Tour's New Provisional Serve Rule: More Clarity or Continued Confusion?

Good day, picklers.

Here’s what’s on the docket today:

• Pickle Talk: PPA Tour's New Provisional Serve Rule: More Clarity or Continued Confusion?

• Hot Topic: Avondale Estates' New Pickleball Regulations: Foam Balls

• Bite-sized: The Rise of "Tenniscore" Fashion

PICKLE TALK

PPA Tour's New Provisional Serve Rule: More Clarity or Continued Confusion?

The Details: The PPA Tour has introduced its third serve rule change of the year, sparking a mix of anticipation and frustration ahead of the Atlanta Slam (Sep 9-15).

This new provisional rule, which will be under evaluation for 60 days, introduces a series of specific but vague adjustments, including the requirement that the serve be delivered at "around 45 degrees or less" and that the ball must be dropped naturally from the waist.

While the intent seems to be de-escalating the serve's power, the rule's ambiguity is already drawing criticism. Many players are asking, how will referees determine what constitutes “around 45 degrees?” Is 50 degrees acceptable? What about 55 degrees?

The lack of precision in defining this standard leaves too much room for subjective judgment, which could lead to inconsistent enforcement.

As a result, changes like this contribute to the perception that pickleball is not a fully professionalized sport, from both pro players and hater alike. Constant back-and-forth on key rules like serving diminishes the legitimacy of the game and frustrates both players and fans alike.

A Potential Solution: From a public relations perspective, the PPA and rule-makers need to focus on creating enforceable, concrete rules that don’t change with every tournament cycle.

If long-term consistency is the goal, involving top players, referees, and even sports scientists in the rule-making process could ensure that new regulations are fair, clearly defined, and based on a deep understanding of the game's dynamics.

If we are looking at pro paddle sports in general, there doesn’t seem to be another sport who changes rules as frequently as pickleball. Sure, pickleball isn’t as established as say ping pong or tennis. But the chaos is creating a problem for the sport as a whole and the legitimacy as a pro sport.

Instead of rolling out provisional rules and causing widespread confusion, the PPA could establish a process for rule testing in non-competitive environments instead of reacting so quickly to implement new rules.

This could diminish the continual backtracking and modifications that make the sport feel unstable to both players and the public.

SOCIAL HOT TOPIC

Avondale Estates' New Pickleball
Regulations: Foam Balls

Avondale Estates, Georgia, is taking a stand, implementing new regulations to tackle the “pickleball noise problem” head-on.

And to the avid pickleball player, this might seem like a joke. But oh no. The noise is so serious that the new regulation is making people “foam at the mouth.”

So what’s the solution: The city’s decision to mandate foam balls and impose fees on non-residents is a step in the right direction of eliminating the sound problem, but it raises a bigger question: Is outdoor pickleball even feasible in residential areas?

When constant complaints come from nearby residents, it’s a clear signal that noise pollution has become too disruptive to ignore.

So let’s be real: Pickleball is loud…period. The repetitive thwack of plastic balls reverberating through neighborhoods can make it impossible for residents to enjoy peace in their own homes. While foam balls may lessen the impact, the fundamental issue remains: outdoor pickleball near homes can be an intrusion on people’s right to quiet. Respect for thy neighbors should come first.

You might not like it but, if noise continues to disrupt communities, the only viable option may be to limit or halt outdoor pickleball play in residential areas until a real, sustainable solution is found. I hate to say it. There’s no denying the sport’s popularity, but it cannot come at the expense of the well-being of entire neighborhoods.

Another question you might be asking is: how do the foam balls play in comparison to normal balls?

Commissioner Graham Reiney commented on the use of the Gamma Librarian pickleball, as he is an avid player himself,” For me, my game was not less competitive or no less of a workout with that ball. It did take a little bit of getting used to , it looks a little bit different, it certainly sounds different, which is the whole point.”

He also points out that the '“success factor" really depends on whether or not people adapt to using the soft balls.

The bigger picture: Avondale Estates’ approach is, from a conservative take, a necessary intervention. A last resort test if you will.

Communities across the country should start asking tough questions about whether outdoor pickleball belongs in residential areas at all if a solution can not be agreed upon. Until a lasting solution is found—whether through soundproofing measures, designated courts away from homes, or significant changes to equipment—we may have to accept that pickleball and peaceful neighborhoods simply can’t coexist.

Otherwise, we compromise the peace with “thy neighbor” for our own ego-centric, selfish love of pickleball.

BITE-SIZED PICKLE

The Rise of "Tenniscore" Fashion

As the U.S. Open draws to a close, tennis fans aren’t the only ones taking notice. A fashion trend known as "tenniscore" has exploded, making its way from the courts to the streets. From pleated skirts and tennis dresses to polo collars, this style isn’t just for athletes anymore—it’s for anyone looking to channel a posh, preppy aesthetic.

Cities from Australia to America are awash in tennis-inspired outfits, and the U.S. Open has become a runway of sorts, with spectators showing off their stylish looks in the stands. The trend’s popularity is no coincidence; it’s part of a larger movement that blends athleisure with polished comfort.

So what’s pickleball go to do with it? Pickleball’s rise has also played a role in the tenniscore movement. With its growing popularity, especially among younger generations, pickleball has brought more attention to racket sports, fueling demand for stylish, sport-inspired clothing.

Remember Taylor Swift and the pleated skirt trend?

Brands like Nike, Fila, and Adidas have capitalized on this trend, launching new collections that cater to both athletes and fashion-conscious consumers.

But it’s not just the big brands that are getting in on the action. Smaller companies like Tangerine Paddle and Recess Pickleball have carved out niches for themselves by offering customizable paddles and stylish accessories that appeal to the growing pickleball and paddle sport community alike.