The 2026 Rule Change That Will Catch Rec Players Off Guard
Ever hit a ball back, kept the rally going, and then called the shot “out” once the point was over? As of 2026, you can’t do that anymore. Under the new prompt-call rule (8.F.3), if you return the ball, your out call has to come before your opponent hits it again. If you play it, it’s in play. It’s a small change, but it’s going to come up on every court this year, so make the call early, or let it go.