Capital Area Pickleball Association
Serving Dane County Wisconsin

Although no earth-shattering changes were made, USA Pickleball has updated its 2026 Official Rulebook to revise and clarify certain rules. The most significant updates for 2026 are as follows:

1. Scoring: The Rally Scoring "Freeze" is Gone

In previous years, in rally-scoring formats, the game-winning point could only be scored by the serving team. This often led to a "freeze" where a leading team could get stuck on the next-to-final point for several rotations.

For 2026, Rules 4.B and 14.A.2 provide that the game-winning point in rally scoring can now be scored by either the serving or receiving team. This eliminates the freeze, ensuring that the momentum of the rally determines the end of the match, rewarding the team that wins the rally, regardless of who served.

2. Serving: Clarifying Spin and Upward Arc

The 2026 rules provide additional clarity regarding what constitutes a legal serve.

• Rule 7.B.2 now explicitly states that you cannot manipulate the ball with your hand or fingers to add spin during the release. You can, however, apply spin with your paddle at the moment of contact for the serve.
• Rule 7.C adds the word "clearly" to the volley serve requirements. The rules now state that the upward arc, the paddle head position (below the wrist), and the contact point (below the waist) must all be clearly visible and legal. This shifts the benefit of the doubt in officiated matches. If a serve is "borderline" or too close to call, referees are now encouraged to rule it a fault because it was not clearly legal. This is intended to curb the trend of "sidearm" serves that skirt the “waist-height” rule.

3. Sportsmanship: Expanded Official Authority

USA Pickleball is tightening the screws on "gamesmanship" and conduct.

• Rule 22.A now gives referees the authority to issue verbal warnings or technical fouls before the match starts. This includes the warm-up period and pre-match briefings.
• Rule 22.L allows ejections for violence. The 2026 language is more explicit regarding physical violence or property damage. Tournament directors can now eject players for acts of paddle or ball abuse that cause injury or damage to the venue.

4. Court Play: Line Calls and "Net Post" Clarifications

• Rule 8.F.3 requires that "out" calls must be made promptly. This clarification discourages players from waiting to see if their partner returns the ball before deciding to call a ball out. If the call isn't signaled or voiced immediately, the ball is considered in.
• Rule 10.C.5 clarifies that if a ball legally crosses the net, bounces in the opponent's court, and then spins or blows into the net post, it is no longer an automatic fault on the hitter. It is treated as a dead ball, and since it already bounced in, the hitter wins the rally.

5. Spectator Involvement

The language regarding spectators has been upgraded from a recommendation to a mandate.

• Whereas the rulebook previously stated that players "should not" consult spectators on line calls, Rule 8.J now says players "must not" consult spectators. If a player asks a fan or bystander for help with a call, they could be issued a warning or penalty for violating this rule in an officiated match.

6. Ball Out of Pocket

Rule 24.B.1 clarifies that if an extra ball is visible to an opponent or falls out of your pocket during a rally, it is a fault.

To see the full list of rule changes, as well as the reasons for the changes, visit the 2026 USA Pickleball Rulebook Change Document.

Pickleball Kingdom private indoor pickleball courts expects to open its doors to players on January 11, 2026. The facility will be located at 463 Broadway Drive, Sun Prairie, WI, 53590. This opening date is about a month later than originally anticipated, due to some slight construction and weather delays. During the first week that the facility is open, Pickleball Kingdom will offer a free week of soft-launch play. For more information about the new Pickleball Kingdom, as well as membership rates, and to sign up to receive the latest updates, click here.

USA Pickleball recently designated the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) as its exclusive, official rating system. Previously, it had been using a rating system many people were unfamiliar with called Universal Tennis Rating-Pickleball (UTR-P). The UTR-P was mainly U.S.-based and was used to track wins and losses of players who primarily competed in official USA Pickleball-sanctioned tournaments.

By now using DUPR, USA Pickleball is embracing a much more widely-adopted, global rating system that uses a more sophisticated algorithm to calculate a player’s skill rating. Skill ratings are not just based on simple win/loss records but are also impacted by things like opponent ratings, the player’s actual margin of victory, and a comparison of actual to expected match results. DUPR’s algorithm is therefore able to provide a more precise measure of a player's true skill rating than UTR-P could. USA Pickleball’s adoption of DUPR therefore promotes fairer play and more accurate tournament seeding.

USA Pickleball's switch to DUPR further consolidates the sport’s use of DUPR as the preeminent rating system and is a critical step in the sport's maturation. The DUPR rating system will now be used by USA Pickleball, The PPA Tour, Major League Pickleball, Minor League Pickleball, Pickleball Canada, The Global Pickleball Federation, and thousands of other clubs and leagues around the world.

For more information about USA Pickleball’s adoption of DUPR as its official and exclusive rating system, click here.

With Washington (Bainbridge Island) being the birthplace of pickleball, it seems only fitting that the state would get its own specialty license plate to celebrate this unique aspect of its heritage. As of November 2025, Washington officially has a new “State Sport: Pickleball” specialty plate, cementing its place alongside Tennessee and Montana as having a license plate dedicated to the world's fastest-growing sport.

This wasn't an easy win, however. The journey to get a specialty pickleball plate took three years, beginning with a petition and legislative effort spearheaded by the Seattle Metro Pickleball Association (SMPA). The organization collected thousands of signatures and pushed for the plate through the state legislature before it was finally approved in an omnibus bill that consolidated several specialty plates.

The plate features a stylish design titled “Pickleball Rising,” created by local Seattle artist Jason Laramie. The design is inspired by the ferry ride leaving Bainbridge Island, with a pickleball rising like the sun over Washington, symbolizing both the sport's origins and its growing popularity.

For Washington's pickleball community, this new plate isn't just a decorative accessory; it's a means for funding the sport's future. Proceeds from the plate's sales will go directly to the SMPA to support the construction and maintenance of dedicated public pickleball courts throughout the state. This funding is crucial for sustaining pickleball's explosive growth and ensuring it remains accessible and inclusive for players of all ages and backgrounds.

While Washington may be the newest state to roll out a pickleball plate, it joins two other states that have already embraced the sport on their roads.

Tennessee offers a pickleball specialty license plate that helps support youth programs. The license plate was designed by a non-profit called the Tennessee Junior Pickleball Association (TJPA), and proceeds from plate sales are used to fund pickleball equipment purchases, teacher training, and program development in schools and parks across the state.

Montana offers a specialty “406” license plate, on which the “0” is in the likeness of a pickleball. The plate is sponsored by a non-profit called 406 Pickleball Missoula, Inc. Proceeds from license plate sales are used to support the promotion of pickleball within the state by funding activities like advocating for the sport, maintaining public courts, and developing qualified officials.

The growth of pickleball license plates in states like Washington, Tennessee, and Montana highlights the sport's increasing mainstream appeal and its ability to mobilize local communities. Enthusiasts are using their passion to create tangible, lasting impacts on the sport, all while showcasing their love for pickleball on the road.

The movement to support the sport through this unique fundraising method is a testament to pickleball's passionate community and its ability to drive positive change, one vehicle at a time. With the success seen in these states, it's fair to wonder which state will be next to get a pickleball license plate. Might I suggest Wisconsin?

If you have ever shopped for a pickleball paddle and felt overwhelmed by the specs—swing weight, twist weight, balance point, core thickness—it’s not just you. Paddle companies love numbers, but players mostly want to know how a paddle will actually feel in their hand. Here is a simple, no-nonsense guide to what those specs really mean, and how to use them to choose a paddle you will love.

Swing Weight: The “Effort Level” Meter

Swing weight measures how heavy a paddle feels when you swing it. Two paddles may weigh the same on a scale, but the one with more mass toward the top will feel heavier in motion.

• Paddles with a higher swing weight will give you more power and stability, but less maneuverability.
• Paddles with a lower swing weight will allow you to have “quicker hands” (because they feel lighter and are easier to swing), and enable easier resets, but will have less power.

If you prioritize power, a higher swing weight might be beneficial. However, if you frequently find yourself late on hands battles at the kitchen, a lower swing weight might save your sanity (and your wrist).

Twist Weight: The Stability Score

Twist weight measures how much the paddle resists twisting when you mishit toward the edges.

Wider paddles generally have higher twist weights, with a larger effective sweet spot, allowing more forgiveness. Longer, thinner paddles tend to have lower twist weights and require more precision when hitting the ball. Players who want more consistency or who hit off-center often will benefit from a paddle with higher twist weights. It is essentially your margin-of-error spec.

Balance Point: Where the Weight Actually Sits

This tells you where the paddle’s center of mass is.

• Head-heavy paddles have a higher balance point and generate more power but can feel sluggish.
• Handle-heavy paddles are fast and nimble but may have less power on drives.

Static Weight: The Number on the Scale

This is the total mass of the paddle, usually between 7.5 and 8.5 ounces. By itself, it is not the whole story. A heavier paddle can still feel quick if the weight is low in the handle. Still, static weight matters for comfort; some players prefer a heavier paddle, and some players prefer a lighter paddle. You should experiment with both before deciding which to purchase.

Core Thickness: Cushion vs. Pop

Core thickness changes the feel dramatically:

• Thicker cores (16mm+) absorb more shock, add stability, provide more control, and allow more dwell time for the ball on the paddle’s face.
• Thinner cores (13–14mm) give the paddle more pop, more power, and allow for a livelier bounce of the ball off the paddle.

If you play a control game built around dinks and resets, thicker cores are your friend. If you have more of a power game, you will prefer a paddle with a thinner core.

Face Material: The Spin and Feel Factor

Face material affects how the paddle interacts with the ball and the amount of spin you will be able to impart on the ball.

• Raw carbon fiber provides maximum spin and a controlled, gritty feel.
• Fiberglass provides a poppier and more powerful feel but generally allows for less spin than a carbon fiber paddle.
• Hybrid/composites attempt to blend both worlds.

Handle Length: Reach vs. Control

Paddles with longer handles (5.5 inches or more) enable you to hit two-handed backhands and also add reach and power. Paddles with shorter handles (under 5 inches-5.25 inches) give you a larger sweet spot and improve control.

Conclusion

Understanding your own game and paddle specs can help you find the ideal paddle. If you want power and stability, look for higher swing and twist weights. If you live at the kitchen line and value quick hands, favor a lighter swing weight and a handle-heavy design. Happy paddle-buying and happy pickling!

Are you wondering where to play pickleball indoors in the Madison area now that the colder weather is upon us? If you are looking for dedicated pickleball courts and live on the west side, Hitters Tennis & Pickleball Club in Middleton might be a good option. If you live on the east side, you might want to consider Pickle Pro Courts or Dill Dinkers. Also remember that Pickleball Kingdom will be opening in Sun Prairie in December as well. For a listing of all area indoor courts, click here.

Most pickleballs are made of plastic, which is sensitive to temperature extremes. Whether you are playing in frosty conditions or the sweltering heat, the temperature could be affecting the ball and your game. Let’s investigate what happens to pickleballs when the thermometer goes to extremes.

Cold Balls: Fast, Hard, and Fragile

Once the temperature dips down to about 45 degrees Fahrenheit and colder, your pickleball begins transforming into a little brick of brittle aggression.

Like most plastics, the material in a pickleball contracts in the cold. This makes the ball incredibly stiff, which has two immediate, and often unwelcome, effects on the court.

1. The Ball Becomes a Rocket: Stiffer plastic means less energy is absorbed on impact. The ball comes off the paddle face faster, and the balls bounce lower. What was once a graceful third-shot drop is now a speeding bullet that’s much harder to control. If you love a fast-paced game, the cold is your friend, but good luck trying to slow down a dink rally.
2. The Cracking Conundrum: The real danger in the cold is fragility. That stiff plastic becomes brittle, especially around the edges of the holes. Every hard strike against a paddle or the court creates a tiny shockwave across the ball’s surface. If you're an aggressive power player, you’ll be buying new balls frequently, as a crisp overhead smash in freezing temperatures will often result in a cracked ball.

Cold-Weather Hack: Keep some spare balls in your pocket! Your body heat will keep them slightly warmer and more pliable, letting you rotate in a fresh, less-brittle ball every few points.

Great Balls of Fire: Slow, Soft, and Mushy

The other end of the thermometer presents a completely different, though equally challenging, problem. In high heat, your pickleball goes from being a speedy projectile to a soft, sluggish marshmallow.

When it’s scorching outside, usually around 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, the plastic in the ball begins to expand and soften. This changes the ball's properties in the following ways:

1. The Bounce Dies: A soft ball is an energy-absorbing ball. When you hit it, or when it hits the court, the soft plastic deforms and soaks up much of the power, killing the lively bounce you're used to. Volleys lose their pop, and your power serves and groundstrokes feel strangely muted. Hot conditions often produce a lower bounce, especially on outdoor courts that absorb heat. This means you’ll have to generate more effort in your swing to lift the ball, and you will physically have to get lower to stay in control of the ball. Generally, because of its effect on the ball, hot temperatures slow the game down considerably, favoring players who rely on defense, resets, and consistency over aggressive speed and power.
2. Ball Becomes Oblong: The softer the plastic, the more prone it is to deformation. Repeated, forceful impacts in the heat can cause the ball to lose its perfectly spherical shape. An oblong, or egg-like shaped, ball wobbles mid-air and produces a more erratic, less predictable bounce—the kind that makes you question your eyesight.

Hot-Weather Hack: To retain some firmness and consistency, try keeping your spare balls in an insulated cooler between games. A slightly chilled ball will perform much better.

Ultimately, the humble pickleball is a fantastic reminder that a little plastic can have a big personality. Next time the weather is working against you, remember to modify not just your layers or your water intake, but your strategy. The ball changes with the temperature, and a smart player knows how to adjust their game with the weather conditions.

Pickleball Kingdom – Sun Prairie, which is planning to open in mid-December, has just made Founding Memberships available for purchase on its website! You can join as a monthly or annual member, as an individual, team (duo), or family. Membership prices start as low as (Monthly: $44.99 / Annual: $419.99) and include unlimited private court reservations and open plays, as well as discounts on ball machine use, unlimited Podplay reviews, and free daily locker use. For more information, please visit their website.

The Grove Regional Community Center in Mazomanie will be providing three more indoor pickleball courts, starting October 11, 2025. With the new addition, there will now be five total pickleball courts there to play on. The Grove will celebrate the grand opening of its three new courts from 9:30-11:30 am on Saturday, Oct. 11. At that day and time, play will be free, and there will be a drawing for great prizes. The Grove is located at 314 Anne Street, in Mazomanie, WI, 53560.

The courts are on a multi-marked, wooden gymnasium floor. You can rent equipment, including balls and paddles, at The Grove if you don’t already have your own. Open play is currently available Monday and Thursday nights from 6-8 pm, and on Tuesday and Friday mornings from 9-11 am. The cost to play is $5 per time, or you can buy a punchcard that would enable you to play ten times for $40. Sign-up for the open play is available through playtimescheduler.com or on the Playtimescheduler App, as well as on Meetup.com (through the Madison Pickleball Meetup Group). Click here for more information about pickleball play at The Grove.

Four new pickleball courts have been added at McGaw Park in Fitchburg, bringing the total number of courts there now to twelve. You can join the Fitchburg Mayor and City Council Members for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the official opening of the new courts at 3:00 pm on Thursday, October 2, 2025. At the ribbon cutting, you will have the opportunity to enjoy exciting high-level play from local talent (including pro-player Dave Weinbach), pick up tips to improve your own game, and then jump in to play with friends and neighbors! There will also be a raffle with great prizes, as well as delicious cake to eat! Although reservations are not required, if you would like to attend, please RSVP on playtimescheduler.com, by clicking here, so we have some general idea of how many people to expect. The general open play starts at 2 pm. All are welcome. You do not have to be a Fitchburg resident or a member of the Capital Area Pickleball Association (CAPA) to attend. McGaw Park is located at 5236 Lacy Road, Fitchburg, WI, 53711. Hope to see you there!