SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pb-baseline-is-in

During a rally, the ball lands on the baseline. Is it in or out?

In. A ball touching a line is in, except the kitchen line on a serve. That means the baseline and sidelines are in on serves too.

In. A ball touching a line is in, except the kitchen line on a serve.

Why: In pickleball, a ball that touches a line is in. The only exception is a serve that touches the kitchen line, which is short.

Huh, didn't know that: That means the baseline and sidelines are in on serves too.

The dad joke

The ball landed on the baseline. It was just keeping things in line.

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References

Answer: In. In pickleball, a ball that touches a line is in. The only exception is a serve that touches the kitchen line, which is short.

USA Pickleball Rules Summary usapickleball.org/rules/summary
A ball contacting any line, except the non-volley zone line on a serve, is considered “in.”
Checked 2026-10-12.

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