Pickleball Targeting Rule: The New Safety Standard
Pickleball Targeting Rule: The New Safety Standard Everyone Is Talking About
The pickleball targeting rule has taken center stage, setting strict penalties for shots aimed above an opponent’s shoulders. As professional players adapt, fans and officials are debating its impact. Is it a step toward safer play, or does it stifle the game’s explosive power? Below, we’ll explore the rule’s origins, highlighting a heated incident between Ben Johns and Quang Duong, public reaction, and how you can keep your competitive edge while staying within these new boundaries.
Why the Pickleball Targeting Rule Was Introduced
On February 18, 2025, the United Pickleball Association Americas (UPA-A) announced a provisional “Targeting” rule. They aimed to reduce the number of intentional or reckless headshots appearing in professional matches, where the sport’s speed and power have surged to new heights. The final straw was an intense sequence of events in which top ranked player Ben Johns fired a ferocious shot seemingly directed at rising star Quang Duong’s head. The ball soared past Duong, who barely managed to duck, before it slammed into the fencing behind him, igniting debate and sparking controversy.
“Pickleball players thrive on speed and agility,” says UPA-A President Jason Aspes. “But it shouldn’t come at the expense of each other’s well being. This provisional rule enables us to test a safer path.”
Although the Johns Duong incident was just one example, it crystallized concerns about fast paced, high stakes matches. Officials observed more frequent power shots dangerously close to players’ faces. The new measure includes stiff fines and match penalties to discourage aggressive targeting. Any overhead or powerful shot deemed intentional or reckless above the shoulders can result in a $2,500 fine and a point penalty for the first offense. Further infractions escalate into larger fines, match forfeitures, and potential suspensions.
Public Sentiment: What Are Players and Fans Saying?
Few rules in pickleball history have stirred such passionate conversation. Social media platforms have been flooded with videos, comments, and debates about the new targeting policy. The Ben Johns vs. Quang Duong footage, widely circulated online, showed Johns launching what many called a “warning shot” directly near Duong’s head. Duong dodged in time, but the crowd’s audible gasp punctuated the severity of the moment.
- Reddit Threads: Users applauded the crackdown, noting the risk of eye injuries. One wrote, “A 50mph shot to the face is no joke.” Others argued that “refs can’t possibly judge intent every time.” The debate often hinged on how strictly the rule would be enforced.
- Instagram Comments: Memes and discussions about “head hunting” vs. “competitive edge” have gone viral. One user commented, “Get your paddle up, or get off the court,” while another retorted, “Nobody wants an ambulance showing up at a pickleball match.”
- Player Reactions: Some pros support an official stance against headshots, but others worry about borderline calls. “We get it, no one wants injuries,” said one tour regular. “But it’s the speed of the game that makes it exciting. If you’re afraid of a paddle to the face, maybe step off the line.”
The consensus in many circles is that the spirit of the rule, protecting players from legitimate harm, is commendable. Still, questions linger about enforcement. Officials have acknowledged there will be growing pains, but they remain committed to discouraging actions that jeopardize player safety.
How the UPA-A Defines “Targeting Above the Shoulders”
The rule specifies that striking (or deliberately risking striking) an opponent in the head or neck area is extreme unsportsmanlike conduct. Key penalties include:
- First Violation: Technical foul (opponent receives a point) + $2,500 minimum fine
- Second Violation (Same Team): Match forfeiture + $5,000 minimum fine
- Retaliation: If the opposing team retaliates, they also face fines and point deductions
- Repeated Offenses: Additional financial penalties and possible suspensions
Referees consider ball trajectory, speed, and game context. If a chest level shot rises to the head area simply because an opponent crouches, it might not draw a penalty. But if a player clearly blasts a ball upward from a low angle, a scenario critics say happened during the Johns Duong clash, referees can deem it “reckless” and issue a penalty.
Pickleball Targeting Rule: The Subjectivity Factor
Many compare this to “targeting” in football, where refs must weigh a combination of angles and body positions. “We’re never going to be 100% accurate,” a UPA-A official noted, “but we’d rather err on the side of preventing harmful shots.” The association hopes that heavy fines will make players think twice before unleashing a full power swing at someone’s head.
The Emotional Aftermath: Stories from the Court
For Quang Duong, the near miss moment was more than a split second of panic; it was a wake up call about how intense pickleball can get. “He absolutely blasted it at my face,” Duong said in a post match interview. “I ducked, and it flew into the stands. It definitely felt deliberate. But it’s not for me to judge, refs and the new rule can handle that now.”
Similarly, fans in the stands were rattled by the power behind Johns’s swing. Social media lit up with comments suggesting Johns wanted to send a message. Whether he did or not, it underlined a brewing concern: as speed and power escalate in pro matches, so do the risks of serious injury.
In a separate Instagram comment thread, a user who witnessed the incident said, “If Quang hadn’t ducked, I’m convinced he’d be wearing an ice pack for a week. Nobody needs that.” Others believe the shot was a mishit, blown out of proportion by the crowd’s reaction. Regardless, it became a flashpoint for those calling for stricter oversight.
Striking a Balance: Aggression vs. Mindful Play
While the Johns Duong incident served as a catalyst, the broader question remains: how can players remain aggressive without flirting with dangerous head level shots? Mindful play doesn’t mean eliminating powerful drives, it means delivering them with precision and respect.
For a deeper exploration of mindful aggression and how to stay safe on the court, check out our recent article: Pickleball Safety: Why Mindful Play Matters. It covers essential strategies for controlling high speed shots, maintaining emotional composure, and ensuring fun, competitive matches that don’t end in unnecessary injuries.
How to Adapt Your Game to the Pickleball Targeting Rule
If you’ve relied heavily on blasting overheads or quick net speedups, you can still dominate, but with more care:
- Aim for the Torso, Not the Head
Midsection shots challenge your opponent’s defense without risking a headshot violation. This also enhances your accuracy over time, since you’re focusing on a specific target zone.
- Use Topspin to Keep the Ball Down
Topspin ensures the ball dips after crossing the net, reducing the risk of sailing upward. It’s a powerful technique that can still yield winners without flirting with your opponent’s face.
- Stay Composed in the Heat of Battle
One of the biggest triggers for head level blasts is frustration or adrenaline. The new rule, fines, forfeitures, and all, should motivate you to keep emotions in check. Retaliation shots only multiply the penalties.
- Monitor Opponent’s Height & Position
Remember that shorter players might have shoulders at the level of a taller player’s mid torso. Be aware of your opponent’s stance, so you don’t inadvertently go too high.
Equipment Choices: Power vs. Control
Modern paddles can amplify speed, making it easier to rip high intensity shots. While this appeals to aggressive players, it can also lead to accidental head level hits. Consider:
- Control Oriented Paddles: Selecting a paddle that balances power with precision can reduce inadvertent missiles above shoulder height.
- Practice with New Gear Gradually: Jumping straight to max effort with a fresh, high tech paddle can catch you off guard, increasing misfires.
- Protective Eyewear: Since not all players will adhere perfectly to the rule, defending yourself with quality pickleball glasses is a smart move. For in depth recommendations, check out our Pickleball Glasses Reviews to find the best options for safe, intense rallies.
Pickleball Targeting Rule Violations at a Glance
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| First Headshot Violation | Technical foul (point to opponent) + $2,500 fine |
| Second Violation (Same Team) | $5,000 fine + Match forfeiture |
| Retaliation | Technical foul + $5,000+ fine; potential suspension for repeated or severe cases |
| Repeat Offenders | Heightened fines, match forfeitures, disciplinary action including suspension |
Frequently Asked Questions
For now, the UPA-A rule specifically targets professional leagues. That said, many local clubs and pickleball tournaments may mirror these guidelines to promote safer play.
Referees consider the shot’s angle, speed, and the player’s motion. If it seems recklessly aimed high, especially if the ball would likely go out otherwise, penalties could apply.
Hitting the body can be a valid tactic, but avoid the neck or head region. Aim mid torso or lower. Also, be mindful if your opponent is leaning or shorter than you realize.
Accidents happen. Officials will consider whether you visibly attempted control. Repeated “accidents,” however, might raise red flags about your technique or intent.
The Ben Johns vs. Quang Duong episode spotlighted the intensity of modern pickleball and the urgent need for clear boundaries. While some worry about stifling the sport’s signature explosiveness, most agree that players shouldn’t have to fear a direct shot to the face. These new guidelines can prompt a more thoughtful approach. For more tips on competitive play with a safety first mindset, visit our comprehensive guide on pickleball safety . Stay tuned to PickleTip.com for ongoing coverage, expert advice, and community discussions on this evolving hot topic. Read our previous article for more on the 2025 Pickleball Rules.
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