UPA-A's new rule punishes pro players for intentional headshots

Adam Forziati

Team The Kitchen

Last Edited

Feb 19 2025

Why the targeting rule?

Pickleball players and observers have long debated the ethics of going for bodybags, with talk of unwritten rules and poor sportsmanship by those who don’t like where the modern game is headed.

That debate heated up earlier this month when Ben Johns fired a particularly aggressive attack at Quang Duong during a match at the PPA Tour Masters.

If you haven't seen it, you can see the replay here:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Kitchen Pickleball (@thekitchenpickleball)

More tips & examples on how to execute (& avoid) the bodybag

Regardless of whether you think Johhs' shot at Duong was over the top — only 24% of respondents to a poll about this issue in our newsletter said they felt that way — it has become clear in the past year that trying to hit an opposing player in the chest or shoulder area is part of the game.

Of course, the Ben/Quang situation was far from the only recent example of intentional or seemingly-intentional targeting above the shoulders.

But this new PPA/MLP-only rule seems to be an attempt at eliminating any intentional shot above shoulder height, i.e. the head. This could have a freezing effect on anything even close, though, such as the 'chicken wing' lower shoulder shot or even chest shots.

The new targeting rule: exact verbiage

Targeting Above the Shoulders

In the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship, the UPA-A is committed to maintaining the integrity of the game while prioritizing player safety. As such, intentional or reckless targeting of an opponent above the shoulders is considered extreme unsportsmanlike conduct and is subject to the following enforcement:

Penalty: In matches with officials, if a player deliberately or recklessly directs a powerful shot at an opponent’s head or neck area, the offending team will receive a technical foul, resulting in a point added to the opponent. There will also be a minimum fine of $2,500 to the offending player.

At this point, both teams will be warned about retaliation.

If the same team commits a targeting violation, the offending player will be fined a minimum $5,000 and the match will be forfeited, resulting in a loss for the offending team.

If the opposing team retaliates and commits a targeting violation, a technical foul and point penalty will be enforced and the offending player will be subject to a mandatory minimum fine of $5,000 or more.

At this point, another warning will be made by the officials. If there is another targeting violation, the team that commits the violation will forfeit the match and the offending player will be subject to disciplinary action including fines and suspension.

Escalating Penalties: Repeat offenders or particularly egregious instances may result in additional penalties, fines, or suspensions at the discretion of tournament officials and the UPA-A disciplinary committee.

Rationale & Enforcement

While the modern game has become faster and more aggressive, respect for opponents remains paramount. Players are encouraged to compete with intensity but must avoid endangering fellow competitors. UPA-A officials will assess intent, ball trajectory, and overall gameplay context when determining violations.

This rule is designed to preserve both player safety and the integrity of professional competition, ensuring that pickleball remains a sport built on skill, strategy, and sportsmanship.

More news