Body bagging. Pegging. Targeting.

Call it what you will, but according to an email sent to PPA players Tuesday, the UPA-A is taking a stand against "intentional or reckless targeting of an opponent above the shoulders" at the pro level.

The new rule will reportedly take effect during this week's Carvana PPA Mesa Cup and remain for pro events going forward.

Rationale & Enforcement

Targeting has been hot news lately.

Ben Johns sent a head-high warning shot at Quang Duong during the Masters; Jay Devilliers sent a stinger toward James Ignatowich during the MLP mid-season tournament; and just recently, Hayden Patriquin nearly put a ball through the neck of Andre Daescu. (Who, to his credit, played it off like nothing happened.)

As paddles become more powerful, and the game as a whole speeds up, intentional targeting is becoming more prevalent.

The new Targeting rule, according to the email circulated to players, is a measure to "preserve both player safety and the integrity of professional competition."

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.

Part of the Game?

Zane, for his part, thinks the new rule "is a good thing."

In a recent episode of the PicklePod, Collin Johns said there's a line between body bagging and targeting an opponent above the shoulders.

"Pegging is part of the game, and I am totally fine with pegging, but the etiquette is you keep it shoulders and below."

UPA-A President Jason Aspes says it comes down to fairness and player safety.

"UPA-A is committed to maintaining a game that is fun, fair, and competitive," Aspes told The Dink. "When opportunities arise to enhance the rules, whether for fairness or ensuring player safety, we carefully evaluate them in collaboration with officials and player feedback to ensure the best outcomes for the professional game."

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Read the New "Targeting" Rule in Full

Here's the full text from the email that circulated to players:

Targeting

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.