If the ball hit the ground out of bounds, you have until your opponent hits it or the ball becomes dead to make an "out" call. It makes no difference if it was played or not. In fact, I'd argue that you should get in the habit of ALWAYS playing it, then just calling "out" as you hit it if it was clearly out (or allow your partner to make the call, since they often have a better angle).
2022
Rule 6.D.8. All "out" calls must be made "promptly"; otherwise, the ball is presumed to still be in play. "Promptly" is defined as calling "out" prior to the ball being hit by the opponent or before the ball becomes dead.
For the 2023 rules, the word "promplty" has been removed:
2023
6.D.7. All "out" calls must be made prior to the ball being hit by the opponent or before the ball becomes dead.
Pickleball Addict
Pickleball Cafe Referee
Asked on
Nov 6th, 2022