After a recent game in which we had a vigorous discussion on whether a ball was in or out, we decided that we would never know. There were people with different perspectives and emotions. We really need the Hawk-Eye line machine like they use in professional tennis matches. Unfortunately, it outside of our budget. ☹
Absent some form of machine, we have to go back to the rules.
In pickleball, a ball is considered “out” if it lands outside the designated boundary lines, with no part of the ball touching any part of the line. If any part of the ball touches the line, it’s considered “in”.
Where we get hung up is that no part of the ball touching the line. This depends on perspective. For example, is ball number 4 in the photo in or out?
I tend to believe that it is capturing the edge of the line so I would have called it in. But from the ground angle, it is clear that no part of the ball touched the line so it is out.
That does not help you in your neighborhood game since there will be not multiple angles and people will only be able to make the call from their vantage point.
My recommendation in these scenarios is to call ball 4 in since it is so close. Who needs an argument with friends over the line call. Especially if your game is on a Tuesday night at 7:00! Give the benefit of the doubt to your opponent. Enjoy the game and don’t take it too seriously.