Pickleball Rules

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, loved for its fast pace, simple rules, and fun gameplay. It combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, and is played with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes. Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned player, understanding the pickleball rules is key to enjoying fair and competitive matches.

Played either as singles (1v1) or doubles (2v2), pickleball takes place on a court similar in size to a badminton court. The game starts with a serve and continues with rallies until one side commits a fault.

Basic Pickleball Rules to Get Started

Serving Rules

• The serve must be hit underhand, with the paddle contacting the ball below the waist.

• The ball must land diagonally across the court, beyond the non-volley zone (also called the kitchen).

• Only one serve attempt is allowed, except in the case of a let (when the ball hits the net but still lands in the correct area).

• In doubles, only the serving team can score points.

Scoring System

• Games are typically played to 11 points, and a team must win by at least 2 points.

• Points are scored only by the serving team.

• In doubles, both players on the serving team get a turn to serve before the serve goes to the opponents (except at the start of the game).

The Two-Bounce Rule

• After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce once before returning.

• The serving team must also let the return bounce once before hitting it.

• After these two bounces, players can volley (hit the ball in the air) or let it bounce again.

The Non-Volley Zone (The Kitchen)

• The non-volley zone extends 7 feet from the net on both sides.

• Players cannot volley (hit the ball in the air) while standing inside this zone.

• You may enter the kitchen to play a ball that has bounced, but you must exit before volleying again.

Faults

A fault ends the rally and results in a loss of serve or a point for the other team. Common faults include:

• Hitting the ball out of bounds

• Volleying while standing in the kitchen

• Failing to clear the net

• Violating the two-bounce rule

• Serving incorrectly

Doubles vs. Singles: Key Differences

• In doubles, players must rotate serves and follow a specific pattern when switching sides.

• In singles, the server switches sides after scoring a point but doesn't share service with a partner.

Tips to Stay Within the Rules

• Always call out the score before serving.

• Stay behind the baseline while serving.

• Keep an eye on the kitchen line when volleying.

• Practice your serves and returns to stay legal and consistent.

Conclusion

Understanding the official pickleball rules is essential whether you're playing a casual game or competing in a tournament. While the game is easy to learn, mastering the rules ensures a fair and enjoyable experience for everyone on the court. Keep practicing, respect the lines, and most importantly have fun!