10 Pickleball Rules You Need to Know to Dominate the Court!
Pickleball Rules rules include serving underhand, the two-bounce rule, and maintaining non-volley zones. Learn the essentials to enjoy this dynamic game, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player!
Pickleball is a popular sport that is played on a court with a net, using paddles and a special plastic ball. The rules of pickleball are similar to those of other racket sports, but there are some unique aspects of the game.
People say that pickleball feels like start playing ping pong. It is easy to learn, and it is a fun sport for players of all ages. Making players stand back and hit volleys from farther behind the net makes the game more fun than traditional tennis.
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Pickleball Rules
- Side Selection: Any fair method can be used to determine which player or team has the first choice of the side like a coin flip. Players serve until they commit a fault, which is any rule violation that stops play. When the first server loses the serve, the partner moves to serve from the same side of the court their partner had last served from.
- Court: Pickleball is played on a court that is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. The court is divided into two halves by a net that is 36 inches high at the center. Each side has a team of either 4 or 2 players. Starting from one side is called the serving team and the other is called the opponent. The serving team's score is measured by how many times the ball must reach the opposing team side by the first server, second server, and third server.
- Pickleball Serve: The server serves, or server starts, must be made from behind the baseline and underhand by the serving team to the other team. The server must keep at least one foot behind the baseline and hit the ball underhand, making contact with the ball below the waist. Every time the next score, you switch sides of the court for your next serve. In doubles play when the first server loses the serve, the partner moves to serve from the same side of the court their partner had last served from In singles play, The first serves are made from the right side of the court, and if the server scores a pickleball point, that player then server serves from the left side.
- Serving rules: The serve must land in the diagonal service court on the other side of the net. The serve will be lost if your ball touches the no-volley zone on serve. The first serve is always in service court to serve attempt then the second serve and so on. The exception is the first service of each game, where only one player from the initial serving team gets to serve before the service passes to the other team. The serve The server's arm must be moving in an upward arc when the ball is struck. The first serves are made from the right side of the court. Any fair method can be used to determine which player or team has the first choice of side, service, or receive. A fault by the serving team results in the server's loss of serve or side out.
- Serving Sequence Rules: Each team alternates serving until one team scores 21 points, or one team reaches 21-20. Alternating Serves The serving rotation is one of the most unique aspects of pickleball. You can serve any point in the game as long as you alternate between serving sides and the server changes after each point. In pickleball, the volley serve is by far the most common serving style for each serving side.
- Scoring: Pickleball is played to 11 points, and a team must win by 2 points. Only the serving team can score a point. If the receiving team wins a rally, they become the serving team and have the opportunity to score a point. The game starts with the first serve who wins the toss and the team serves. In doubles play, when the first server loses the serve, the partner moves to first serve from the same side of the court their partner had last served from In singles play. If one person or team has 11 points but their opponent has 10, the game continues. The game will continue until a team has a 2-point advantage. When playing to 11, teams switch sides of the court when the first team hits 6 points. Scoring Rules Scoring in pickleball is unique among racquet and paddle sports.
- Double Bounce Rule (Two Bounce Rule): This means that each side has to let the ball bounce, or single bounce, once before returning it. After the service, the serving team and playing team must hit the ball back and forth, allowing it to bounce once on each side before hitting it in the air. This is known as the "double bounce rule" or two bounce rule. After the ball has bounced once on each side, either team can hit it in the air or let it bounce again before hitting it. There must be one bounce per side.
- Faults: A fault occurs when a player fails to follow the rules. Some common faults in pickleball include stepping into the non-volley zone (the area immediately surrounding the net), hitting the ball out of bounds, or hitting the ball into the net by the serving team or the opponent. The serve should be a diagonal crosscourt and must land in the opposite diagonal court You only get one serve attempt.
- Non-volley Zone: The non volley zone is the area within 7 feet of the net on either side. The no-volley zone is on both sides of the court. This is often called the kitchen line. Players may not hit the ball in the air while standing in the non volley zone, but they can hit it after it bounces. Both players on the serving doubles team have the opportunity to serve and score points until they commit a fault. That's why it's officially called the no-volley zone.
- Calling The Score: In doubles, you announce your score first, then the receiver's, and then a third number, which identifies if you're the first or second server on your team. The underhand serve or any pickleball serve for that matter, must be delivered diagonally to your opponent's side. The Double Bounce Rule. Both players on each team of a doubles game get to serve until they commit a fault. The first number indicates the serving team's score, the second is the opponent's score. The ball is served underhanded and diagonally to the opponent's service court without bouncing it off the court.
- Tournament Games: With 15 or 21, win by 2. Singles games may be to 11, win by 2.
These are just the basic rules, and many other details and strategies can be learned with practice and experience. A traditional pickleball game ends when one person or team reaches 11 points. However, the winning team must win by at least 2 points. You may then hit the ball with a ground stroke or volley.
It is also worth noting that there may be variations in the rules depending on the level of play and the specific organization or tournament being played. Only the team that has served wins the point. In January 2021, the USA Pickleball Association updated the rules to allow for a “drop serve.”
Pre-requisites for Playing Pickleball
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How to Play Pickleball With Rules
To play pickleball, you will need several pieces of equipment. Here is a list of the basic equipment required to play pickleball:
Pickleball Paddle
The paddle is the main piece of equipment in pickleball. It is similar to a paddle in other racket sports but is smaller and made of different materials. Pickleball paddles are usually made of wood, composite materials, or graphite. We've researched the market and validated various models to bring you a comprehensive list of the best pickleball paddles available here. Our Top Picks Revealed!
Pickleball Ball
The ball used in pickleball is a unique plastic ball with holes in it. It is similar in size to a wiffle ball, and its lightweight design helps to slow down the pace of the game. We've researched the market and validated the list of the best pickleball balls available here.
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Pickleball Court
Pickleball courts are similar in size to a doubles badminton court. The court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, with a net in the middle that is 36 inches high at the center.
Net
A pickleball net is required to set up the court. It should be 22 feet wide and have a height of 36 inches at the center.
Court Markings
The pickleball courts are marked with lines to show the boundaries of the court, the non-volley zone, and the service areas.
Shoes
Players should wear appropriate court shoes with non-marking soles to avoid damaging the playing surface and to provide good traction.
Optional Equipment
Some players may choose to use gloves, sweatbands, and sunglasses.
It is important to note that there are specific equipment regulations and standards set by various pickleball organizations, and it is recommended that you check with the organization or facility where you will be playing to ensure that your equipment meets the requirements.
For the official USA rules visit here.