How to Play Pickleball: Key Rules for the Game

Pickleball Rules for Beginners: Mastering the Basics on the Court

Pickleball is rapidly becoming the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., loved for its accessible playstyle and social nature. This guide will walk you through the pickleball rules, starting from the first serve to mastering the court.

Let’s dive into the simple rules that every player needs to know.

Understanding the Court and Positions

Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court, with a similar setup to tennis. Each side of the court is divided into two service areas by a center line. They are labeled the right side of the court and left side of the court. The net divides the court, and each team plays from their respective sides of the net.

One of the key court features is the non-volley zone line, often called the kitchen. This line is located seven feet from the net on either side. Players are not allowed to hit a volley (a ball hit out of the air without bouncing) if their foot is within this zone or if their player’s momentum causes them to step into the zone after making a volley. This is crucial to the pickleball kitchen rules, preventing aggressive net play.

Pickleball Serve Basics

At the beginning of each new game, the serving team is determined by a coin toss. The winner of the toss can choose either to serve or receive, and the match begins. According to the USA Pickleball Official Rulebook, the first serve of the game must be executed with an underhand serve. This means that the paddle must strike the ball below the server’s waist. The serve must travel diagonally across the net into the confines of the opposite diagonal court, beyond the kitchen line.

The server must stand within the confines of the court’s baseline and keep both feet behind the baseline during the serve. The server’s feet cannot step on or over the baseline until after the ball is struck. The first server in each match must serve from the right-hand court. The subsequent serves rotate between the right side and left side of the court.

The Two-Bounce Rule

A unique rule in pickleball is the double-bounce rule. After the serve, the ball must bounce once on the receiving team’s side of the net and once on the serving side of the net before it can be volleyed (hit out of the air). This rule prevents players from rushing the net. It also forces both teams to allow at least one bounce on each side.

Once both bounces have occurred, the ball can be volleyed or played off a bounce until a fault occurs.

Scoring and Serving

Pickleball is typically played to 11 points, though in tournament play, games may go to 15 or 21. A team must win by at least two points.

Only the serving team can score points. The serve will continue with the same player until their team faults. After the fault the serve switches to their partner, the second server. The exception to this is the first service sequence of each game. In this instance only one server is used before the opposing team gets the serve.

For example:

• If the serving team’s score is an even number, the server serves from the right-hand court.
• If the serving team’s score is an odd number, the server serves from the left-hand court.

If the serving team commits a fault, such as the ball hitting a permanent object, bouncing twice on their side, or failing to land in the correct service court, the serve is lost, and the opposing team serves.

Faults and Line Calls

Players must be aware of faults, which are violations of the rules that result in losing the point or serve. These include:

• The ball landing out of bounds.
• The ball failing to clear the net.
• Volleying the ball while inside the kitchen or stepping on the non-volley zone line during the volley.
• Missing the ball entirely on a serve attempt.

In pickleball, line calls are crucial. If the ball lands on any line except the kitchen line on a serve, it is considered “in.” It is important for both teams to be aware of line calls and call them accurately. In tournament games, line judges may be used to officiate these calls. However, during casual play, players typically call their own lines.

Service Turns and Rotation

After each fault by the serving team, the second server serves until they fault. When both players have served and lost the point, the service turn switches to the opposing team.

This rotational serve system ensures that both players on each team have the opportunity to serve. In doubles play, after the serve, both teammates should try to position themselves evenly on the court for optimal coverage of both sides.

Non-Volley Zone and Kitchen Rules

One of the key elements of pickleball strategy revolves around the kitchen, or non-volley zone. This seven-foot section on either side of the net prevents aggressive play close to the net. Players are not allowed to step into this area unless the ball has bounced within the zone. Even then, players need to be cautious of their player steps and their positioning to avoid faults.

For example, if a player volleys the ball while their feet or momentum carries them into the kitchen, they lose the point. To prevent this, players often strive to position themselves just behind the non-volley zone line. They will then wait for the right moment to approach the net.

Pickleball Rules for New Players

As new players step onto the court, understanding the rules and mechanics of the game is essential to building skill and avoiding common mistakes. One key rule is that players must allow the ball to bounce twice before volleying. As a result, the ball must bounce once on each side after the serve. This is the two-bounce rule, which might seem confusing at first but becomes second nature with practice.

Another crucial aspect for beginners to focus on is learning proper positioning. After serving, players should aim to advance towards the kitchen line without violating the kitchen rules. Additionally, good communication between teammates is essential for success in doubles play, where calling out “mine” or “yours” helps reduce errors.

Game Variations: Singles and Doubles Play

Pickleball can be played in both singles and doubles formats, with doubles being the more popular way to play. The same basic rules apply, though there are some differences in positioning and strategy.

In singles, the serving player must serve diagonally to the opposite court. Players must cover the entire court area, requiring more movement and agility compared to doubles.

Tournament Games and Rule Changes

Pickleball tournaments are growing in popularity, and tournament matches often follow the USA Pickleball Official Rulebook to the letter. Competitions can range from local club tournaments to national-level events.

Recent rule changes have introduced the option of drop serves, which allow the player to let the ball drop from their hand and bounce before striking it with an underhand motion. This has added an extra layer of variety and strategy, especially for players who struggle with traditional serves.

Additionally, tournaments allow for a medical time-out if a player is injured, as well as challenges to line calls in high-level play. Understanding these tournament-specific rules is important for advancing in the sport.

Clothing and Equipment Guidelines

Paddles come in a variety of materials, from traditional wooden paddles to high-tech carbon fiber options. The choice of paddle can impact your control, power, and feel on the ball, making it worth experimenting with different paddles as you develop your skills.

Final Thoughts on Pickleball

Pickleball is a sport for all ages and skill levels, making it one of the easiest ways to stay active and meet new people. By mastering the official pickleball rules, practicing your serve and positioning, and learning how to navigate the kitchen rules, you’ll be well on your way to winning your first game.

Pickleball offers endless opportunities for fun and fitness. So grab your paddle, review these rules, and get ready for your next pickleball match.