A Beginner’s Guide to Pickleball Rules
November 2, 2023

Introduction

Pickleball is a fun and fast-growing sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s a fantastic game for people of all ages and skill levels, and part of its appeal lies in its simple yet strategic rules. Whether you’re a newbie or just looking to brush up on your knowledge, this beginner’s guide to pickleball rules will get you ready to hit the court.

The Basics

Pickleball is typically played on a rectangular court with a net in the middle, similar to tennis. The game can be played as singles (1 vs. 1) or doubles (2 vs. 2). The objective is to score points by hitting the ball over the net and into your opponent’s side of the court.

Here are some essential rules to get you started:

  • Serving
  • The game starts with one team serving to the other.
  • The server must stand behind the baseline (the back boundary) and serve diagonally to the opponent’s service court.
  • The serve must be underhand, and the paddle must make contact with the ball below waist level.
  • The ball must clear the net and land in the opponent’s service court.
  • Only one serve attempt is allowed in pickleball, except in cases of a “let” (a serve that touches the net but still lands in the correct service court).
  • Scoring
  • Points are scored only by the serving team.
  • A point is scored when the receiving team commits a fault (explained below).
  • Games are typically played to 11, 15, or 21 points, but you must win by at least two points.
  • Faults
  • Faults result in the loss of the serve.
  • Common faults include serving out of bounds, hitting the ball into the net, stepping into the non-volley zone (the area near the net where you cannot volley), and volleying the ball before it bounces once on each side of the net (known as the “two-bounce” rule).
  • Volleying
  • A volley is when you hit the ball in the air without letting it bounce.
  • You cannot volley the ball while standing in the non-volley zone unless the ball has already bounced there.
  • Volleying is a crucial aspect of pickleball and requires good timing and positioning.
  • Double Bounce Rule
  • After the serve, both teams must let the ball bounce once on each side of the net before they can start volleying.
  • This rule promotes longer rallies and gives both teams a fair chance to play the ball.
  • Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen)
  • The non-volley zone, also known as the kitchen, is the area immediately in front of the net.
  • You cannot volley the ball while standing inside the kitchen unless the ball has bounced there first.
  • This rule prevents players from camping at the net and promotes strategy in play.

Conclusion

Pickleball is a dynamic and enjoyable sport that’s easy to learn but challenging to master. Understanding the basic rules is a crucial first step towards becoming a proficient player. As you gain experience, you’ll discover more nuances and strategies that make pickleball even more exciting.

So grab your paddle, hit the court, and remember these fundamental rules as you embark on your pickleball journey. With practice and dedication, you’ll be smashing serves and rallying with finesse in no time!