Pickleball Fun!
Pickleball can be played as doubles (two players per team) or singles. Doubles is the more common format.
The same size playing area and rules are used for both singles and doubles matches.
The Serve
Rules for the Serve
The server’s arm must move in an upward arc when striking the ball.
Paddle contact with the ball must not be made above waist level.
The paddle head must not be above the highest part of the wrist.
A ‘drop serve’ is allowed, where the above rules do not apply.
Positioning for the Serve
At the time of contact, the server’s feet must not touch the court, the sidelines, or the centerline. At least one foot must be behind the baseline.
The serve is made diagonally crosscourt and must land within the opposite diagonal court.
Only one serve attempt is allowed per server.
Service Sequence
General Rules
Dear Lykkers! Both players on a doubles team serve and can score until a fault occurs.
The first serve of a new game is made from the right-hand court.
If a point is scored, the server switches sides and continues serving until a fault is committed.
Once the first server faults, the second partner serves from the correct side.
Singles Service
In singles, the server serves from the right-hand court when their score is even and from the left-hand court when odd.
At the beginning of each game, only one partner serves before the service passes to the opposing team.
Scoring
Traditional Side-Out Scoring
Points can only be scored by the serving team.
Games are typically played to 11 points, with a win-by-2 rule.
Tournament games may go up to 15 or 21 points, still requiring a 2-point lead to win.
Rally Scoring
In rally scoring, points are awarded after every rally, regardless of which team served.
Two-Bounce Rule
How It Works
When the ball is served, the receiving team must let it bounce before returning it. The serving team must also let it bounce before returning it.
After these two bounces, both teams can volley or play the ball off a bounce.
This rule eliminates the serve-and-volley advantage and extends rallies.
How to Play Pickleball: The Ultimate Guide on Pickleball Rules
Video by ThatPickleballGuy - Kyle Koszuta
Non-Volley Zone
Definition
The non-volley zone is the area within 7 feet of both sides of the net, often called “the kitchen.”
Volleying Rules
Volleying is not allowed in the non-volley zone to prevent smashes from this area.
It is a fault if a player steps into the zone or if momentum causes the player or their equipment to touch the zone.
Line Calls
In and Out
A ball touching any line, except the non-volley zone line on a serve, is considered “in.”
A serve contacting the non-volley zone line is a fault.
Faults
Fault Definition
A fault is any action that stops play due to a rule violation.
Common Faults
A serve landing outside the receiving court.
The ball hitting the net on a serve or return.
Volleying the ball before it has bounced once on each side.
The ball being hit out of bounds.
Volleying from the non-volley zone.
The ball bouncing twice before being hit.
A player or their equipment touching the net.
Violations of service rules.
A ball striking a player or their equipment.
The ball striking a permanent object before bouncing on the court.
