Basic Rules Overview

Game Format

Pickleball is played either as doubles (two players per team) or singles, with doubles being the most common. The same court dimensions and rules are applied for both formats.

The Serve

Serve Technique

The server’s arm must move in an upward arc when striking the ball. Paddle contact with the ball must occur below waist level. Additionally, the paddle head must not be positioned above the highest part of the wrist at the time of contact.

Drop Serve

A ‘drop serve’ is also permitted, in which case the standard serving restrictions do not apply.

Foot Placement

When serving, the server’s feet may not touch the court, the imaginary extension of the sideline, or the centerline. At least one foot must remain behind the baseline on the playing surface or ground.

Service Direction

The serve must be made diagonally crosscourt, landing within the confines of the opposite diagonal service court. Only one serve attempt is allowed per server.

Service Sequence

Serving in Doubles

Both players on the serving doubles team have the opportunity to serve and score points until committing a fault, except for the first service sequence of each new game.

First Serve

The first serve of each side-out begins from the right-hand court. If a point is scored, the server switches sides and serves from the left-hand court. This switching continues until a fault is committed, at which point the partner serves from their correct side of the court.

Transition to Opposition

When the serving team commits two faults, the service transitions to the opposition. The first serve for the new serving team starts from the right-hand court, with the same sequence applied.

Singles Service Rule

In singles, the server serves from the right-hand court when the score is even and from the left-hand court when the score is odd.

Scoring

Traditional Side-Out Scoring

Points are scored only by the serving team. Games are typically played to 11 points, requiring a two-point margin to win. Tournament games may extend to 15 or 21 points.

Rally Scoring

In rally scoring, a point is awarded after every rally, regardless of which team served. This method rewards consistent play and extended rallies.

Two-Bounce Rule

Bounce Requirement

When the ball is served, the receiving team must let it bounce before returning it. Similarly, the serving team must allow the ball to bounce before returning. This results in two mandatory bounces.

Post-Bounce Play

Once the two bounces occur, teams may volley the ball (hit it before it bounces) or play it as a groundstroke. This rule minimizes the serve-and-volley advantage and promotes extended rallies.

Non-Volley Zone

Definition

Dear Lykkers, the non-volley zone, commonly known as “the kitchen,” extends 7 feet from each side of the net.

Volley Restrictions

Players cannot volley the ball while standing within the non-volley zone or touching its boundaries. It is also a fault if a player’s momentum causes contact with the zone after a volley.

Legal Presence

Players may legally be in the non-volley zone at any time, provided they are not volleying the ball.

Line Calls

In or Out

A ball contacting any line, except the non-volley zone line on a serve, is considered “in.” A serve contacting the non-volley zone line is deemed short and a fault.

Faults

Definition

A fault is any action that stops play due to a rule violation.

Fault Consequences

A fault by the receiving team awards a point to the serving team.

A fault by the serving team results in a loss of serve or side-out.

Fault Examples

The serve does not land within the designated receiving court.

The ball is hit into the net or out of bounds.

A volley occurs before the ball has bounced on each side.

A player volleys from the non-volley zone.

A player’s clothing or paddle touches the net during play.

Determining the Serving Team

Selection Method

Any fair method, such as flipping a coin or using a written score sheet, may be used to determine which team or player chooses the first serve, side, or receive position.