Pickleball is a rapidly growing sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, volleyball, and ping-pong into a unique game. Pickleball can be played both indoors and outdoors, and it is suitable for players of all ages and skill levels.
This article will guide you through the basic rules of pickleball, helping you gain a solid foundation to start your journey into this enjoyable and competitive sport.
1. The pickleball court and equipment
A standard pickleball court is 20 feet wide by 44 feet long for both singles and doubles, with a seven-foot non-volley zone (this is called the kitchen) on each side of the net.
- Pickleball is played on a court that is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, which is the same size as a doubles badminton court.
- The court is divided into left and right service courts, as well as a 7-foot non-volley zone, commonly referred to as the "kitchen."
- The net is set at 36 inches on the sidelines and 34 inches in the center.
Learn more about pickleball court dimensions, measurements, and court setup.
Players use a solid pickleball paddle to hit a perforated ball, similar to a wiffle ball. You can find a wide range of paddles from beginner to advanced by shopping all of Selkirk's pickleball paddles, here.
Review the USA Pickleball rulebook, here.
2. Scoring
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Traditional pickleball games are commonly played to 11 points, although some games are played to 15 or 21. The winner must lead by at least two points.
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Under traditional side-out scoring, only the serving player or team can score.
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The serving player or team scores when the opponent commits a fault, such as hitting the ball out, hitting it into the net, or failing to return it.
Some games and tournaments use rally scoring, in which a point is awarded after every rally regardless of which side served. Confirm the scoring format before play begins. Traditional side-out scoring remains the format most beginners learn first.
Learn More: Pickleball Scoring Rules for Beginners
Pro pickleball coach Mark Renneson explains pickleball scoring and serving rules here:
3. Pickleball serving
Each point begins with a serve, which can be done as a drop serve or a volley serve. The server must stand behind the baseline and hit the ball diagonally to the opponent's service court.
Learn more about the two types of pickleball serves.
- At the beginning of a game, the starting team receives only one serving turn before the first side out. This is why a traditional doubles game begins at “0-0-2.”
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After the first side out (serving team lost the rally), both opposing partners receive a serving turn before the serve passes back to the team that started serving the game.
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At the beginning of each new service turn, the first server begins from the right service court.
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If the serving team scores, the server switches sides and continues serving.
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Unless it's the first service of the game, whenever the first server loses a rally, the second partner serves. After the second server loses a rally, the opposing team gains the serve.
In singles, the server serves from the right service court when their score is even and from the left service court when their score is odd. After scoring a point, the server switches sides and serves again.
4. The 2-bounce rule
The two-bounce rule requires the receiving team to let the serve bounce before returning it. The serving team must then let that return bounce before hitting the ball. After these two required bounces—one on each side—either team may volley the ball or play it after a bounce. The rule does not mean the ball can bounce twice on one side.
5. The non-volley zone (aka the pickleball "kitchen")
The non-volley zone, or kitchen, is a 7-foot area on both sides of the net. Players cannot volley the ball (hit the ball out of the air) while standing in the kitchen. If a player steps into the kitchen while volleying the ball, it is considered a fault. Players may enter or stand in the kitchen, but they cannot volley while touching the kitchen or its boundary line. If the ball bounces first, a player may legally step into the kitchen and return it.
Learn more about pickleball kitchen and non-volley-zone rules.
You also cannot land in the pickleball kitchen if your momentum from a volley has taken you into the zone, even if the ball is dead or has already been hit by your opponent. There is no end to the momentum rule.
After being in the kitchen, a player must reestablish both feet completely outside the kitchen before volleying.
Mark Renneson clears up misconceptions and myths about the kitchen in this Selkirk TV video:
Frequently asked questions about pickleball rules
What is the two-bounce rule in pickleball?
The receiving team must let the serve bounce before returning it. The serving team must then let the return bounce before hitting it. After those two required bounces, either team may volley the ball or play it after a bounce.
Can you stand in the kitchen in pickleball?
Yes. Players may stand in or enter the kitchen, but they cannot volley while touching the kitchen or its boundary line. A player may enter the kitchen to return a ball that has bounced.
How many points are needed to win a pickleball game?
Pickleball games are commonly played to 11 points, and the winner must lead by two. Some games and tournaments are played to 15 or 21 points.
Can a pickleball serve land on a line?
A serve that lands on the correct baseline, sideline, or centerline is in. The kitchen line is part of the non-volley zone, so a serve that lands on the kitchen line is out.
What is the difference between traditional and rally scoring?
Under traditional scoring, only the serving player or team can score. Under rally scoring, a point is awarded after every rally regardless of which side served. Confirm the scoring format before play begins.
Conclusion
By understanding the basic rules of pickleball, you'll be well on your way to enjoying this fast-growing game.
You can also sign up for our free Intro to Pickleball Course to learn drills, basic strategy, rules, and much more.
And if you are just getting started in pickleball, here are several resources to learn more about helpful tips and equipment to get you started in the sport!
- The Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners
- 5 Common Beginner Mistakes in Pickleball
- So Now You Play Pickleball - Where To Start For Pickleball Beginners
- Subscribe to Selkirk TV's Youtube Channel: more than 1,000 videos with tips from the pros, highlights, tournament recaps, lesson series, and more!
