Pickleball is a fun sport. It is easy to learn. Many people play it in parks and clubs. If you want to join, you need to know the rules. This guide explains the main rules of pickleball. It uses simple words. So, everyone can understand.
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a game that uses a paddle and a plastic ball with holes. It is played on a small court. The net is low. The game is like tennis, but easier. You can play singles or doubles.
The Pickleball Court
The court is smaller than a tennis court. It is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. The net is 36 inches high at the sides. It is 34 inches high in the middle.
There is a special area called the “kitchen.” It is also called the non-volley zone. It is 7 feet from the net on each side. You must know the kitchen rules. They are very important.
How to Serve in Pickleball
The serve starts the game. Here are the main serving rules:
- You must serve underhand. The paddle must be below your waist.
- Stand behind the baseline when you serve.
- The serve must go diagonally to the opposite service court.
- The ball must clear the kitchen area and land in the service box.
If your serve does not go into the correct area, it is a fault. The other team gets the ball.
The Two-Bounce Rule
This rule helps make the game fair. Here is how it works:
- The ball must bounce once on the receiver’s side after the serve.
- Then, the ball must bounce once on the server’s side after the return.
- After these two bounces, players can hit the ball before it bounces. This is called volleying.
The two-bounce rule stops players from smashing the ball too fast. It makes the game more fun and safe.
The No-Volley Zone or Kitchen Rule
The kitchen is a special zone near the net. It is 7 feet from the net on both sides. You cannot hit the ball in the air while standing in the kitchen.
- If you step into the kitchen and volley the ball, it is a fault.
- You can enter the kitchen to hit a ball that bounces there.
- Always keep your feet out of the kitchen when volleying.
This rule stops players from standing too close to the net and hitting quick shots.
Scoring in Pickleball
Pickleball scoring is simple but different from tennis. Here are the main points:
- Only the serving team can score points.
- You get a point when the other team makes a mistake.
- A game is played to 11 points. You must win by 2 points.
- If the score is tied at 10-10, the game continues until a team leads by 2 points.
Before each serve, the server must say the score. The score includes three numbers:
| Number | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 1st number | Serving team’s score |
| 2nd number | Receiving team’s score |
| 3rd number | Server number (1 or 2 in doubles) |
For example, “4-3-2” means the serving team has 4 points, the other team 3, and the second server is serving.
Serving Order in Doubles
In doubles, both players get to serve before the ball goes to the other team.
- The first server starts from the right side.
- If the serving team wins the point, the server moves to the left side to serve.
- If the serving team loses the point, the second player serves.
- When both players lose their serve, the serve goes to the other team.
This rule helps keep the game fair for both teams.
How to Win a Point
You win a point when the other team makes a mistake. Mistakes can be:
- The ball bounces twice before being hit.
- The ball goes out of the court.
- A player volleys the ball in the kitchen.
- The serve does not land in the right service box.
- The ball does not clear the net.
When a mistake happens, the other team gets the point or the serve.
General Rules and Faults
Here are some important general rules and faults:
- You cannot hit the ball twice in a row.
- The ball must stay inside the court lines.
- Players must not touch the net with their bodies or paddles.
- Players cannot step into the kitchen to volley the ball.
- Players must follow the two-bounce rule before volleying.
Breaking these rules causes a fault. The other team wins the point or serve.
Credit: www.tennisatbradentoncc.com
Tips for New Players
Pickleball is easy to start. Here are some tips:
- Practice serving underhand and hitting the ball softly.
- Learn to keep the ball inside the court lines.
- Remember the two-bounce rule before you volley.
- Stay outside the kitchen when hitting volleys.
- Listen to the score before you serve.
These tips will help you enjoy the game more.
Credit: hubsportsboston.com
Summary of Important Pickleball Rules
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Serving | Underhand, behind baseline, diagonal to service box. |
| Two-Bounce Rule | Ball must bounce once on each side before volley. |
| Kitchen Rule | No volleying while standing in the kitchen. |
| Scoring | Only serving team scores. Game to 11, win by 2. |
| Faults | Ball out, double bounce, kitchen volley, wrong serve. |
Final Thoughts
Pickleball is a great sport for all ages. The rules are simple and easy to learn. You can play with friends or family. Remember the kitchen and two-bounce rules. Practice serving and scoring. Then, enjoy the game!
Now, you know the basic rules of pickleball. Go outside and play!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Rules Of Pickleball For Beginners?
Pickleball beginners must serve underhand diagonally from behind the baseline. The ball and return must bounce once each before volleying. Avoid volleying in the no-volley zone (“kitchen”). Only the serving team scores. In doubles, both players serve before switching sides.
Always call the score before serving.
What Is The Golden Rule Pickleball?
The golden rule in pickleball is the two-bounce rule: the serve and return must bounce once each before volleying. This ensures fair play and controls fast-paced exchanges. It prevents players from hitting volleys immediately, maintaining game balance and safety on the court.
What Are The 5 Rules In Pickleball?
1. Serve underhand diagonally from behind the baseline. 2. Both serve and return must bounce once before volleying (two-bounce rule). 3. Only serve side can score points. 4. No volleying inside the non-volley zone (“kitchen”). 5. Call the score before serving.
What Are The 10 Rules Of Pickleball?
The 10 rules of pickleball: Serve underhand diagonally; only the serving team scores; both serve before switching; state score before serving; ball bounces twice before volley; no volleying in the kitchen; kitchen is a no-volley zone; keep ball in play; faults cause loss of serve; win by 2 points.