Pickleball is a fun sport. Many people enjoy playing it. But to play well, you need to know the rules. Here, we explain the 10 main rules of pickleball. These rules help players enjoy the game and play fair.
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1. The Serve Must Be Underhand
When you start the point, you must serve the ball underhand. This means your paddle must hit the ball below your waist. You cannot hit it overhand or sidearm.
The serve must go diagonally across the court. You serve to the player opposite you in the other service box.
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2. Serve Diagonally
The serve must go to the diagonal service court. If you serve it straight or to the wrong side, it is a fault.
For example, if you serve from the right side, the ball must land in the opponent’s right service box.
3. Only the Serving Team Can Score Points
Points are scored only when the serving team wins the rally. If the receiving team wins the rally, they get the serve but no point.
This rule makes the game exciting. Teams must keep their serve to score points.
4. The Double Bounce Rule
This is an important rule. The ball must bounce once on each side before players can hit it in the air.
- The receiving team must let the serve bounce once before returning it.
- The serving team must also let the return bounce once before volleying.
After these two bounces, players can volley or hit the ball after a bounce.
5. No Volleying in the Non-Volley Zone
There is a special area called the non-volley zone or “kitchen.” It is a 7-foot area from the net on both sides.
Players cannot hit the ball in the air while standing inside this zone. They can only hit after the ball bounces.
This rule stops players from standing too close to the net and hitting quick shots.
6. Faults Cause the Loss of Rally
A fault means a mistake in the game. Faults cause the team to lose the rally.
Common faults include:
- Hitting the ball out of bounds
- Not clearing the net
- Volleying in the kitchen
- Serving wrong
When a fault happens, the other team gets the serve or a point.
7. The Ball Must Stay Inside the Court Boundaries
Players must hit the ball inside the court lines. If the ball lands outside, it is out.
Lines are part of the court. If the ball touches the line, it is in.
Being aware of boundaries helps players play fair and safe.
8. The Serve Must Clear the Non-Volley Zone
The serve must clear the non-volley zone. The ball cannot land in the kitchen on the serve.
If the serve lands in the kitchen, it is a fault. The other team gets the serve or point.
9. Players Switch Sides After Each Game
When one game ends, teams switch sides of the court. This helps fairness.
Switching sides balances out any court advantages, like wind or sunlight.
10. Winning the Game
Games are usually played to 11 points. But a team must win by 2 points.
For example, if the score is 10-10, play continues until a team leads by 2.
This rule keeps the game close and fair.
Summary Table of Pickleball Rules
| Rule Number | Rule | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Underhand Serve | Serve below waist level with paddle |
| 2 | Diagonal Serve | Serve must go to opposite service box |
| 3 | Points Only on Serve | Only serving team scores points |
| 4 | Double Bounce Rule | Two bounces before volley allowed |
| 5 | No Volley in Kitchen | No hitting ball in air in non-volley zone |
| 6 | Faults | Errors cause loss of rally |
| 7 | Ball Inside Boundaries | Ball must land inside court lines |
| 8 | Serve Clears Kitchen | Serve cannot land in non-volley zone |
| 9 | Switch Sides | Teams change sides after each game |
| 10 | Winning the Game | Play to 11 points, win by 2 |
Extra Tips to Remember
Besides rules, there are five key principles in pickleball:
- Preparation: Be ready before every serve or shot.
- Position: Stand in the right spot on the court.
- Patience: Wait for the right moment to hit.
- Placement: Aim your shots to smart areas.
- Power: Use strength wisely to score points.
These ideas help players play better and enjoy the game more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Golden Rule Of Pickleball?
The golden rule of pickleball is the double bounce rule: let the ball bounce once on each side before volleying. This ensures fair play and rally consistency.
What Are The 5 P’s Of Pickleball?
The 5 P’s of pickleball are Preparation, Position, Patience, Placement, and Power. They guide players to improve skills and strategy. Preparation means readiness; Position focuses on court awareness. Patience ensures timing; Placement targets strategic shots, and Power helps finish points effectively.
What Are The 5 Rules In Pickleball?
The 5 rules of pickleball are: serve underhand and diagonal, only the server scores, follow the double bounce rule, avoid volleying in the non-volley zone, and faults lose the rally.
What Are The New 2025 Rules For Pickleball?
The 2025 pickleball rules require underhand, diagonal serves below the waist. Only servers score points. The double bounce rule stands: both teams must let the ball bounce once before volleying. Players cannot volley in the non-volley zone (“kitchen”). Faults result in losing the rally immediately.
Conclusion
Pickleball is easy to learn. The 10 rules keep the game fair and fun.
Remember the serve rules, scoring, and the kitchen limits.
Practice the double bounce and stay inside the lines.
Follow these rules, and you will enjoy playing pickleball every time.