Pickleball is a fun sport for people of all ages. It is easy to learn. But to play well, you need to know the rules. This article will explain the basic rules of pickleball. After reading, you will have a good idea about how to play the game.
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a game played with a paddle and a plastic ball. It is played on a court similar to a badminton court. Players hit the ball back and forth over a net. The goal is to score points by making the ball land in the opponent’s court.
Pickleball Court and Equipment
The court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. A net divides the court in half. The net height is 36 inches at the sides and 34 inches in the center.
Players use a paddle to hit the ball. The ball is made of plastic and has holes. You need proper shoes to avoid slipping on the court.
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Number of Players
You can play pickleball as singles or doubles. Singles means one player on each side. Doubles means two players on each side. The rules are the same for both, but doubles use different serving rules.
How to Start the Game: The Serve
Every point starts with a serve. The serve must be done underhand. You hit the ball below your waist. The ball must go diagonally to the opponent’s service court.
The server must stand behind the baseline. They cannot step on or inside the baseline when serving. The ball must clear the non-volley zone (also called the kitchen).
If the serve hits the net but lands in the correct court, you get a “let” and serve again. If the serve is wrong, the other team gets the ball.
The Non-Volley Zone (The Kitchen)
The kitchen is a 7-foot area on both sides of the net. You cannot hit the ball in the air (volley) while standing inside the kitchen. You can only hit the ball after it bounces if you are in the kitchen.
This rule stops players from standing at the net and smashing the ball all the time.
How to Play the Ball
After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side. This means the receiving team must let the ball bounce before hitting it. Then, the serving team must also let the ball bounce once before returning it.
After these two bounces, players can hit the ball in the air or after a bounce.
Scoring in Pickleball
You can only score points when you are serving. If the serving team wins the rally, they get a point. If the receiving team wins, no point is given, but they get the serve.
Games are usually played to 11 points. You must win by 2 points. Sometimes, games go longer if the score is close.
Serving Rules in Doubles
In doubles, both players get a chance to serve before the ball goes to the other team. The first server serves from the right side. If they win a point, they switch sides and serve again.
When they lose a point, the second player serves. After the second player loses a point, the serve goes to the other team.
Faults and When Points End
A fault ends the rally. Faults happen when:
- The ball is hit out of bounds.
- The ball does not clear the net.
- You volley the ball in the kitchen.
- The ball bounces twice on your side.
- You hit the ball before it bounces on the serve return.
- The serve is not done correctly.
When a fault happens, the other team gets the ball or a point depending on the serve.
Calling the Score
Before each serve, you must say the score out loud. Say the server’s score first. Then the receiver’s score. In doubles, say which server it is (first or second).
For example, say “5-3-1” if the serving team has 5 points, the other team has 3 points, and it is the first server.
Basic Tips to Remember
- Always serve underhand and diagonally.
- Let the ball bounce once on each side after the serve.
- Do not step into the kitchen to volley.
- You only score points when serving.
- Call the score before every serve.
Summary Table: Pickleball Rules at a Glance
| Rule | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Serve | Underhand, diagonal, behind baseline |
| Non-Volley Zone | No volleying inside the kitchen (7 feet from net) |
| Ball Bounce | Ball must bounce once on each side after serve |
| Scoring | Only serving team scores points |
| Faults | Ball out of bounds, net faults, kitchen volley faults |
| Doubles Serving | Both players serve before the ball goes to opponents |
| Winning | First to 11 points, must win by 2 points |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The 10 Rules Of Pickleball For Beginners?
The 10 beginner pickleball rules: Serve underhand, serve diagonally, ball bounces once each side, no volley in the kitchen, score only on serve, call score before serve, alternate serves, faults end rallies, switch sides after points, and follow court boundaries.
What Are The 5 Rules In Pickleball?
The 5 pickleball rules are: serve underhand diagonally, ball bounces once per side, no volley in the kitchen, only score on serve, and alternate serving sides.
What Are The 7 Rules Of Pickleball?
The 7 rules of pickleball: Serve underhand diagonally, ball bounces once per side, no volley in the kitchen, score only on serve, call score before serving, alternate serves in doubles, and rallies continue until a fault.
What Are The 5 P’s Of Pickleball?
The 5 P’s of pickleball are Preparation, Position, Patience, Placement, and Power. They improve gameplay and strategy effectively. Preparation means readiness; Position focuses on court placement; Patience waits for the right shot; Placement targets strategic spots; Power finishes points decisively.
Conclusion
Pickleball is easy to learn with simple rules. Knowing the rules helps you enjoy the game more. It also makes the game fair for everyone.
Start with serving, scoring, and the kitchen rules. Then practice to get better. Pickleball is a great way to stay active and have fun with friends.