Pickleball Rules for Doubles: A Complete Guide

Doubles is one of the most popular forms of the game, which comes with its own set of benefits, including fast-paced action, social interaction, and mental complexity. Despite the fact that many of the rules for doubles are similar to those for singles, there are some rules that only apply to doubles. This article is a complete guide to the rules and tactics of pickleball doubles, which will help anyone to enjoy the game.

Court Dimensions and Players

The game is played on a standard pickleball court (20 feet wide and 44 feet long) and each team consists of two players. The court has service areas and the non-volley zone (the "kitchen") on either side of the net.

The first team assumes one player in the right service court and the other in the left. Positions shift during the game based on the serving and scoring rules.

Serving Rules

The first serve of the game goes to the serving team from the right service court, diagonally.

Underhand Serve: The serve has to be underhand, that is, with contact below the waist.

One Attempt: There is only one chance per serve, except for a let (when the ball hits the net but lands properly).

Two-Bounce Rule

The receiving side must allow the ball to bounce before returning it.

The serving side also has to allow the ball to bounce before they can make their next shot.

This rule slows the game down at first, and it allows the players to place themselves in the best positions.

Scoring and Service Sequence

Only the serving team can score points. Games are played through to 11 points, and a team has to lead by two points.

Serving Order: The player in the right service court serves first. When the serving team wins a point, the server moves to the other service court and continues. Or, if the first server loses the serve, the second player serves. A "side out" happens when both players on one side lose their serve, and the serve goes to the opposite side.

Kitchen Rules

You cannot volley (hit the ball in the air) in the kitchen or follow through into it.

You can enter the kitchen to play a ball that has bounced there.

Doubles Rules Faults

• Faults are consequences of losing a rally or serve and include:
• Serving in the wrong area.
• Hitting the ball out of play.
• Breaking the two-bounce rule.
• Volleying in the kitchen.

Conclusion

Pickleball doubles is a fun and social way of playing the game that also requires strategy and communication between the partners. Therefore, knowing these rules, anyone can enjoy the game and have a fun time playing it at any level of skill.