The Rules of Pickleball: A Comprehensive Guide for Enthusiasts

Pickleball is an exciting sport blending tennis, badminton, and table tennis, played on a badminton-sized court with a paddle and a perforated plastic ball. This guide outlines its rules, ensuring players of all levels enjoy the game to the fullest.

The Basics of Pickleball

• Game Format: Played as singles (1 player per side) or doubles (2 players per side).
• Objective: Score points by hitting the ball over the net into the opponent’s court, making it unreturnable.
• Scoring: Games go to 11 points, with a 2-point win margin required.

 

Court and Equipment

Court Dimensions

• Size: 20 feet wide and 44 feet long (same as a doubles badminton court).
• Net Height: 36 inches at the sidelines, 34 inches at the center.

Equipment

• Paddles: Made of wood, composite, or graphite.
• Ball: A perforated plastic ball, resembling a wiffle ball.

 

Serving Rules

Starting the Serve

• Underhand Motion: Paddle contacts the ball below the waist.
• Position: The server stands behind the baseline, within the sideline and centerline boundaries.

Service Area

• Serve diagonally into the opponent’s service court.
• The ball must clear the non-volley zone ("kitchen").

Faults During Serve

• Ball lands outside the correct service court.
• Ball touches the net and doesn’t land in the correct service court.
• Server steps on/over the baseline.

Doubles Serving

• Both team members serve in doubles, except at the game’s start, where only one player serves for the initial serving team.

 

Scoring Rules

• Points: Scored only by the serving team.
• Winning a Point: Opponents fail to return the ball or commit a fault.
• Winning the Game: Standard games are played to 11 points (or 15/21 in competitive play), with a 2-point lead required.

 

The Double Bounce Rule

• Purpose: Encourages fair play and longer rallies.
• How It Works:
1. After the serve, the receiving team lets the ball bounce once before returning it.
2. The serving team lets the return bounce once before hitting.

• After these two bounces, players may volley (hit without a bounce) or play off a bounce.

 

The Non-Volley Zone ("The Kitchen")

• Definition: A 7-foot area extending from the net on both sides.
• Rules:
• Players cannot volley while in the kitchen.
• Players may enter to hit a bounced ball but must exit before volleying.
• Violating this rule results in a fault.

 

Faults in Pickleball

Common faults include:

• Hitting the ball out of bounds.
• Failing to clear the net.
• Volleying in the kitchen.
• Breaking the double bounce rule.

Strategy and Etiquette

Positioning

• In doubles, players often stay near the kitchen line to minimize opponents’ angles and dominate the net.

Sportsmanship

• Respect opponents and avoid unnecessary delays.
• Make fair line calls and maintain clear communication with your partner.

Conclusion

Pickleball’s straightforward rules make it a welcoming sport for all. By mastering serving, scoring, and gameplay essentials like the double bounce rule and kitchen regulations, you’ll enjoy the game whether for leisure or competition.

So grab your paddle, hit the court, and experience the thrill of pickleball!