Pickleball Rules Explained: Scoring, Serving & More

Whether you’re a complete beginner or brushing up for your first tournament, understanding pickleball rules is essential to leveling up your game. From scoring and serving to the mysterious “kitchen,” this guide breaks down everything you need to know about the official and recreational rules of pickleball.

A Quick Introduction to Pickleball

What Is Pickleball and Why Is It Growing So Fast?

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It’s played on a small court with a perforated plastic ball and a paddle, and it appeals to all ages thanks to its simple rules and low barrier to entry. Over the past few years, it has become the fastest-growing sport in America due to its accessibility, social nature, and competitive depth.

Overview of Casual vs. Tournament Rules

In recreational play, rules are often relaxed for fun and pace. Tournament play, governed by USA Pickleball, enforces stricter rules, with specific guidelines on serving, scoring, faults, and player conduct. Knowing the difference ensures you’re ready for any type of match.

Pickleball Court Layout & Positions

Pickleball is played on a 20’ x 44’ court (same size for singles and doubles). The court is divided into several key zones:

• Baseline: The back boundary line on each side.
• Sidelines: The side boundary lines.
• Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen): A 7-foot area on either side of the net where volleys (hitting the ball in the air) are not allowed.
• Service Areas: Two on each side of the net, divided by the centerline.

In singles, each player covers their own side of the court. In doubles, teammates stand on opposite service courts and rotate positions after scoring.

Serving Rules in Pickleball

A legal serve must meet the following criteria:

• Hit underhand with the paddle below the waist.
• Diagonal serve across the court, landing in the opponent’s service box.
• Server must stand behind the baseline without touching the court or the baseline during the serve.

The Two-Bounce Rule

After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce once before returning. Then, the serving team must also let the return bounce once before hitting it. This rule encourages longer rallies and prevents serve-and-volley dominance.

Faults and Let Serves

A fault during a serve (e.g., hitting into the net or out of bounds) ends the serve. If the ball clips the net and still lands in the correct service box, it’s called a let serve—and in most casual play, it’s replayed. Official rules, however, now do not replay let serves.

Scoring in Pickleball – How It Works

Only the serving team can score points. Games are typically played to 11 points, and a team must win by at least 2 points.

• In doubles, if Team A wins a point while serving, they switch sides and continue serving. Each player on the team serves before the serve passes to the opponents, except at the very start of the game.
• In singles, players switch sides when they score a point and always serve from the right on even scores, and left on odd scores.

Calling the Score

Always call the score in three numbers in doubles:

Your team’s score.

Opponent’s score.

Server number (either “1” or “2”).

Example: “4-2-1” means your team has 4 points, opponents have 2, and Player 1 is serving.

The Non-Volley Zone (aka “The Kitchen”)

The non-volley zone, often called “the kitchen,” is one of pickleball’s most unique elements.

• You cannot volley (hit the ball in the air) while standing in the kitchen.
• If you step into the kitchen or touch the line while volleying, it’s a fault.
• You can enter the kitchen to play a ball after it bounces.

Common Kitchen Violations

• Volleying while your momentum carries you into the zone.
• Touching the kitchen line with your paddle or body during a volley.
• Stepping into the zone before the ball bounces.

Faults and Rule Violations to Know

Common faults include:

• Foot faults: Stepping on or over the baseline during a serve.
• Out-of-bounds hits: Any ball that lands outside the court lines.
• Volleying in the kitchen: A major no-no in all play.
• Double hits: Striking the ball twice with one or both hands.
• Body contact: If the ball touches any part of your body, it’s a fault.

Line calls follow the honor system in recreational play—if there’s doubt, the benefit usually goes to the opponent.

Doubles vs. Singles – What Changes?

In doubles, strategy and teamwork are key. You cover half the court and rely on coordinated movement. There are also two servers per side.

In singles, you cover the entire court, which makes it more physically demanding. Only one server per side, and scoring remains the same.

Commonly Misunderstood Pickleball Rules

• Can you volley off a serve?
  No. The ball must bounce once on each side after the serve before a volley is allowed.
• What if the ball hits the line?
  If it touches any part of the line, it’s in—including the kitchen line during a bounce.
• Is paddle spin legal?
  Yes, but you cannot use anything unnatural or foreign (like sticky substances) to enhance spin.

Official vs. Recreational Rules

In casual play, rules can be more relaxed. However, USA Pickleball maintains an official rulebook for tournaments and competitive play.

• Casual rules may allow lets, incorrect serves, or leniency on line calls.
• Official rules are strict to ensure fairness and consistency.

When to use official rules? If you’re preparing for tournaments or playing in a sanctioned league, always follow the USA Pickleball rulebook.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pickleball Rules

Can you step into the kitchen after the ball bounces?

Yes! As long as the ball bounces before you enter the kitchen, you’re allowed to step in and return it.

How many serves do you get in pickleball?

Each server gets one chance per turn. A fault ends your serve—except in doubles, where each partner gets a chance (except at the game start).

Who serves first in a pickleball game?

In doubles, the team on the right side starts serving, but only one player serves before the other team takes over.

What happens if the ball hits your body?

It’s a fault if the ball touches any part of your body or clothing before it bounces.

Are there different rules for indoor vs. outdoor pickleball?

The core rules are the same, but the ball type differs. Indoor balls are softer and have larger holes, while outdoor balls are harder and better suited for wind resistance.

Learn the Rules, Level Up Your Game

Whether you’re playing for fun or gearing up for competition, understanding pickleball rules can make the game more enjoyable and rewarding. From mastering the serve to navigating the kitchen, the more you know, the better you’ll play.

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