Pickleball is a fun and fast-paced paddle sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. It’s a great activity for people of all ages and skill levels, and with its easy-to-learn rules, you can be on the court and rallying in no time.
This guide will introduce you to the fundamental rules of pickleball, including:
- Playing format: Singles or doubles
- Scoring: Serving team wins the point
- Serving: Underhand serve from behind the baseline
- The double bounce rule: The ball must bounce once on each side before being volleyed
- The non-volley zone (kitchen): Players cannot volley the ball while standing in this area
By understanding these basic principles, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a friendly game of pickleball.
Playing Format in Pickleball (Basic Rule)
Pickleball can be enjoyed as a singles or doubles game. In singles, each player faces off against one another from opposite sides of the court. Doubles play features two players per team, working together to strategize and return shots.
The Serving Team Takes the Point
Unlike tennis where any player can win a point, in pickleball, only the serving team can score. The receiving team needs to return the serve and win the subsequent rallies to gain the opportunity to serve and earn points themselves. Games typically go to 11 points, with a lead of at least two points required to win.
Underhand Serve from the Baseline
The serve in pickleball is an underhand motion. The server must stand behind the baseline (the back line of the court) and hit the ball diagonally into the opponent’s service court (the diagonally opposed area on the other side of the net). The serve must bounce once in the opponent’s service court before they can return it.
The Double Bounce Rule
A unique aspect of pickleball is the double bounce rule. This rule states that both the serving team and the receiving team must allow the ball to bounce once on their side of the court before volleying it (hitting the ball in mid-air) back over the net. This slows down the game compared to tennis and allows for more strategic rallies.
Understanding the Non-Volley Zone
The non-volley zone, also known as the kitchen, is the area extending seven feet from the net on both sides of the court. Players are not allowed to volley the ball while standing within the non-volley zone. This rule promotes aggressive net play but prevents players from camping out too close to the net and dominating with volleys.
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