5 Basic Rules of Pickleball Every Player Should Know

Angela Caltagirone Angela Caltagirone
7 minute read

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Key Takeaways:       

  • Understanding the essential rules of pickleball enhances your gameplay, boosts your confidence, and ensures fair play on the court.       

  • Mastering the serve, scoring, court dimensions, faults, and non-volley zone are fundamental steps to becoming a proficient pickleball player.       

  • PB5star's performance-driven gear is designed to complement your knowledge of the game, providing the support you need to play with confidence and style.

Pickleball is all about fun, connection, and competition—but let’s face it, knowing the rules is what makes it all come together. Whether you’re a curious beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, understanding the fundamentals is your ticket to confident play and good vibes on the court.

Think of these rules as your pickleball playbook. They help you avoid those pesky faults, make smart decisions, and keep the game flowing smoothly. Plus, knowing the basics frees you up to focus on what really matters: smashing that perfect shot and sharing a laugh with your fellow players.

In this guide, we’ll dive into five essential pickleball rules that every player should know. From mastering the art of the serve to understanding the court layout, these tips will set you up for success. So, grab your paddle, and let’s unlock the secrets to an exciting and rule-savvy pickleball journey!

Understanding the fundamentals

Pickleball blends elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis into a dynamic and social sport that's captivating players across the nation. The game unfolds on a regulation-sized court measuring 20 feet wide by 44 feet long, where players use solid paddles to rally a perforated plastic ball across the net. 

The beauty of pickleball lies not just in its rules, but in the connections forged and the laughter shared on the court. Grasping these fundamentals is key for players at every level, forming the bedrock for developing technique, strategy, and most importantly, a love for the game. 

1. The serve must be underhand

The serve is crucial in pickleball because it starts every rally. Unlike other racquet sports, pickleball has specific serving rules to ensure fairness and control.

  • How to Serve: The serve must be underhand, and the paddle must strike the ball below your waist (defined as the navel). Overhand serves are not allowed. Players must stand behind the baseline when serving, with at least one foot planted on the ground and no part of the foot touching the court or baseline.

  • Where to Serve: The ball must be served diagonally across the net and land in the opponent's service box without touching the non-volley zone (the kitchen). If the ball hits the net but lands in the correct service area, the serve is still valid, and play continues.

  • Switching Sides: The server alternates sides after each point. Serve from the right side if your score is even and the left side if your score is odd. In doubles, the serving order rotates between partners after each fault.

Mastering a consistent and accurate serve is essential, as a proper serve sets the tone for the rest of the rally.

2. The two-bounce rule

This rule ensures fair play at the start of each rally and prevents overly aggressive net play.

  • After the serve, the receiving team must allow the ball to bounce once before returning it. The serving team must then let the return bounce once on their side before hitting it. Only after these two bounces are players allowed to volley (hit the ball out of the air).

This rule creates a balanced game by giving both teams time to establish their positions before engaging in fast-paced net play. Ignoring this rule results in a fault, and the rally ends.

3. The non-volley zone (kitchen) rule

The non-volley zone, or "kitchen," is a 7-foot area on both sides of the net that adds a layer of strategy and control to the game.

  • What’s Prohibited: You cannot volley (hit the ball out of the air) while standing in the kitchen or if any part of your body or paddle is touching the kitchen boundary lines. Even if you hit a volley outside the kitchen, your momentum cannot carry you into the zone.

  • When It’s Allowed: You can step into the kitchen to hit a ball only if it has bounced first. However, you must exit the kitchen before attempting another volley.

The kitchen rule encourages players to use finesse over power when near the net. Controlled "dinks" (soft shots that land just over the net) are an effective way to challenge opponents while adhering to this rule.

4. Scoring basics

Pickleball has a unique scoring system that is simple once you understand the basics.

  • Scoring in Singles: In singles, the server alternates sides based on their score: serve from the right when the score is even and the left when it’s odd.

  • Scoring in Doubles: Doubles uses a more dynamic system:

    • The score is announced as three numbers: the serving team’s score, the receiving team’s score, and the server number (1 or 2).

    • Each team gets two serves (one per player) per turn. The exception is the first serving turn of the game, where the serving team has only one serve.

    • Points can only be scored by the serving team. If the receiving team wins the rally, they earn the right to serve, not a point.

  • Winning the Game: Matches are typically played to 11 points, and you must win by 2 points. In some competitive settings, games may be extended to 15 or 21 points.

Understanding scoring is vital for maintaining the flow of the game and avoiding confusion during competitive matches.

5. Faults and violations

Faults are rule violations that result in the end of a rally or serve. These include:

  • Serving Faults: If the serve does not land in the correct service box, fails to clear the net, or is served with an illegal motion, it results in a fault.

  • Two-Bounce Rule Violations: If a player volleys the ball before it has bounced once on each side at the start of the rally, it’s a fault.

  • Non-Volley Zone Violations: Stepping into the kitchen while volleying or allowing your momentum to carry you into the kitchen after a volley results in a fault.

  • Out-of-Bounds or Net Faults: Hitting the ball outside the court lines or into the net, or touching the net with your body or paddle during play, ends the rally.

  • Wrong Server or Receiver: In doubles, serving or returning the ball out of turn or from the wrong position is a fault, and the rally is forfeited.

Faults ensure the game remains fair and keep players accountable to the rules.

Ready to hit the court?

Understanding pickleball basic rules paves the way for an enriching and skill-enhancing experience on the court. From mastering serve techniques to skillfully navigating the non-volley zone, these core principles form the foundation of our shared pickleball journey. As we apply these rules, we'll find ourselves making more strategic moves, enhancing our gameplay, and fully embracing the sport's exciting dynamics and social aspects.

Let's challenge ourselves to put these principles into practice during our next match. Together, we'll watch our confidence grow with each rally. For those of us looking to elevate our game, our performance-driven gear at PB5star is crafted to support our progress on the court. And keep an eye out for our upcoming footwear line, designed to boost our mobility and comfort during play. Come join our pickleball family and discover how the right equipment can complement our growing skills. 

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