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Basic

Pickleball Rules

Scoring

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Serving

Pickleball Rules

Court

Pickleball Rules

Scoring
Games are typically played to 11 points, and you must win by 2 points. However, some variations play to 15 or 21 points.
Serve Rotation
The serving team continues to serve until they commit a fault. After that, the opposing team gets the chance to serve.
serve
The serve must be underhand and made diagonally crosscourt. The server must keep one foot behind the baseline and not step into the non-volley zone (the kitchen) until after the ball has bounced.
Faults on Serve
If the server commits a fault, such as hitting the ball into the net or out of bounds, the opposing team gains the serve.These are some key rules, but there are more nuances to the game.
Faults
Common faults include stepping into the non-volley zone during a volley, hitting the ball out of bounds, or failing to clear the net. A double bounce or hitting the ball before it bounces also results in a fault.
double bounce rule
After the serve, both teams must let the ball bounce once before volleying. After the first two shots (one from each side), the ball can be volleyed (hit without bouncing), but players must stay out of the non-volley zone.
Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen)
Players cannot hit the ball while standing in the non-volley zone unless the ball has bounced. Volleys are not allowed within this 7-foot area from the net.
2023 Official Rulebook Thumbnail
official rules
These are some key rules, but there are more nuances to the game. Download the official rules here.
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Pickleball FAQs

Find answers to common questions and misconceptions about pickleball rules.

What is the scoring system in pickleball?

Games are typically played to 11 points, and you must win by 2 points. However, variations exist, and some games are played to 15 or 21 points.

How is the serve performed in pickleball?

The serve is underhand, and it must be made diagonally crosscourt. The server must keep one foot behind the baseline and not step into the non-volley zone until after the ball has bounced.

What is the Double Bounce Rule?

Both teams must let the ball bounce once before volleying. After the first two shots (one from each side), the ball can be volleyed, but players must stay out of the non-volley zone.

What is the Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen)?

Players cannot hit the ball while standing in the non-volley zone unless the ball has bounced. Volleys are not allowed within this 7-foot area from the net.

What are common faults in pickleball?

Common faults include stepping into the non-volley zone during a volley, hitting the ball out of bounds, failing to clear the net, double bouncing, or hitting the ball before it bounces.

How does the serve rotation work?

The serving team continues to serve until they commit a fault. After that, the opposing team gets the chance to serve.

What happens if there's a fault on the serve?

If the server commits a fault, such as hitting the ball into the net or out of bounds, the opposing team gains the serve.

Can you hit the ball out of the air at any time?

No, after the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before players can volley (hit without bouncing).

Are there specific rules for the dimensions of the court?

Yes, the court is similar to a badminton court, and it has specific dimensions. The net is positioned at the center, and there are non-volley zones on either side.

Is there a limit on the number of players on a pickleball team?

Pickleball is typically played in doubles, but it can also be played in singles. Doubles teams consist of two players each.