Pickleball Rules Explained: A Beginner's Guide to Start Playing

Pickleball is a paddle sport that has been gaining popularity worldwide for its fun, fast-paced gameplay and ease of learning. If you're new to the game, understanding the rules is essential to enjoy and improve your performance. This guide breaks down the core pickleball rules in a friendly and easy-to-understand format.

1. The Court and Equipment

A standard pickleball court measures 20 feet in width and 44 feet in length, identical to a doubles badminton court. The net stands 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center. The game is played with a paddle and a perforated plastic ball, resembling a wiffle ball.

• •Paddles: Lightweight and solid, made from wood or composite materials.
• •Ball: 40+ holes for indoor, 26-40 holes for outdoor (heavier for wind resistance)
• •Footwear: Court shoes designed for lateral support.

2. Basic Objective

The aim of the game is to score points by hitting the ball over the net and into the opponent's court, while avoiding faults such as hitting the ball out of bounds or failing to clear the net. Games are typically played to 11 points, and a team must win by at least two points.

3. Serving Rules

Serving initiates play and must adhere to specific guidelines:

• •Underhand Serve: Must be hit below the waist with an upward motion.
• •Diagonal Direction: The serve must land in the diagonal opponent’s service box.
• •Single Attempt: Only one serve attempt is allowed per server (except in the case of a let).

4. The Two-Bounce Rule

This rule ensures longer rallies and fair play:

1. The receiving team must let the serve bounce before returning it.
2. The serving team must also let the return bounce before playing it.

5. The Non-Volley Zone ("Kitchen")

The kitchen is a 7-foot area on both sides of the net. Players are not allowed to volley (hit the ball in the air) while standing inside this zone. You may enter the kitchen to play a ball that has bounced but must exit before volleying again.

• •Volley Fault: Occurs if you touch the kitchen line during volley
• •Momentum Rule: Must regain balance outside kitchen after hitting a volley

6. Scoring System

Only the serving team can score points. Each player serves until their team commits a fault, then the serve passes to the partner or the opponent. A common scoring format is called “side-out” scoring.

• •Games are usually played to 11 points.
• •Must win by 2 points.
• •Call out score as: server score – receiver score – server number (1 or 2).

7. Common Faults to Avoid

• •Foot Fault: Stepping on baseline during serve • Paddle crossing plane before contact
• •Double Hit: Only allowed if continuous motion • No carried/struck balls
• •Service Lets: Net serves are only replayed if they touch net and land in
• •Hitting the ball out of bounds.
• •Volleying in the non-volley zone.
• •Not allowing the ball to bounce once on each side (violating the two-bounce rule).

8. Doubles vs Singles Play

Doubles is the most common format. While rules are largely similar, serving and court positioning differ slightly in singles. In singles, players serve and receive from the right side when their score is even and from the left side when odd.

9. Pro Tips for New Players

• •Master the "dink shot" - soft arc over net landing in kitchen
• •Practice your serve consistency—it’s how every rally begins.
• •Stay out of the kitchen unless absolutely necessary.
• •Work on your footwork and positioning to improve court coverage.
• •Always track score aloud: "Server Score - Receiver Score - Server Number"
• •Partner communication: "Yours!"/"Mine!" prevents collisions
• •Watch the ball - track until paddle contact
• •Call "OUT" immediately • Any delay = point goes to opponent
• •Watch games and join beginner sessions to learn through observation and play.