Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world — and for good reason. It's fun, social, easy to learn, and offers a great workout. Whether you're brand new to the court or just need a refresher, this guide will break down the basic rules of pickleball, how scoring works, and the key differences between singles and doubles play.
The Basics of Pickleball
Pickleball is played on a court similar in size to a badminton court (20x44 feet) with a net that is 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center. It combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong.
You play with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes — think a bigger ping-pong paddle and a lighter wiffle ball. The game can be played as singles (1v1) or doubles (2v2).
Basic Rules of Play
1. Serving Rules
- The serve must be made underhand, with the paddle contacting the ball below the waist.
- The server must stand behind the baseline and serve diagonally to the opposite service court.
- The serve must clear the non-volley zone ("the kitchen") and land in the correct service box.
- Only one serve attempt is allowed (except for the starting serve in doubles).
2. The Double Bounce Rule
- After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce before returning it.
- Then, the serving team must let the return bounce before hitting it.
- After these two bounces, players may volley or hit groundstrokes.
3. The Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen)
- Players cannot volley (hit out of the air) while in the kitchen or touching the kitchen line.
- You can hit the ball in the kitchen if it bounces first.
- Touching the kitchen during a volley is a fault.
Pickleball Scoring Rules
In most standard games, only the serving team can score points. Games are typically played to 11 points, and a team must win by 2.
Calling the Score in Doubles
The score has three numbers:
- Serving team score
- Receiving team score
- Server number (1 or 2)
Example: 5-3-2 means the serving team has 5 points, the receivers have 3, and server #2 is serving.
Calling the Score in Singles
There are only two numbers — your score and your opponent’s. Call your score first before each serve.
Differences Between Singles and Doubles Pickleball
| Aspect | Singles | Doubles |
|---|---|---|
| Players | 1 vs. 1 | 2 vs. 2 |
| Serving Rotation | Switch sides after each point | Each player serves before side out (except game start) |
| Court Coverage | Full court by one player | Shared coverage |
| Strategy | Focus on endurance and precision | Teamwork and positioning |
| Scoring Call | 2-number format | 3-number format |
When Do You Switch Sides?
- Singles: Switch sides of the court after each point won.
- Doubles: Only the serving team switches sides after scoring a point. Receiving team stays put.
Final Thoughts
Pickleball is quick to learn, but the strategies and skills can take time to master. Whether you're a solo player or teaming up with friends, understanding the rules helps you play more confidently and have more fun on the court.
So grab a paddle, hit the court, and dink away!
Leave a comment
All comments are moderated before being published.
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.