Pickleball Rules: A Beginners Guide (2024)

Its kind of hard not to hear about pickleball these days. I’m sure you have plenty of friends who are playing and wanting you to join them on the court.

While the game is super fun, a great workout, and can get very competitive, before you head our there you might want to make sure you have a good understanding of the basic pickleball rules.

This post is designed to be your playbook, as we take a look into the unique rules that set pickleball apart.

From mastering the art of the underhand serve to navigating the nuances of the “Two Bounce Rule” and decoding the mysteries of the non-volley zone affectionately dubbed “the kitchen”, we’ve got you covered.

By the time you reach the end of this post, you will have a great understanding of the core basic rules of pickleball.

So, lace up, grab your paddle, and prepare to immerse yourself in the thrilling universe of basic pickleball rules.

Ready?

Let’s get started.

What Are The Pickleball Rules?

Although pickleball is played on a miniature tennis court, pickleball rules closely resemble that of ping pong and badminton. Here’s a rundown of the pickleball rules:

How the Game is Played?

• Pickleball can be played as singles, skinny singles or most commonly doubles.
• The rules are the same regardless of which you are playing. However, the scoring is slightly different.
• Games are played to 11 points, win by 2.

Scoring and Announcing the Score

• Only the serving team can score points by winning a rally or a fault committed by the other team. The receiving team does not score points until it’s their turn to serve.
• The person on the serving team announces the score. In doubles, the score consists of and is announced as three numbers: 1) the serving team’s score, 2) the opposing team’s score, and 3) the server number (either 1 or 2). In singles, only the first two numbers apply.

Serving Rules

• The server starts the serve from behind the baseline.
• When the server serves, it must be underhanded and have the ball bounce diagonally across the net, landing beyond the non volley zone line. If the ball touches any part of the non volley zone line on the serve, it’s considered a fault.
• The ball for the serve must be dropped at waist level (new rule in 2024).
• The server continues serving until they lose the point.
• The server only gets one attempt at serving, no double faults like in tennis. In 2021, a new rule was introduced that allows lets to be played—meaning that if your serve hits the net and lands in the correct area, the ball is live, and the point should be played.
• There is also the double bounce rule (or two bounce rule). When the server serves, the receiving team must let the ball bounce before returning it. When they return it, the serving team must also let the ball bounce. Hence the name, the double bounce rule (or two bounce rule). This helps with the serve and volley advantage making each team hit a ground stroke before volleying starts.
• In doubles, both players on the serving team get the chance to serve and score points before handing over the serve to the opposing team, except with the first point of the match! That score is announced as 0-0-2.

Faults

Faults are a rules violation that results in a dead ball and the end of a rally. If the receiving team faults, the serving team wins the point. A fault by the serving team means loss of serve. Here are a few of the most common faults in pickleball:

• Hitting the ball out of the air before the serve and also the return bounces.
• Hitting the ball into the net.
• Having the ball bounce outside of the court boundary.
• Hitting the ball after its has bounced more than once.
• Volleying in the non volley zone.
• Touching the line in the non volley zone and hitting the ball before it bounces.

If you’d like to learn about all of the official rules, USA Pickleball has an online version of the 2023 rules.

The Court and Equipment

The Court

The dynamics of a pickleball court are integral to the game and influence how it’s played. Let’s break down these dynamics:

1. Court Size and Structure: A standard pickleball court is the same size as a doubles badminton court, which is 20 feet wide by 44 feet long. The court is divided into two equal sides by a net that is 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches in the middle.
   
2. Non-Volley Zone or “The Kitchen”: One of the significant dynamics of a pickleball court is the non-volley zone, often called “the kitchen.” This no volley zone area extends 7 feet on both sides from the net. Players cannot volley (hit the ball without letting it bounce) within this zone. This rule prevents players from aggressively smashing the ball at the net, keeping the game fair and strategic.
   
3. Service Courts: The remaining area is divided into two service courts on each side, right and left. The server must serve diagonally to the opposite service court. If the ball lands in the correct service court, the play continues; otherwise, it results in a fault.
   
4. Singles and Doubles Play: The dynamics of the court slightly change depending on whether the game is singles or doubles. In doubles, players on the same team alternate shots, adding an extra layer of strategy and communication between teammates.
   
5. Playing Surface: The pickleball court can have different types of surfaces like concrete, asphalt, or even indoor wooden floors. Each surface can affect the bounce and speed of the ball, adding another dynamic to consider.
   

Understanding these dynamics can help you strategize and make the most of your gameplay on the pickleball court.

The Pickleball Paddle

The pickleball paddle is a crucial piece of equipment for the game of pickleball. It’s designed to hit the pickleball, which is a perforated plastic ball. Here’s a rundown of what makes up a pickleball paddle:

1. Size and Shape: Pickleball paddles are larger than ping-pong paddles but smaller than tennis racquets. They’re typically around 8 inches wide and 15 to 17 inches long, though the exact dimensions can vary. Some paddles have a wider body for a larger sweet spot (the optimal place to hit the ball), while others are longer and narrower for more reach.
   
2. Weight: The weight of a pickleball paddle significantly affects its performance. A lighter paddle, often weighing between 6 to 7 ounces, offers more control and quick reactions but less power. In contrast, a heavier paddle, usually weighing between 8 to 9 ounces, provides more power and drive but less control.
   
3. Materials: Pickleball paddles are made from a variety of materials. The most common ones include wood, fiberglass, graphite, and carbon fiber. Each material has its own characteristics – for example, wood paddles are usually heavier and cheaper, while graphite and carbon fiber paddles are lightweight and offer a good balance of power and control.
   
4. Surface: The surface of the paddle, also known as the paddle face or hitting surface, impacts how the ball interacts with the paddle. It can affect factors such as spin, speed, and control.
   
5. Grip: The grip of a pickleball paddle is important for comfort and control when playing. It’s usually made of cushioned, sweat-absorbent material and comes in different sizes to accommodate various hand sizes.
   
6. Core: The core of the paddle influences its behaviour and feel. Common types of cores include Nomex, aluminum, and polymer. Nomex cores are hard and powerful, aluminum cores are soft and provide good control, and polymer cores offer a balance of both.
   

In summary, the pickleball paddle can be tailored to your preference in terms of weight, material, and size. Understanding these aspects can help you choose the right paddle for your style of play.

The Pickleball Ball

The pickleball ball is a key component of the game of pickleball. Here’s everything you need to know about this important piece of equipment:

1. Material: Pickleball balls are made from durable plastic and are designed to withstand the impact of being hit repeatedly during play. They are hollow on the inside, which allows them to bounce and fly through the air.
   
2. Design: The design of a pickleball ball includes several small holes (between 26 and 40 depending on the type of ball) that are evenly spaced around its surface. These holes help the ball maintain a consistent flight path and reduce wind resistance.
   
3. Types: There are two main types of pickleball balls: indoor and outdoor. Indoor balls are softer and have larger holes, making them easier to control but harder to hit with force. Outdoor balls, on the other hand, are slightly harder with smaller holes, making them more resistant to wind and allowing for faster play.
   
4. Weight and Size: A typical pickleball ball weighs around 0.8 to 1.02 ounces (23 to 29 grams) and has a diameter of 2.874 inches (73 mm). This makes it larger and lighter than a table tennis ball, but smaller and heavier than a wiffle ball.
   
5. Color: Pickleball balls come in a variety of colors, but the most common ones are white, yellow, and orange. The color of the ball doesn’t affect the gameplay, but certain colors might be more visible in different playing environments.
   
6. Bounce: In accordance with the official rules, a pickleball ball must have a bounce of 30 to 34 inches when dropped from a height of 78 inches onto a granite surface.
   

In summary, the pickleball ball is specifically designed for the fast-paced, strategic play of pickleball. Its unique design contributes to the distinctive gameplay that sets pickleball apart from other racquet sports.

Pickleball Shoes

Pickleball shoes are specialized footwear designed for the sport of pickleball. They are crucial for performance and safety during the game. Here’s a detailed look at what makes pickleball shoes unique:

1. Support and Stability: Pickleball involves a lot of lateral movements, quick starts and stops, and direction changes. Therefore, pickleball shoes are designed to provide excellent lateral support and stability to handle these quick, abrupt movements.
2. Cushioning and Shock Absorption: These shoes typically have extra cushioning to absorb the shock from constant footwork and jumping. This feature helps protect your feet and joints from injury and fatigue.
3. Sole Design: The soles of pickleball shoes are typically made of gum rubber that provides excellent grip on the court, reducing the risk of slipping. These soles are often patterned to improve traction and accommodate quick lateral movements.
4. Weight: While they are sturdier than regular athletic shoes, pickleball shoes are designed to be relatively lightweight to allow for free mobility and quick reactions on the court.
5. Breathability: Given the high-intensity nature of pickleball, these shoes often have breathable materials to help keep your feet cool and dry during play.
6. Durability: Pickleball can be tough on shoes, given the frequent lateral movements and quick direction changes. Therefore, pickleball shoes are built to be durable and withstand the demands of the game.

In conclusion, while you can play pickleball in regular athletic shoes, having a pair of dedicated pickleball shoes can enhance your performance and comfort on the court. They’re designed with specific features to support the unique movements and demands of pickleball.

Pickleball Bag

A pickleball bag is a specialized piece of equipment designed to carry and protect everything you need for a game of pickleball. Here are some features that define a pickleball bag:

1. Compartments: Unlike traditional gym bags, pickleball bags have plenty of compartments for storing pickle-specific tools. This includes spaces for balls, paddles, and sometimes even shoes or water bottles. The compartments help keep your gear organized and easy to find.
2. Size and Type: The size of a pickleball bag can vary based on a player’s needs. Some players might prefer a larger duffle bag style that can hold multiple paddles, balls, and personal items. Others might opt for a smaller backpack or sling bag style that’s easier to carry and holds just the essentials.
3. Paddle Protection: Pickleball bags often have padded compartments or sleeves to protect your paddles. This padding helps prevent scratches, dings, and other damage that can occur during transport.
4. Material and Durability: These bags are typically made from durable materials that can withstand regular use. They may also feature reinforced stitching or high-quality zippers for added longevity.
5. Comfort and Ease of Use: Many pickleball bags feature adjustable straps for comfortable carrying. Some also offer quick-access pockets for items like keys, cell phones, or wallets.

In summary, a pickleball bag is an essential accessory for regular players. It not only keeps your equipment safe and organized but also adds convenience and efficiency to your pickleball outings.

What is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a game that borrows from several different well-established sports: tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It was created in 1965 by Washington State congressman Joel Pritchard and his friend Bill Bell one summer afternoon. The two men had come home from playing a round of golf to find their kids bored out of their minds.

Pritchard and Bell quickly rummaged through all of the sports equipment in the Pritchard’s garage, finding a badminton net and no badminton rackets. So, they improvised with ping pong paddles and an old wiffle ball. After setting up the net, they handed the paddles to the kids and based the basic rules off badminton, and lowered the net to mimic the height of a tennis net.

That’s how, on a boring summer afternoon, pickleball was born.

Where Can You Play Pickleball?

Pickleball is, thankfully, everywhere. If you haven’t been seeing pickleball on the local courts in the park, there is a good chance you’ll find it being played at your local recreation centers or YMCA.

There are tons of local Facebook groups you can join, ask questions, and meet fellow pickleball enthusiasts. If you live in a pickleball hot spot, there might even be weekly socials where everyone gathers to play and have some drinks afterward. No matter where you live, there is bound to be a pickleball scene waiting for you. More and more tennis venues are adding pickleball. If you still aren’t sure, check out the USA Pickleball’s Places 2 Play.

How Do You Get Started Playing Pickleball?

The best way to get started playing pickleball is to find a group or pickleball club in your area. There are always people looking for new players, and they will be more than happy to help you get started.

You can also check out some of the instructional videos on pickleball rules and how to play pickleball that are available online. Once you have a basic understanding of the game, you can pick up a paddle and start playing! Just go for it!

Pickleball is a great game for all ages and abilities, so don’t be afraid to give it a try. With a little practice, you’ll be serving, volleying, and drinking your way to pickleball glory in no time! We compiled a great list of the best pickleball paddle sets under $100 to get you started!

Conclusion

Pickleball is a sport that is rapidly growing in popularity. It is beginner friendly and accessible, making it a great choice for people of all ages. The rules are simple to learn, but the game can still be complex and challenging. With pickleball being everywhere, there’s no excuse not to give it a try! So, Grab your paddles and your shoes because pickleball has something to offer everyone.