The Rules of Pickleball: A Comprehensive Guide
The Rules of Pickleball
Pickleball is an exciting sport that is rapidly gaining popularity across the globe. It combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis to create a unique and challenging game. Whether you’re playing it in your backyard or at a local court, pickleball is sure to provide hours of fun for all ages! If you’re new to the sport, this comprehensive guide on the rules to pickleball is the perfect place to start!
So, without further ado, let's dive headfirst into the pickleball rules!
Court and Equipment
A pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, the same size as a doubles badminton court, and the same court is used for singles and doubles. The net is 36 inches high at the posts and 34 inches high in the middle. On each side of the net is a 7-foot non-volley zone, nicknamed the kitchen, that runs the full width of the court.
Players use a solid paddle made of wood, composite, or another material. The ball is a perforated plastic ball, a little under three inches across and much lighter than a tennis ball.
Scoring
In traditional side-out scoring, only the serving team can score a point. A point is scored when the other team faults, for example by hitting the ball out of bounds or into the net, or by failing to return it. Games are usually played to 11 points and must be won by at least 2 points, so a game does not end at 11-10; play continues until a team leads by two. Some events play to 15 or 21, and some leagues use rally scoring, where either team can score on every rally.
Serves
To start each rally, the serving player serves diagonally cross-court into the opposite service court. The serve must be hit underhand, either as a volley serve (hit out of the air with an upward arc, paddle head below the wrist, contact below the navel) or as a drop serve (drop the ball and hit it after it bounces, with no restriction on arm motion). The serve must clear the non-volley zone and its line, and may land on any other line of the service court. The server gets one attempt, and the server's feet can't touch the court inside the baseline. A serve that clips the net and lands in the correct service court is now played as a good serve; there is no replay. If the serve is a fault, the serve passes to the other team (or to the partner, in doubles), and the other team does not automatically score a point.
The Two-Bounce Rule
After the serve, each team must let the ball bounce once on its side before hitting it. That means the serve must bounce before the receiver returns it, and the serving team must then let the return bounce before hitting it. This is the two-bounce (or double-bounce) rule. After those two bounces, either team can hit the ball in the air (volley) or after a bounce (groundstroke). The rule helps keep the server's team from rushing the net on the first shot and keeps rallies going.
The Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone)
You cannot volley the ball (hit it out of the air) while standing in the non-volley zone or touching its lines. Your momentum also can't carry you into the zone after a volley. You can step into the kitchen at any time to hit a ball that has bounced, but you must leave it before volleying again.
Dinking
Dinking is a common strategy in pickleball where players hit soft, low shots that land in the opponent's kitchen. Dinks keep the ball low and make it hard for opponents to attack, so they are a useful tool for setting up scoring opportunities.
Singles and Doubles Play
Pickleball can be played as singles (one player per side) or doubles (two players per side). In doubles, both partners on the serving side get to serve before the serve goes to the other side, except at the start of a game, when the first serving side only gets one server. In singles, the server serves from the right when their score is even and the left when it is odd, and there is only one server per side.
Common Faults
Some common faults include:
Foot fault: The server steps on or inside the baseline (or outside the extended sideline or centerline) while serving.
Volleying in the kitchen: Hitting the ball out of the air while standing in or touching the non-volley zone.
Hitting the ball out of bounds or into the net. A ball that lands on a line is in.
Violating the two-bounce rule: volleying the serve or the return of serve before it has bounced.
Touching the net with your body or paddle, or hitting the ball twice, during a rally.
Rules for Pickleball Paddles
In sanctioned play, paddles must meet equipment rules set by USA Pickleball. These limit the paddle's size (the combined length and width can't exceed 24 inches, and the length can't exceed 17 inches), require a solid, non-moving face, and restrict surface texture and certain surface treatments. There is no weight limit. Check the current USA Pickleball approved paddle list before buying a paddle for tournament play.
Tips for Beginners
Here are a few pointers to get you started if you're new to pickleball:
Begin with a simple forehand stroke to become familiar with the ball and the paddle.
Practice your serve: a consistent serve keeps you in the rally.
Stay low: because pickleball requires a lot of movement, it's critical to stay low and agile.
Understand how to read your opponent's shots: to predict your opponent's next move, pay attention to their body language and position on the court.
Don't be afraid to seek assistance: ask a coach or a more experienced player for advice.
Conclusion
We hope these rules and tips have helped you understand the fundamentals of pickleball. For tournament play, check the current USA Pickleball rulebook, since rules are updated periodically. With a little practice and strategic thinking, you'll be well on your way to becoming a pickleball pro in no time!