Feb 21, 2023

The Rules of Playing Pickleball

pickleball on a court line out of bounds

Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned player, it's essential to understand the rules and regulations of pickleball to play safely and fairly. In this guide, we'll outline the basic rules of pickleball to help you get started.

Court and Equipment

A pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, with a net 36 inches high at the ends and 34 inches tall in the middle.
The court is divided into halves by a centerline, and a non-volley zone (also known as the kitchen) extends 7 feet from the net on both sides.
Players use paddles to hit a perforated plastic ball over the net and onto the opponent's court.
The serve must be made diagonally and must clear the non-volley zone.

Scoring

Points are scored only by the serving team.
Games are typically played to 11 points, and the winning team must win by two points.
A player must be serving to score a point, and the serve rotates between teams after each point.
If the serving team loses a rally, they lose the serve, and the opposing team serves.

Serving

The serve must be made underhand, with the paddle below the waist.
The serve must be made diagonally across the court and must land in the opposite diagonal service court.
The server must keep one foot behind the baseline and may not touch the court or the non-volley zone until the ball has been struck.

Volleying and Non-Volley Zone

A volley is a shot hit in the air before it bounces on the court.
Players cannot volley a ball while standing in the non-volley zone, also known as the kitchen.
If a player hits a volley while standing in the kitchen, it is a fault, and the opposing team scores a point.

Faults

A fault is any violation of the rules, such as hitting a ball out of bounds or not clearing the net on a serve.
If a fault is committed, the opposing team scores a point and takes over the serve.

In conclusion, these are the basic rules of pickleball. There are additional rules and regulations for competitive play, but understanding these basic rules will allow you to start playing and enjoying the game. Remember to always play fair and have fun!