Pickleball Rules & Guide
The Court and Equipment
Pickleball is played on a 20 x 44 foot court, similar in width to a badminton court, with a tennis-style net and a non-volley zone known as the “kitchen” extending seven feet from the net on each side.
You will need a pickleball paddle and a perforated plastic ball. The game is designed to be accessible, with minimal cost and maximum portability.
How to Serve
The serve must be made underarm, with the paddle contact below the wrist, and sent diagonally into the opponent’s service court, landing beyond the non-volley zone (the kitchen).
Two serve options are permitted: a volley serve (striking the ball without it touching the ground) or a drop serve (dropping the ball and allowing it to bounce before hitting).
Two-Bounce Rule
After the serve, the receiving side must let the ball bounce once before returning it. Once returned, the serving side must also allow one bounce before continuing play. After those two bounces, volleys (hitting the ball out of the air) are permitted, except in the kitchen.
The Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone)
The kitchen stretches seven feet from each side of the net. Players may not volley while standing inside or touching the kitchen lines. If the ball bounces in the kitchen, you may step in to play it, but must exit before volleying again.
Momentum matters: even if you swing from outside, any contact that causes you to step into the kitchen during the stroke is a fault.
Scoring and Serve Sequence
Only the serving side may score points. If they win the rally, they earn a point and continue serving, alternating service courts after each rally. If they lose the rally, the serve passes to the opponent (known as a side-out).
Standard games are played to 11 points. The winning side must lead by at least two points. Common formats include best-of-three games and variations up to 21 points in tournaments.
Faults – What to Avoid
A fault ends the rally and awards the point to the other side. Common faults include:
- Serving improperly (e.g. ball lands in the kitchen or outside the opposite court)
- Volleying in the kitchen or touching the kitchen line while volleying
- Allowing the ball to bounce twice before returning
- Hitting the ball out of bounds or into the net
- Stepping on or over the baseline or sidelines during a serve
- Contacting the net or crossing into the opponent’s side during play
Non-volley zone faults can be called on opponents or yourself. If there is disagreement, the rally is replayed.
Player Conduct and Line Calls
Pickleball operates on the honour system. Each player or team makes line calls for their side. Unless disputed, calls stand. If in doubt, it is customary to call the ball “in.”
Courtesy, prompt calls and fair play are expected to help the sport remain friendly and enjoyable.
Beginner Tips and Strategy
- After serving, transition quickly to the kitchen line. This gives control over short play and touch shots such as dinks and drop shots (soft, arcing returns near the kitchen).
- Use a loose paddle grip for precision on touch shots. Avoid flicking the wrist; instead, lead with the shoulder for greater control.
- Stay low with bent knees and keep the paddle in a ready position above the chest for quicker reactions.
Why People Love Pickleball
Pickleball’s popularity is rooted in its accessibility and social appeal. It requires less time and physical strain than tennis, while offering significant cardiovascular and cognitive benefits.
The sport’s compact court size, easy-to-learn rules and strong community ethos make it ideal for players of all ages and abilities.
Summary Table
| Rule Element | Key Point |
|---|---|
| Serve | Underarm, diagonal, must clear kitchen |
| Two-Bounce Rule | Both sides must let one bounce before volleying |
| Kitchen Restrictions | No volleys or line contact in non-volley zone |
| Scoring | Only server scores; win to 11 by 2 |
| Faults | Range from kitchen or serve errors to double bounce |
| Line Calls and Conduct | Honour system; fairness expected |
| Strategy Tips | Transition early, use touch shots, stay low |
| Why Play? | Accessible, social and beneficial to health |
Our Community Invitation
At Volleyer, we believe learning the game should be as enjoyable as playing it. We offer clear, accessible guides, discussion forums to ask questions and a growing network of players ready to welcome new members.
Whether you are just starting or looking to sharpen your skills, our community is here to support you. Play with ease. Play with integrity. Play with friends old and new.