- Pickleball is played either as doubles (two players per team) or singles; doubles is most common
- The same size playing area and rules are used for both singles and doubles
- The server’s arm must be moving in an upward arc when the ball is struck.
- Paddle contact with the ball must not be made above the waist level.
- The head of the paddle must not be above the highest part of the wrist at contact.
- A ‘drop serve’ is also permitted in which case none of the elements above apply.
- At the time the ball is struck, the server’s feet may not touch the court or outside the imaginary extension of the sideline or centerline and at least one foot must be behind the baseline on the playing surface or the ground behind the baseline.
- The serve is made diagonally crosscourt and must land within the confines of the opposite diagonal court.
- Only one serve attempt is allowed per server.
- Both players on the serving doubles team have the opportunity to serve and score points until they commit a fault *(except for the first service sequence of each new game).
- The first serve of each side-out is made from the right/even court.
- If a point is scored, the server switches sides and the server initiates the next serve from the left/odd court.
- As subsequent points are scored, the server continues switching back and forth until a fault is committed, and the first server loses the serve.
- When the first server loses the serve the partner then serves from their correct side of the court (except for the first service sequence of the game*).
- The second server continues serving until his team commits a fault and loses the serve to the opposing team.
- Once the service goes to the opposition (at side out), the first serve is from the right/even court and both players on that team have the opportunity to serve and score points until their team commits two faults.
- In singles the server serves from the right/even court when his or her score is even and from the left/odd when the score is odd.
*At the beginning of each new game only one partner on the serving team has the opportunity to serve before faulting, after which the service passes to the receiving team.
- Points are scored only by the serving team.
- Games are normally played to 11 points, win by 2.
- Tournament games may be to 15 or 21, win by 2.
- When the serving team’s score is even (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10) the player who was the first server in the game for that team will be in the right/even court when serving or receiving; when odd (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) that player will be in the left/odd court when serving or receiving.
- When the ball is served, the receiving team must let it bounce before returning, and then the serving team must let it bounce before returning, thus two bounces.
- After the ball has bounced once in each team’s court, both teams may either volley the ball (hit the ball before it bounces) or play it off a bounce (ground stroke).
- The two-bounce rule eliminates the serve and volley advantage and extends rallies.
Line Calls:
A ball contacting any part of any line, except the non-volley zone line on a serve, is considered “in.”
A serve contacting the non-volley zone line is short and a fault
- The non-volley zone is the court area within 7 feet on both sides of the net.
- Volleying is prohibited within the non-volley zone. This rule prevents players from executing smashes from a position within the zone.
- It is a fault if, when volleying a ball, the player steps on the non-volley zone, including the line and/or when the player’s momentum causes them or anything they are wearing or carrying to touch the non-volley zone including the associated lines.
- It is a fault if, after volleying, a player is carried by momentum into or touches the non-volley zone, even if the volleyed ball is declared dead before this happens.
- A player may legally be in the non-volley zone any time other than when volleying a ball.
- The non-volley zone is commonly referred to as “the kitchen.”
Faults:
- A fault is any action that stops play because of a rule violation.
- A fault by the receiving team results in a point for the serving team.
- A fault by the serving team results in the server’s loss of serve or side out.
Dermining serving team:
- Any fair method can be used to determine which player or team has first choice of side, service, or receive. (Example: coin flip)
Terminology:
Are you learning pickleball for the first time or are you brushing up on the game? Here's a list of pickleball terms you should know.
Carry
Hitting the ball in such a way that it does not bounce away from the pickleball paddle but tends to be carried along on the face of the paddle during its forward motion.
Cross-court
The court diagonally opposite your court.
Dead Ball
The term used to describe the pickleball ball after a fault is declared.
Dink Shot
A soft shot that is intended to arc over the pickleball net and land within the non-volley zone.
Double Bounce
A ball that bounces more than once, on one side, before it is returned. Following the serve, each side must make at least one ground-stroke, prior to volleying the ball (hitting it out of the air).
Double Hit
One side hitting the pickleball ball twice before it is returned over net. Double hits may occur by one player or could involve both players on a team.
Drop Shot
A groundstroke shot that falls short of the opponent’s position.
Drop Shot Volley
A volley shot that is designed to “kill” the speed of the ball and return it short, near the net, to an opponent positioned at or near the baseline.
Fault
A fault is any action that stops play because of a rule violation.
First Serve
To begin a new game, only one partner from the first serving side is only allowed to serve. After the first fault, the serve switches to the opposing side.
Groundstroke
Hitting the ball after one bounce.
Half Volley
A groundstroke shot where the paddle contacts the ball immediately after it bounces from the court and before the ball rises to its potential height.
Hinder
Any element or occurrence that affects play.
Let
A serve that hits the net cord and lands in the service court. Let may also refer to a rally that must be replayed for any reason.
Line Calls
If any part of the ball lands on the court lines, it is considered in (except in the case of the Non-Volley Line)
Lob
A shot that returns the ball as high and deep as possible, forcing the opposing side back to the baseline.
Non-Volley Zone ("The Kitchen")
The section of court adjacent to the net. A player cannot volley a ball while standing within the non-volley zone. It includes all lines surrounding the zone.
Second Serve
A term used to describe the condition when a serving team begins the game or subsequently loses the first of its two allocated serves.
Overhead Slam / Smash
A hard, overhand shot usually resulting from an opponent’s lob, high return, or high bounce.
Passing Shot
A volley or groundstroke shot that is aimed at a distance from the player and is designed to prevent return of the ball.
Rally
Continuous play that occurs after the serve and before a fault.
Replays
Any rallies that are replayed for any reason without the awarding of a point or a side out.
Service Court
The area on either side of the centerline, bounded by the non-volley line, the baseline, and the sideline. All lines are included in the service court except the non-volley line.
Side Out
Declared after one side loses its service and other side is awarded service.
Volley
Hitting the ball in the air, during a rally, before the ball has a chance to bounce onto the court.