Pickleball Rules: The Complete Beginner's Guide

Pickleball rules cover serving, the double-bounce rule, the kitchen, scoring and faults. Serves are underhand and diagonal, the ball must bounce once on each side before volleys are allowed, only the serving team scores, and games are typically played to 11, win by 2.

Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in India and around the world. It combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, which makes it easy to learn and enjoyable for players of all ages. Before stepping onto the court, understanding the basic pickleball rules will help you play confidently and avoid common mistakes.

What is pickleball?

Pickleball is played on a badminton sized court using a paddle and a lightweight plastic ball with holes. It can be played as:

• Singles (1 vs. 1)
• Doubles (2 vs. 2)

The objective is to score points by hitting the ball over the net in a way that your opponent cannot legally return it.

Basic pickleball rules

1. The serve

• The serve must be underhand.
• Contact with the ball must be below the waist.
• The paddle should move upward during the serve.
• Serve diagonally into the opponent’s service court.
• At least one foot must remain behind the baseline during the serve.
• Only one serve attempt is allowed, except in the case of a let, if applicable under local rules.

2. Double-bounce rule

One of the most important pickleball rules:

• The receiving team must let the serve bounce once.
• The serving team must also let the return bounce once.
• After these two bounces, players may either volley, hitting before the bounce, or play after the bounce.
• This rule encourages longer rallies.

3. Non-volley zone (kitchen)

The area extending 7 feet from each side of the net is called the kitchen. Rules:

• You cannot volley while standing in the kitchen.
• Your momentum cannot carry you into the kitchen after a volley.
• You may enter the kitchen only to hit a ball that has already bounced.

4. Scoring rules

Traditional scoring:

• Only the serving team scores points.
• Games are usually played to 11 points.
• A team must win by 2 points.

Tournament matches may be played to:

• 15 points
• 21 points

5. Faults

A fault occurs when:

• The serve lands outside the correct service area.
• The ball hits the net and fails to cross.
• The ball lands out of bounds.
• A player volleys from inside the kitchen.
• The ball bounces twice before being returned.
• A player violates the double-bounce rule.
• The ball touches the player’s body or clothing.
• The ball is hit before crossing the net.

6. Out of bounds

A ball is out if it lands:

• Outside the court lines.
• Beyond the baseline.
• Outside the sidelines.

The boundary lines themselves are considered in.

7. Singles serving

In singles:

• Serve from the right side when your score is even.
• Serve from the left side when your score is odd.
• Continue serving until you commit a fault.

8. Doubles serving

In doubles:

• Both teammates get the opportunity to serve before the serve passes to the opponents, except at the beginning of the game.
• Players alternate serving positions based on points won.

Pickleball court dimensions

Who sets the official pickleball rules

Pickleball rules aren’t decided club by club. Internationally, the sport is governed by bodies such as the International Federation of Pickleball, while national associations, including USA Pickleball and equivalent bodies in other countries, maintain the detailed rulebook used for sanctioned tournaments. Casual and club play, including most sessions at recreational venues, generally follows the same core pickleball rules, with small variations allowed for house rules.

Common beginner mistakes

• Stepping into the kitchen while volleying.
• Forgetting the double-bounce rule.
• Serving overhand.
• Standing too close to the baseline.
• Incorrect serving order in doubles.
• Hitting the ball out of bounds.
• Losing track of the score call, especially the third number in doubles.

Tips for new players

• Focus on consistency rather than power.
• Learn proper paddle grip.
• Communicate with your doubles partner.
• Stay near the kitchen line after the return.
• Practice accurate serves.
• Watch your footwork around the kitchen.

Let calls and line calls

• Let on serve: if a serve touches the net but still lands in the correct service court, it’s replayed rather than counted as a fault
• No lets during a rally: once the point is underway, a ball touching the net and staying in play is still live
• Line calls: a ball landing on any line is considered in, except the non-volley zone line during a serve, which is a fault

Where to practise these rules

Reading the rules only goes so far. Most players pick up the double-bounce rule and kitchen positioning within their first hour on an actual court, especially with someone experienced pointing out mistakes in real time. Pickle & Cue Club runs a dedicated pickleball club in Mahalunge, with courts open to players from Baner, Hinjewadi and Maan, coaching for beginners, and paddles provided on-site for anyone who wants to try the game before buying their own gear.

Ready to put these rules into practice? Start playing pickleball today at Pickle & Cue Club, Mahalunge, with coaching available for beginners and paddles provided on-site. Book your court, message us directly on WhatsApp, or visit us at VTP Circle, opp. VTP Aethereus, behind Bajirao Food Corner, Mahalunge, Pune, Maharashtra 411045.