A Complete Guide for Mastering the Game
Pickleball has taken the world by storm, attracting players of all ages with its fast pace, simple rules, and strategic depth. Whether you’re stepping onto the court for the first time or refining your skills for competitive play, understanding the 10 essential rules is crucial.
This guide covers not just the rules but also the strategy, mindset, and techniques that separate good players from great ones. Let’s dive in.
1. The Serve: Start Strong, Stay Legal
The serve is your first opportunity to gain an advantage, but it comes with strict rules to keep it fair.
✅ Key Serving Rules:
- The serve must be underhand, with the paddle making contact below the waist.
- The ball must be hit with an upward motion—no sidearm or overhand serves allowed.
- It must land diagonally in the opponent’s service box.
- You only get one serve attempt (unless a let occurs).
- Your feet must remain behind the baseline until after contact.
Strategy Tip: A low, deep serve forces opponents back, giving you control of the rally.
2. The Double Bounce Rule: The Great Equalizer
Before volleys (hitting the ball out of the air) are allowed, both teams must let the ball bounce once on each side after the serve.
✅ How It Works:
1️⃣ The serving team serves → The receiving team must let it bounce before returning.
2️⃣ The serving team must also let the return bounce before hitting it.
Why is this important?
- It prevents the serving team from rushing the net too soon.
- It promotes longer rallies and fair play.
Strategy Tip: Use the second bounce period to move into position for net play.
3. The Non-Volley Zone (“The Kitchen”)
The 7-foot area near the net is called “The Kitchen,” and it’s one of pickleball’s most unique features.
✅ Key Kitchen Rules:
- You cannot volley (hit in the air) while standing in the kitchen.
- If your momentum carries you into the kitchen after a volley, it’s a fault.
- You can step into the kitchen to hit a ball after it bounces.
Strategy Tip: Master the “dink shot”—a soft, controlled shot that forces opponents to play low and prevents aggressive smashes.
4. Scoring System: Keeping Track Like a Pro
Pickleball has a unique scoring system that takes some getting used to.
✅ Key Scoring Rules:
- Only the serving team can score points.
- Games are typically played to 11, 15, or 21 points, and you must win by 2.
- In doubles, scores are called in this order:
1️⃣ Serving team’s score
2️⃣ Receiving team’s score
3️⃣ Server number (1 or 2)
Example: “4-2-1” means the serving team has 4 points, the receiving team has 2 points, and it’s the first server’s turn.
Strategy Tip: Call out the score before every serve to avoid confusion.
5. Common Faults: Mistakes That Cost You Points
A fault is any rule violation that stops play and either results in a point for the opponent or a side-out.
Most Common Faults:
Hitting the ball out of bounds.
Volleying while in the kitchen.
Not following the double bounce rule.
Touching the net with your body or paddle.
Illegal serves (e.g., overhand, out of bounds).
Strategy Tip: If in doubt, let the ball bounce! It reduces unforced errors.
6. The Two-Bounce Rule on Serve: Ensuring a Fair Rally
Closely tied to the double bounce rule, this prevents teams from gaining an unfair advantage.
✅ After a serve:
1️⃣ The receiving team must let it bounce before returning.
2️⃣ The serving team must let the return bounce before hitting it.
Strategy Tip: A deep return of serve pushes opponents back, setting you up for control of the rally.
7. Line Calls: Playing Fair and Staying Honest
In pickleball, players make their own line calls—a system based on trust and integrity.
✅ Basic Line Call Rules:
- If any part of the ball touches the line, it is IN.
- If the ball lands fully outside the lines, it is OUT.
- If you are unsure, call it IN (the benefit of the doubt rule).
Strategy Tip: Use clear, concise calls and avoid disputes—pickleball thrives on good sportsmanship.
8. Switching Sides: Keeping It Fair
Teams switch sides to ensure fair conditions in outdoor play.
✅ When to Switch:
- In games to 11 points, switch when the first team reaches 6.
- In games to 15 or 21 points, switch at 8 or 11 points, respectively.
Strategy Tip: Use this moment to adjust tactics and assess court conditions like wind and sun.
9. Doubles Play: Positioning and Rotation Rules
Pickleball doubles requires precise movement and communication.
✅ Key Rotation Rules:
- The first server always starts on the right side.
- Each player serves until their team faults, then the other team gets a turn.
- If your score is even, serve from the right; if odd, serve from the left.
Strategy Tip: Work on partner communication—knowing who takes what shot is key.
10. Let Serves: The Only Time You Get a Second Chance
A let serve happens when the ball touches the net but still lands in the correct service box.
✅ Key Let Serve Rules:
- If the ball lands in the service court after hitting the net, the serve is replayed (no penalty).
- If it lands out, it’s a fault.
Strategy Tip: If you hit a let serve, stay focused—it may disrupt your opponent’s rhythm.
Final Takeaways
✅ Master the serve and scoring system first—these are the biggest learning curves.
✅ Respect the non-volley zone (“kitchen”)—play strategically, not recklessly.
✅ Follow the honor system—good sportsmanship is what makes pickleball great.
✅ Practice drills for dinking, serving accuracy, and shot placement to improve your game.
Ready to Level Up?
Want to master advanced techniques like spin serves, strategic drop shots, and counter-attacks? Start by refining these 10 rules, and soon, you’ll be competing with confidence!
Pickleball isn’t just a sport—it’s a community. Play fair, play smart, and most importantly… have fun!