At Voxl Pickleball, we’re passionate about helping players of all levels enjoy the game to its fullest. Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and it’s not hard to see why. It combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, making it a dynamic, social, and fun activity that’s easy to pick up.
Whether you’re playing with friends at your local park or gearing up for a competitive tournament, understanding the basic rules of pickleball is essential.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the core rules of the game—from serving and scoring to common faults and strategies—so you can step onto the court with confidence.
Pickleball Game Rules: From Serving to Scoring
Before diving into the rules, it’s important to get familiar with the layout of a pickleball court. A pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, which is about a quarter the size of a tennis court. The court is divided into two sides by a net that stands 36 inches high at the posts and 34 inches at the center. Each side of the court has a service area, a non-volley zone (known as the kitchen), and a baseline.
The service area is where the serve must land, and the kitchen is a 7-foot zone near the net where players cannot volley the ball. Understanding the court layout will help you get a sense of where you need to be positioned during different stages of the game.
Starting the Game: Serving Rules
The game begins with a serve, and the serving rules are critical for setting the tone of the match. Here’s how the serve works:
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The server must stand behind the baseline and serve the ball underhand.
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The serve must be made diagonally across the court, landing in the opposite service box.
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The paddle must make contact with the ball below the waist, and the server’s arm must move in an upward arc.
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The serve cannot land in the non-volley zone (the kitchen), and if it does, it’s a fault.
In pickleball, only the serving team can score points. The server continues to serve until they commit a fault. In doubles play, each player on a team gets a chance to serve before the serve switches to the opposing team. This rule helps ensure that both players on a team are actively involved in the game.
A ‘let’ serve occurs when the ball touches the net on the serve but still lands in the correct service box. In this case, players should continue to play the point as normal. However, if the ball hits the net and lands outside the service box, it’s considered a fault.
The Two-Bounce Rule
One of the unique aspects of pickleball is the two-bounce rule, which dictates how the first shots of a rally must be played. This rule ensures a fair start to every point and helps maintain a balanced pace during play.
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After the ball is served, the receiving team must let it bounce once before returning it.
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The serving team must then let the return bounce once before hitting it.
Once these two initial bounces have occurred, players are free to volley (hit the ball in the air without it bouncing) or continue hitting groundstrokes. The two-bounce rule prevents players from rushing the net immediately after the serve, creating longer and more strategic rallies.
The Non-Volley Zone (The Kitchen)
The non-volley zone, also known as the kitchen, is a defining feature of pickleball. This 7-foot area on both sides of the net is designed to keep the game fair by limiting aggressive net play.
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Players cannot volley the ball (hit it in the air) while standing in the kitchen.
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If a player steps into the kitchen to hit a ball that has bounced, they must exit the zone before attempting to volley.
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Foot faults are common in the kitchen. If any part of a player’s foot touches the kitchen line while volleying, it’s considered a fault.
The kitchen rule encourages players to use softer, strategic shots like dinks—low, controlled shots that land just over the net. Mastering kitchen play is key to improving your game, as it often becomes the battleground for finesse and control.
Scoring in Pickleball
Scoring in pickleball can seem tricky at first, but it’s easy to grasp once you understand the basics. Games are typically played to 11 points, and a team must win by at least two points.
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Only the serving team can score points. If the serving team wins the rally, they earn a point.
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If the serving team loses the rally, the serve switches to the opposing team without any points awarded.
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In doubles, both partners get a chance to serve before the serve changes sides. The first server is called the “1” server, and the second is the “2” server.
Before each serve, the server announces the score in the format: serving team’s score, receiving team’s score, and server number. For example, if the serving team has 5 points, the receiving team has 3, and it’s the first server’s turn, the score would be called as “5-3-1.”
Common Faults in Pickleball
To play a clean game of pickleball, it’s essential to understand what constitutes a fault. Faults result in a point for the opposing team or a loss of serve. Here are some of the most common faults:
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Foot Fault: Stepping on or over the baseline while serving.
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Volleying in the Kitchen: Hitting the ball in the air while standing in the non-volley zone.
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Out of Bounds: Hitting the ball outside the court boundaries.
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Double Bounce: Hitting the ball before it has bounced twice, violating the two-bounce rule.
By practicing proper technique and being mindful of your positioning, you can avoid these common mistakes and keep the rally going longer.
Strategy Tips for Winning Pickleball Games
Understanding the rules is one thing, but winning at pickleball requires strategy. Here are a few key tips to help you gain an edge over your opponents:
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Control the Kitchen: Use soft shots like dinks to force your opponent into the kitchen, then capitalize on their mistakes.
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Play Smart at the Net: Once the two-bounce rule is satisfied, move closer to the net to control the pace of the game and put pressure on your opponent.
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Aim for Consistency: Instead of going for risky, high-powered shots, focus on placing the ball where your opponent isn’t. Consistent, well-placed shots often win more points than aggressive swings.
By incorporating these strategies, you’ll not only improve your gameplay but also have more fun on the court.
Ready to Master Pickleball?
With a solid understanding of the rules, you’re all set to hit the court and enjoy every game. For the best experience, having high-quality gear is key.
At Voxl Pickleball, we offer a selection of top-tier products to elevate your play—including our Whip, Flex, and Flow paddles, each designed for different playing styles. Our durable pickleballs ensure consistent bounce, while our portable net makes it easy to set up a game anywhere.
Visit our shop today to explore our full range of gear and get started with the right equipment. Whether you’re practicing at home or competing at the park, Voxl products are built to help you play your best. See you on the court!
Related Questions
Can you step into the kitchen to return a ball that has bounced?
Yes, you can step into the kitchen to return a ball that has bounced, but you must exit before volleying.
What is a let serve in pickleball?
A let serve occurs when the ball touches the net on a serve but still lands in the correct service box. Players should continue to play the point as normal.
How many points are needed to win a pickleball game?
A standard pickleball game is played to 11 points, with the winning team needing to win by at least two points.
What happens if the ball hits the net during a rally?
If the ball hits the net during a rally and lands in bounds, the play continues. If it lands out of bounds, it’s considered a fault.
With this guide, you’ll have everything you need to understand the complete rules of pickleball and take your game to the next level. See you on the court, and let’s make every match a great one!