Pickleball Rules

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The rules for Pickleball may seem simple at first glance, but the nuances and specifics of the rules make the game interesting and strategic. Below we will cover the rules of pickleball in detail. For more detailed rules and specifications, please visit the official USA Pickleball page.

Basic Rules

Pickleball is played either as doubles (two players per team) or as singles; double is the most common.
The same court size and rules are used for both singles and doubles.

Service

The server’s hand must move in an upward trajectory when striking the ball.
The contact of the racket with the ball must not be above waist level.
The head of the racket must not be above the highest part of the wrist during contact.
“Drop service” is also allowed, in which case the above elements do not apply.
At the moment the ball is struck, the server’s feet must not touch the court or beyond the imaginary extension of the sideline or center line, and at least one foot must be behind the baseline on the court or the ground behind the baseline.
The service is performed diagonally across the court and must land within the boundaries of the opposite diagonal court.
Only one service attempt per server is allowed.

Order of Serving

Both players on the serving team have the opportunity to serve and win points until they make a fault (except for the first service sequence of each new game).
The first service of each side change is made from the right/even side.
If a point is won, the server switches sides and the next serve starts from the left/odd side.
As the next points are won, the server continues to switch left and right until he makes a mistake and the first server loses serve.
When the first server loses serve, partner then serves from his correct side of the court (except for the first service sequence of the game).
The other server continues to serve until his team makes a mistake and loses the serve to the opposing team.
When the serve goes to the opponent (when changing sides), the first serve is on the right/even side and both players on that team have the opportunity to serve and win points until their team commits two faults.
In singles, the server serves from the right/even side when his or her score is even and from the left/odd side when the score is odd.

Scoring

Only the serving team wins points.
Games are usually played to 11 points, winning by a margin of 2.
Tournament games can be up to 15 or 21, win by 2.

The Two Rejection Rule

When the ball is served, the receiving team must let it bounce before returning it, and then the serving team must also let it bounce before returning it, so two bounces.
After the ball is bounced once by each team, both teams can either volley the ball (hit the ball before it bounces) or play it after the bounce (ground stroke).

No-volley zone

The no-volley zone is the part of the court within 7 feet on either side of the net.
Volleying is prohibited within the non-volley zone.
It is a foul if the player, volleying the ball, steps on the non-volley zone, including the line, or when his swing or anything carried or held touches the non-volley zone, including the associated lines.

Errors

A foul is any action that stops play due to a rule violation.
A foul by the receiving team results in a point for the serving team.
A mistake by the serving team results in a loss of serve or a change of sides.

Designation of the Serving Team

Any fair method may be used to determine which player or team has the first right to serve, serve or receive. (Example: tossing a coin)