← Back to Scoreboard
1. Basic Game Rules & Objectives
🎯 Game Objective
Pickleball is played as either doubles (4 players) or singles (2 players). The objective is to score points by hitting the ball over the net into the opponent's court in a way that they cannot return it successfully.
Basic Game Principles
- Rally Scoring vs. Side-Out: Traditional pickleball uses side-out scoring (only serving team scores)
- Win Condition: First team/player to 11 points AND leading by 2 points wins
- Equipment: Played with solid paddles and a plastic ball with holes (wiffle ball style)
- Court Size: 20' × 44' court (same size as badminton)
- Net Height: 36" at ends, 34" in center
Game Flow
- Start: Game begins with an underhand serve from the right service court
- Two-Bounce Rule: Ball must bounce once on each side before volleys are allowed
- Non-Volley Zone: Players cannot volley (hit in air) within 7 feet of net
- Scoring: Only the serving team can score points
- Side-Out: When serving team commits a fault, serve goes to opponents
2. Scoring System (Doubles & Singles)
⚠️ Key Rule: Only the Serving Team Can Score
In traditional pickleball, points can only be scored by the team that is serving. When the receiving team wins a rally, they do NOT score a point - instead, they earn the right to serve (called a "side-out").
Doubles Scoring (3-Number System)
Score Format: [Serving Team Score] - [Receiving Team Score] - [Server Number]
Example: "7-5-2"
- 7: Serving team has 7 points
- 5: Receiving team has 5 points
- 2: Server #2 is currently serving
Doubles Server Rotation
- Start of Game: Team serving first gets only ONE serve (server #2 starts)
- Normal Play: Each team member serves before side-out
- Server #1 serves first, then when they fault, Server #2 serves
- After both fault, serve goes to opposing team
Singles Scoring (2-Number System)
Score Format: [Server Score] - [Receiver Score]
Example: "7-5"
- 7: Server's current score
- 5: Receiver's current score
- No third number needed (only one server per side)
Win Conditions
| Game Type |
Points to Win |
Must Win By |
Maximum Score |
| Standard Pickleball |
11 points |
2 points |
No limit (play until 2-point lead) |
| Tournament Games |
11 or 15 points |
2 points |
Varies by tournament |
| Rally Point (Alternative) |
15 or 21 points |
2 points |
No limit |
3. Serving Rules & Rotation
Basic Serving Rules
Rule 4.AUnderhand Serve Only
- Contact Point: Ball must be struck below the server's waist
- Paddle Head: Must not be above wrist when ball is struck
- Motion: Upward arc motion required (no sidearm or overhand)
Serving Sequence & Positioning
Starting Position
- Behind Baseline: Server must be completely behind the baseline
- Service Court: Serve from right service court when score is even, left when odd
- Diagonal Serve: Ball must land in opposite diagonal service court
Doubles Serving Rotation
- Game Start: Right-side player serves first (always starts as "Server #2")
- Score Even: Right-side player serves
- Score Odd: Left-side player serves
- After Point: Serving team switches sides, server continues serving
- After Fault: Serve passes to partner, then to opposing team after both fault
🔥 Critical Rule: Two-Bounce Rule
After the serve:
- Ball must bounce once in receiving court
- Return must bounce once in serving court
- Only after these two bounces can players volley (hit in air)
Service Faults
Common Serving Faults (Result in Side-Out or Server Change)
- Serve doesn't land in correct service court
- Serve hits the net (no let serves in pickleball)
- Serve lands in non-volley zone (kitchen)
- Serve is hit overhand or above waist level
- Server steps on or over baseline before contact
- Wrong server serves out of turn
4. Court Dimensions & Play Areas
Court Layout
Official Court Dimensions
- Total Size: 20 feet wide × 44 feet long
- Service Courts: 10 feet × 15 feet each (4 total)
- Non-Volley Zone: 7 feet from net on each side
- Net Height: 36 inches at sidelines, 34 inches at center
Court Zones
Service Courts
- Right Service Court: Right side as viewed from baseline
- Left Service Court: Left side as viewed from baseline
- Service Court Lines: Centerline divides court, sidelines and baseline form boundaries
Non-Volley Zone ("Kitchen")
Kitchen Rules - Most Important Area!
- No Volleys: Cannot hit ball in air while in this zone
- Momentum Rule: Cannot enter kitchen due to momentum from volley
- Both Feet: Both feet must be outside kitchen to volley
- Line Rule: Kitchen line is part of kitchen (cannot touch it while volleying)
Line Calls
| Line Type |
Ball Touching Line |
Result |
| Baseline (Service) |
IN |
Good serve |
| Sideline |
IN |
Good shot |
| Kitchen Line (Non-Volley) |
Part of Kitchen |
Cannot volley if touching |
| Centerline (Service) |
IN |
Good serve (if in correct court) |
5. Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen Rules)
🚨 Most Misunderstood Rules in Pickleball!
The Non-Volley Zone (NVZ) or "Kitchen" rules are the most frequently violated rules in pickleball. Understanding these is crucial for legal play.
What is the Non-Volley Zone?
- Area: 7 feet from the net on both sides
- Width: Extends to both sidelines
- Lines: Kitchen lines are PART of the kitchen
- Purpose: Prevents players from dominating at the net
Kitchen Violations (Faults)
Illegal Actions in the Kitchen
- Volleying in Kitchen: Hitting ball in air while any part of body is in kitchen
- Stepping in from Volley: Momentum carries you into kitchen after volleying
- Touching Kitchen Line: Any body part touches kitchen line while volleying
- Equipment in Kitchen: Paddle, hat, or anything you're wearing/holding touches kitchen during volley
Legal Kitchen Play
What You CAN Do in the Kitchen
- Hit Bounced Balls: Can hit any ball that bounces first
- Walk Through: Can walk through kitchen anytime (just can't volley)
- Stand in Kitchen: Can position yourself in kitchen between points
- Re-establish Position: After volleying, can enter kitchen once both feet are outside first
Advanced Kitchen Rules
Rule 9.BMomentum Rule
Scenario: You volley the ball outside the kitchen, but your momentum carries you into the kitchen.
Result: FAULT - Even if you hit the ball legally outside the kitchen, entering due to momentum is a violation.
Rule 9.CRe-establishment Rule
After a volley, you must re-establish both feet outside the kitchen before you can enter the kitchen again.
Common Kitchen Scenarios
| Scenario |
Legal? |
Explanation |
| Hit ball in air while toe touches kitchen line |
❌ FAULT |
Kitchen line is part of kitchen |
| Hit bounced ball while standing in kitchen |
✅ Legal |
Kitchen rule only applies to volleys |
| Volley outside kitchen, momentum carries in |
❌ FAULT |
Momentum rule violation |
| Partner catches you from falling into kitchen |
✅ Legal |
Partner assistance is allowed |
6. Doubles Play Rules
Team Positioning & Strategy
Starting Positions (Doubles)
- Serving Team: One player serves from behind baseline, partner at kitchen line
- Receiving Team: Receiver behind baseline, partner typically at kitchen line
- After Service Return: All players typically move to kitchen line for net play
Doubles Serving Sequence
- Game Start: Team chooses which player serves first (becomes "Server #2" for first serve only)
- First Service: Only one player serves, then side-out to opponents
- Subsequent Services: Both team members serve before side-out
- Server Order: Right-side player serves when team score is even, left-side when odd
Doubles Rotation Example
Game starts 0-0-2:
- Team A's right-side player serves (score 0-0-2)
- If Team A wins point: score becomes 1-0-2, players switch sides, same server continues
- If Team A faults: serve goes to Team B (becomes 0-1-1)
- When Team B gets both servers out: serve returns to Team A (becomes 1-0-1)
Communication & Teamwork
- Call Shots: "Mine," "Yours," "Leave it" to avoid confusion
- Positioning: Generally side-by-side at kitchen line during rallies
- Strategy: Attack middle (confusion zone between partners)
- Coverage: Each player generally responsible for their half of court
7. Singles Play Rules
Singles Serving Rules
Singles Serving Simplified
- Score Even (0, 2, 4, 6...): Serve from right service court
- Score Odd (1, 3, 5, 7...): Serve from left service court
- No Server Numbers: Only two numbers in score (e.g., "7-5")
- Side-Out: When server faults, service goes directly to opponent
Singles Strategy Differences
- Court Coverage: Must cover entire court alone
- Serving Strategy: Deep serves to push opponent back
- Positioning: More baseline play than doubles
- Endurance: Requires better physical conditioning
- Shot Selection: More emphasis on placement and pace
Singles Serving Sequence Example
Player A serves first:
- Score 0-0: Player A serves from right court
- A wins point: Score 1-0, A serves from left court
- A wins point: Score 2-0, A serves from right court
- A faults: Score stays 2-0, Player B now serves from right court (B's score is 0, even)
8. Common Faults & Violations
Service Faults
Serving Violations
- Foot Fault: Stepping on or over baseline before ball contact
- Wrong Court: Serving to incorrect service court
- Net Serve: Ball touches net during serve (no let serves)
- Kitchen Serve: Serve lands in non-volley zone
- Illegal Serve Motion: Overhand, sidearm, or above waist contact
- Wrong Server: Incorrect player serving out of rotation
Gameplay Faults
During Rally Violations
- Ball Hits Net: Ball touches net and doesn't go over
- Ball Lands Out: Ball lands outside court boundaries
- Double Hit: Ball hits paddle twice in one stroke
- Carry: Ball comes to rest on paddle (not a clean hit)
- Two-Bounce Rule Violation: Volleying before both required bounces
Non-Volley Zone Faults
Kitchen Violations (Most Common!)
- Volley in Kitchen: Hitting ball in air while in NVZ
- Kitchen Line Touch: Any body part touches line while volleying
- Momentum Fault: Entering kitchen due to volley momentum
- Equipment in Kitchen: Paddle, clothing, or accessories touch NVZ during volley
Dead Ball Situations
When Play Stops Immediately
- Ball hits player: Fault on player hit by ball
- Ball hits permanent object: Overhead lights, ceiling, etc.
- Hinder called: Outside interference affects play
- Safety concern: Ball from adjacent court, injury risk
9. Tournament & Competitive Play
Tournament Formats
| Format |
Games to Win |
Points per Game |
Common Usage |
| Best of 3 Games |
2 games |
11 points each |
Most tournament matches |
| Single Game |
1 game |
11, 15, or 21 points |
Pool play, time constraints |
| Best of 5 Games |
3 games |
11 points each |
Championship finals |
Officiating & Line Calls
- Self-Officiated: Most recreational play relies on honor system
- Benefit of Doubt: Close calls go to opponent
- Referee Available: Tournament play often has certified referees
- Appeal Process: Players can request referee review in tournaments
Time Rules
Tournament Time Management
- Between Games: 2 minutes maximum
- Timeouts: Each team gets one 1-minute timeout per game
- Injury Time: Referee discretion, usually 15 minutes maximum
- Medical Timeout: Additional time for serious injuries
Equipment Regulations
- Paddle Requirements: Must be solid (no holes), specific size limits
- Ball Standards: USAPA approved balls only in sanctioned play
- Attire: Athletic clothing, non-marking court shoes required
- Safety: Eye protection recommended but not required
10. 2025 Rule Updates & Changes
🆕 What's New in 2025?
The USA Pickleball Association continues to refine rules based on player feedback and competitive play evolution. Here are the key updates for 2025:
Major Rule Changes
1. Enhanced Drop Serve Rules
- Drop Height: Ball must be dropped (not thrown) from paddle height or below
- Bounce Requirement: Ball must bounce before being served
- Contact Point: No restrictions on paddle angle or wrist position for drop serves
- Advantage: Easier for players with mobility limitations
2. Clarified Kitchen Rules
- Partner Assistance: Confirmed that partners can prevent NVZ violations by catching/stopping
- Equipment Clarification: Anything "worn or carried" includes temporary items
- Line Call Precision: Any contact with kitchen line during volley is a fault
Tournament Play Updates
- Rally Scoring Trials: Some tournaments testing rally point scoring systems
- Time Limits: Standardized time limits for recreational tournament play
- Coaching Rules: Clarified when coaching is allowed during matches
- Medical Timeouts: Enhanced protocols for injury management
Equipment Standards
2025 Paddle & Ball Updates
- Paddle Testing: Enhanced deflection testing for competitive paddles
- Ball Standards: New outdoor ball specifications for consistency
- Certification Process: Streamlined approval for new equipment
Future Considerations
- Rally Point Scoring: Potential adoption for faster games
- Professional Standards: Separate rules for professional vs recreational play
- Technology Integration: Electronic line calling systems
- Accessibility: Modified rules for adaptive play
🚀 Ready to Play?
Now that you understand the complete rules of pickleball, you're ready to enjoy this amazing sport to its fullest! Remember, the best way to learn is by playing and practicing these rules in real games.
Official Resources
For the most up-to-date official rules, visit:
- USA Pickleball: usapickleball.org
- Official Rulebook: Available for download from USAPA website
- Tournament Sanctioning: Find certified tournaments near you