What Are The Basic Pickleball Rules

When I first learned pickleball, the rules felt confusing for about five minutes — then it clicked and became the most addictive game ever. In this guide, I’ll break down the basic pickleball rules in plain English, so you can get on the court and start playing with confidence today.

Table of Contents

Court & Setup Basics

The pickleball court is 20’ x 44’ for both singles and doubles. The net is 36” high at the posts and 34” at the center. The area seven feet on each side of the net is the non-volley zone — better known as the “kitchen.” If you’re brand new to the sport, you might also enjoy this article: what is pickleball, which explains the game’s quirky name and origins.

Serving Rules

• Serve underhand with the paddle below your waist, striking the ball out of the air.
• Serve diagonally into the opponent’s service court beyond the kitchen line.
• Only one serve attempt is allowed (let serves are typically replayed).
• In doubles, both partners serve before the ball is turned over — except at the very start of the game.

The Double-Bounce Rule

After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce once before returning it. Then, the serving team must also let the return bounce once. After those two bounces, volleys are allowed.

The Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone)

You cannot volley (hit out of the air) while standing in the kitchen or on its line. You can enter the kitchen to play a ball that has bounced. Remember: momentum counts — if you volley and your momentum carries you into the kitchen, it’s a fault.

Scoring: How Points Work

• Games are commonly played to 11, win by 2 (tournament games may go to 15 or 21).
• Only the serving team can score points.
• In doubles, the score is called as: server score – receiver score – server number (1 or 2).

Common Faults & Violations

• Foot fault on the serve (stepping on/over the baseline before contact).
• Volleying in the kitchen or touching the kitchen line during a volley.
• Hitting the ball out, into the net, or failing to clear the net.
• Missing the double-bounce requirement.

Etiquette & Quick Tips

• Call the score loudly before each serve.
• Call balls honestly (give opponents the benefit of the doubt).
• Use soft hands at the kitchen and practice dinks.
• Communicate constantly with your partner.

Quick FAQ

Is the serve always underhand? Yes — the paddle must contact the ball below the waist with an upward motion.

Can I stand in the kitchen? Yes, you just can’t volley there. Play bounced balls only.

How do I keep score? Only the serving team scores. Call server score, receiver score, then server number.

Related Reading

• What is pickleball and why is it called that?

Conclusion

That’s it! Those are the core pickleball rules you need to jump into your first game. Once you’ve got the serve, double-bounce, kitchen, and scoring down, the rest is just practice — and a lot of fun rallies.