Are you ready to play pickleball? Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America, and it’s a lot of fun, so you’re in good company!

This brief tutorial can help you whether you’re new to the game or want to brush up on your skills. You’ll be playing in no time if you follow these nine easy rules.

A good pickleball paddle, pickleball balls, and a pickleball court close by are all you need to get started. A beginner’s clinic or private session is the ideal way to learn the fundamentals, and if you’re not yet ready to purchase your own equipment, they frequently provide it.

The nine guidelines to get you started are as follows:

How to Play Pickleball and Pickleball Rules

A 20-by-44-foot badminton-size court with a net height of 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the middle is used for pickleball. The non-volley zone (sometimes called the “kitchen”) is a 7-foot section on each side of the court where players are not permitted to hit volleys, or shots that are taken straight out of the air.

With two players on each team, the game is most frequently played in a doubles style. Although the main focus of this guide is doubles play, you should definitely read my guide on how to play singles pickleball if you’re interested in singles play.

Let’s examine the seven primary pickleball rules. A synopsis and a thorough explanation of each rule are provided below.

Rule #1: Every Rally Begins with a Serve

In pickleball, the serve starts each rally. The first player to serve is always the one on the right side of the court. To reach the opponent’s service area, the serve must be aimed diagonally across the court.

A “volley serve” is when the server hits the ball straight out of the air, or they can strike it after it bounces. The serve must cross the non-volley zone, including its boundary line, in both situations.

The ball must be hit below the waist and the stroke must be underhand, either forehand or backhand, for a volley serve. At the point of contact, the paddle must also travel in an upward arc.

Rule #2: The Ball Must Bounce Once on Each Side Before Volleys Are Allowed

The ball must bounce once on each side of the court before any player can volley it out of the air. We refer to this as the “two-bounce rule.”

More About Two Bounce Rule

The way it works is that you are putting yourself in danger if you stand close to the kitchen while your partner is serving. Why? You will lose the point if you volley the ball without allowing it to bounce first on your side after the returning team aims a shot straight at you.

The rule provides a more deliberate and balanced start to every rally by preventing the serving team from rushing the net right away and obtaining an unfair advantage.

Rule #3: Each Point Continues Until a Fault

Play continues after the serve until a winning shot or a “fault” is committed, which ends the rally. A mistake instantly ends the rally and gives the other team the point.

In pickleball, there are four common types of faults:

1. Serving Fault: The serve does not land in the required service area or fails to clear the kitchen (including its boundary line).
2. Out of Bounds: The ball lands outside the court boundaries, either beyond the baseline or outside the sidelines.
3. Net Fault: The ball hits the net and falls back onto the same side.
4. Double Bounce: The ball bounces twice on one side before the player can return it.

Rule #4: No Volleying in the Kitchen

The non-volley zone is the seven-foot space on both sides of the net, also referred to as the “kitchen.” You cannot hit a volley, which is a shot that is taken out of the air, with any part of your body in the kitchen or in contact with the kitchen line, as the name suggests. You also can’t strike a volley and then let your momentum take you into the kitchen.

But if a ball bounces in the kitchen, you can go in and hit it. As long as the ball bounces first, you can go into the area and return a short shot that your opponent plays and landing in the kitchen.

Rule #5: Points Can Only Be Won on Your Serve

Your team can only get points in traditional pickleball scoring when you are serving. Until their team loses an effort, the serving player keeps serving.

You and your partner transfer sides (from left to right) to serve to the opposing opponent once you have won a point on your serve. In the event that your team loses a rally, your teammate receives the serve and proceeds in the same manner.

The serve “sides out,” or shifts to the other team, after both players on your team have served and lost a rally. This concept adds a degree of strategy to the game and makes serving a crucial component of scoring.

Rule #6: The Correct Score Must Be Called Before Serving

Before every serve in pickleball, the server is required to announce the score using three numbers, such as “0-0-2.” Each number represents the following:

Term

Meaning

First Number

The score of the serving team.

Second Number

The score of the receiving team.

Third Number

Identifies which player of the serving team is serving: the first server (1) or second server (2).

Which Player Is Serving: First Server (1) or Second Server (2)?

Imagine that the score is 3-3. To indicate that you are serving first, you will say “3-3-1” if you are the first player in the rotation. This informs everyone that you are your team’s first server.

The ball goes to your teammate if you lose the rally, and they will declare “3-3-2″ as they start serving instead of the opposition.

A “side out” happens if your partner loses their serve. The serve now goes to the opposing team since your team has lost both serves. After that, the other team will say “3-3-1” before beginning to serve.

The first player to serve will proclaim “0-0-2” at the beginning of a new game because the starting team only receives one serve at first. 

Rule #7: First Team to 11 Points Wins—But Must Win by 2

The game goes on until one team scores 11 points, but they have to win by a minimum of two points. This implies that the game continues even if the score is tied at 10–10. After 11–10, play continues until one team wins by a margin of two points.

This leads to some games lasting a long time, with scores like 12-10, 15-13, or even 21-19 at the end. In pickleball, these long rallies may result in some of the most thrilling and enjoyable matches.

Best Pickleball paddles For Spin and control

What You Need to Play Pickleball

Before you hit the courts, make sure you have the following:

• Pickleball Gear: You’ll need paddles, balls, and possibly a pickleball net (if your local courts don’t have permanent nets).
• Pickleball Clothing: Whether it’s a pair of performance pickleball shoes or some new socks, investing in clothing designed for the sport can enhance your comfort and performance.
• A Local Pickleball Court: Find a nearby court to play on whether it’s an outdoor or indoor facility.
• Knowledge of the Latest Rule Changes: Be sure to stay updated on any rule changes to keep your gameplay sharp.

How to Set Up a Pickleball Court

You can just turn up and play if there are already lines on the court.

You will need a portable net, though, if the court has permanent lines but no net. As you would for a tennis match, place the net in the middle of the court once you have it.

Let’s now examine a pickleball court’s dimensions in more detail.

Types of shots in pickleball

Shot Type

Description

Drives

Powerful shots hit off the bounce, often from the baseline, using a forehand or backhand swing.

Drop Shots

Played from the back of the court, these shots aim to land in the opponent’s kitchen to prevent them from attacking.

Dinks

Touch shots played near the net, hit into the opponent’s kitchen to maintain a defensive position.

Volleys

Shots hit out of the air before the ball bounces, playable only outside the kitchen.

Lobs	High, lofted shots designed to push opponents away from the kitchen.

Overheads

Shots hit above the head using a tennis-serving motion to attack lobs before they bounce.

How to Serve in Pickleball

Every rally in pickleball begins with a serve. Unlike tennis, the goal of the pickleball serve is simply to get the ball in play. According to the USA Pickleball Official Rules:

• For a volley serve (hitting the ball before it bounces), the ball must be struck with an underhand stroke, ensuring contact with the ball is made below the waist.
• The arm must move in an upward arc, and the highest point of the paddle head must be below the wrist when making contact with the ball.
• The paddle head cannot be above the wrist during the serve. In short, the pickleball serve is an underhand forehand or backhand stroke that finishes with an upward motion.

A “drop serve” was added to the regulations in 2021 by USA Pickleball, despite the fact that the serve is usually hit out of the air. This gives the player more options for how to execute the serve by letting the ball bounce before striking it.

Where to Serve in Pickleball

You have to serve the service court diagonally across from you in doubles pickleball. For the serve to be considered correct, it must completely clear the kitchen line and land between the baseline and sideline. Although it cannot land “on the line” on the kitchen line, it can land “on the line” for the baseline and sideline.

Where to Stand When Serving

When serving, you have to stand behind the baseline. Your feet cannot come into contact with the sideline or baseline when you serve.

You should stay behind the baseline as the serving team until the third shot has been made. You run the danger of breaking the two-bounce rule if you enter the kitchen (non-volley zone) too soon after serving.

Hint for the Returning Team: A “one-up, one-back” shape is an option for the returning squad. This is effective because the serve will bounce on their side first, allowing them to come closer to the net and position themselves for a volley once the ball has bounced.

Serving strategies

Three Techniques to Help You Get Better at Pickleball

While getting the ball into play is the primary objective of the pickleball serve, you can utilize it to your advantage. The following three techniques will help you improve your serve:

1. Serve Deep: A short serve gives your opponent the chance to take control by forcing them to rush toward the kitchen line. Aim for a deep serve that lands close to the baseline to limit their choices and hold them back.
2. Hit to a Weakness: Focus on your opponent’s weak side, be it their backhand or forehand. By doing this, you give yourself an advantage in the rally by raising the likelihood that they will make mistakes or return an incorrect shot.
3. Add Spin (Advanced): If you are a more skilled player, you can make your opponent’s serve more difficult by adding spin. During the follow-through, you can produce sidespin, backspin, or topspin by changing the angle of your paddle. Your opponent will be forced to misunderstand the ball and possibly make unforced mistakes as a result of the unpredictable behavior of the ball.

What Is an Illegal Serve in Pickleball?

An illegal serve in pickleball occurs when any of the serving rules are violated. Here are the key points to remember:

1. Service Area: The serve must land in the opposite (diagonal) service area.
2. Volley Serve: If it’s a volley serve (hit out of the air), it must be executed underhand with an upward motion.
3. Serve Height: The server must strike the ball at a height lower than their waist.
4. Feet Position: The server’s feet must be positioned behind the baseline when serving.
5. Turn to Serve: You must serve when it’s your turn, following the correct rotation and serving in the proper order.

Types of serving mistakes

Fault Type

Description

Foot Faults

A server steps on or over the baseline or sideline during their serve.

Pre-Spun Serve

The server applies spin to the ball before contacting it during the serve.

Hitting the Net

The ball hits the net and fails to cross over or falls into the kitchen (including the kitchen line). If it hits the net but lands in the correct service area, the serve is valid.

Missing the Serve

The server hits the ball into the incorrect section of the opponent’s court, kitchen (including the kitchen line), outside the baseline, or outside the sideline.

How to Start a Game & Keep Score in Pickleball

Every pickleball match starts with a serve, but who gets to serve first? The USA Pickleball rule book states that the player or team that serves first may be chosen using any equitable manner. You have two options: flip a coin or abide by local regulations, such as certain courts that always serve the north side first.

Steps to Start a Pickleball Game:

1. Decide the Starting Team: Use a coin toss, local rules, or any fair method to determine which team serves first.
2. First Server: The player on the right side of the court serves first.
3. Announce the Starting Score: The first server announces “0-0-2” as the starting score. This means both teams start with 0 points, and the “2” indicates that the serving team is in position 2, according to Rule #6.
4. Serve to the Diagonal Side: The server serves to the opposite (diagonal) service court. The serve can be either a volley serve (out of the air) or a drop serve (off the bounce).
5. Continue Play: If the serve is good (lands in the correct service area), the rally begins. After the first point is won, the server switches to the left side of the court.
6. Alternating Sides: Points alternate from the left to the right side of the server’s court until the serving team loses both serves (or rallies). This results in a “side out,” and the serve switches to the opposing team.

What Is the Two-Bounce Rule in Pickleball?

The “two-bounce rule” states that the ball must bounce once on each side after the serve before any player is allowed to volley the ball (hit it out of the air).

Here’s how it works in doubles:

1. Serve: When the serving player hits the ball, it lands in the opponent’s court, counting as the first bounce.
2. Return: The opponent must return the ball, and the serving team must wait for the ball to bounce again on their side before they can hit it.

This means that players cannot volley (hit the ball before it bounces) until both sides have let the ball bounce once.

Key Points:

• The serving team cannot start at the kitchen (non-volley zone) because they will violate the two-bounce rule if they attempt to volley.
• The receiving team also cannot volley until the ball has bounced once on each side.
• Once the two-bounce rule is satisfied, players are free to move up to the kitchen and begin volleying. The kitchen is a strategic position for players, allowing them to take advantage of quick exchanges at the net.

How to Play Pickleball Doubles

The most common manner to play pickleball is in doubles, where each team consists of two players. Here is a quick placement guide:

Since doubles is the most popular form, unless stated otherwise, all of the previously described rules apply. This covers the two-bounce rule, volleying, scoring, and serving regulations.

How to Play Pickleball Singles

The most common pickleball game is doubles, but singles is also an option. It has the same basic rules as doubles, but there is only one player on each side.

Here are some key differences:

1. Serving Position: After a side out, the server serves from a side based on their score.
2. Scoring: The server announces only two numbers: their own score first, followed by the opponent’s score.

Main Scoring Rules for Pickleball Singles:

1. The first serve for each side begins on the right side.
2. If the server wins the rally, they switch to the left side of the court.
3. If the receiver wins the rally, neither player changes sides.
4. The server keeps serving, alternating sides from right to left, until they lose a rally.
5. Only one serve per rotation. If the server loses a rally, a side out occurs, and the serve goes to the opponent.

Serving Side:

• The serve is made from the right side when the server has an even score (0, 2, 4, etc.).
• The serve is made from the left side when the server has an odd score (1, 3, 5, etc.).

Note:All pickleball regulations, including serving, faults, line calls, and the non-volley zone, are identical to those in doubles except for these few modifications.

Can You Play Pickleball by Yourself?

You can play pickleball alone, yes! Solo practices are a fantastic method to keep moving and hone your skills for your upcoming game if you are unable to find a partner.

You may try a lot of great pickleball drills. I suggest the “paddle up” and “selfie ball bounce” exercises for novices to improve their reflexes and coordination. By doing these exercises, you can increase your level of fitness and get ready to play with a partner again.

Ways to Maximize Your Pickleball Practice Sessions

1. A Practice Wall: Solo drill can be performed on any somewhat flat, vertical surface, like a wall or garage door. Bouncing the ball against the wall repeatedly increases reflexes, accuracy, and shot skill. You can use a portable net or line to make sure your shots are at the proper height, which can improve your practice even more. For extra accuracy, you may also buy a “dink pad” to hang on the wall or indicate targets on the surface.
2. A Rebound Net: Because they approximate the presence of an opponent by bouncing the ball back to you, these nets are great for solo practice. Rebound nets can be positioned in a basement, yard, or driveway, and their angles can be changed to provide various shot returns. They won’t bother the neighbors because they’re also lower than a wall.
3. A Pickleball Machine: One of the best instruments for serious solo drilling is a pickleball machine, which may help you improve your skills quickly. You can practice real-game situations with these machines’ ability to deliver different combinations of speed, angle, spin, and direction. One excellent option is the Erne pickleball machine, which was introduced in 2024. With the help of an app on your phone, you can operate and configure it to hold more than 150 balls and do intricate drill routines.

Tips for Pickleball Beginners

Here are my favorite tips to help you win more games as a beginner:

1. Transition to the Kitchen: After returning your serve, move up to the kitchen (non-volley zone) to take control of the court. Many beginners struggle to win points while staying at the baseline.
2. Keep Your Paddle in Ready Position: Hold your paddle in front of you, above your chest, and in a ready position. Since pickleball requires quick reactions, holding your paddle too low or at your waist will slow you down.
3. Use a Loose Grip for Touch Shots: When hitting touch shots like dinks, keep a loose grip on your paddle (aim for a 3/10 tightness). A tight grip makes it harder to control shots and increases the chances of popping up dinks and drop shots.
4. Don’t Flick Your Wrist on Touch Shots: Especially for dinks, avoid using your wrist. Instead, move your arm as one from your shoulder to keep shots precise and consistent.
5. Bend Your Knees and Get Low: For better power and accuracy, always bend your knees and get low to the ground. This provides a stable base for both drive shots and touch shots.
6. Skip the Lob: While a lob can sometimes catch your opponent off guard, it’s a low-percentage shot on the smaller pickleball court. Focus on dinks for a higher percentage play.
7. Be Patient: Resist the urge to hit every shot with power. You’ll win more points by saving your hard shots for when you have the advantage, such as when your opponent pops up a return.
8. Learn the Drop Shot: The drop shot is one of the hardest and most important shots in pickleball. It can set you apart from other beginners. Practice it regularly with a partner or pickleball machine.
9. Serve and Return Deep: Aim to serve and return deep to push your opponents back, making it harder for them to attack the kitchen.
10. Practice as Much as You Play: Drilling is key! It allows you to practice specific shots that may only come up occasionally in a match. For serious improvement, consider booking lessons with a pickleball coach.
11. Buy a Quality Paddle: A good paddle can significantly improve your game. Take our paddle quiz to find the one that’s right for you.

Bottom Line

Pickleball is an easy and enjoyable game to learn. Here’s a quick recap of the 7 main rules:

1. Every rally begins with an underhand serve (either forehand or backhand).
2. The ball must bounce once on each side before you can volley.
3. A point continues until there is a fault or the rally is lost.
4. A player cannot hit the ball out of the air or volley while standing on or inside the kitchen line.
5. You can only win points on your serve.
6. The correct score must be announced before serving.
7. Games must be won by two points.