Scoring:
Pickleball is typically played to 11 points (win by 2), although some variations may use a different point total.
Serving:
- The serve must be made underhand.
- The server must stand behind the baseline, within the service area.
- The serve is made diagonally across the court to the opponent’s service box.
- The ball must clear the net and land within the service box on the opposite side.
- Only the serving team can score points.
Return of Serve:
- The receiving team must let the ball bounce once before returning the serve.
- The return must also clear the net and land within the opposing team’s service area.
Volleying:
- After the ball has bounced once on each side, both teams can either volley (hit the ball without letting it bounce) or play it off a bounce.
- Volleys must be made with the player’s feet behind the non-volley line (7 feet from the net).
Double Bounce Rule:
- Each team must play their first shot off the bounce.
- This means the receiving team must let the serve bounce, and the serving team must let the return of serve bounce.
Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen):
- The non-volley zone is the area within 7 feet on either side of the net.
- Players cannot volley the ball while standing inside the non-volley zone.
- They can step into the zone after the ball has bounced but must return behind the line before volleying.
Faults:
Common faults include:
- Failing to get the serve over the net or into the correct service area.
- Hitting the ball out of bounds.
- Volleys made from within the non-volley zone.
- Violating the double bounce rule.
Scoring Points:
- Only the serving team can score points.
- The receiving team can only win points when they become the serving team.
Rotation:
- After scoring a point, the serving team switches sides, and the server on the winning side gets to serve to the opposing team.
Winning the Game:
- The first team to reach 11 points (winning by 2) wins the game.
Tiebreaker:
- If the score reaches 10-10, the game continues until one team has a two-point advantage.
These are the fundamental rules of pickleball, providing a solid foundation for beginners. As players become more advanced, they may encounter additional rules and strategies to enhance their gameplay.
