What are the rules for serving in pickleball?

In pickleball, the server must stand behind the baseline and serve the ball diagonally to the opponent's service court. The serve must be underhand, and the paddle must contact the ball below the server's waist. The serve must clear the net and land in the diagonal service court, and it must be made without stepping on or beyond the baseline.

What is the double bounce rule in pickleball?

The double bounce rule in pickleball states that each team must let the ball bounce once on each side (service court and receiving court) before volleying the ball. This means that the serving team must let the return of serve bounce, and the receiving team must let the serve bounce. After the two bounces occur, both teams can choose to volley the ball or let it bounce before hitting.

What happens if the ball hits the net in pickleball?

If the ball hits the net during a serve and lands in the correct service court, it is considered a let serve, and the server gets another attempt. If the ball hits the net during a rally and goes over to the opponent's side, it is a live ball and the rally continues. However, if the ball hits the net and fails to clear it, or it hits the net and then lands outside the opponent's court, it is considered a fault or out of bounds.

What is the non-volley zone in pickleball?

The non-volley zone, also known as the kitchen, is a seven-foot area on both sides of the net in pickleball. Players are not allowed to volley the ball (hit it in the air without letting it bounce) while standing inside the non-volley zone. However, players can enter the non-volley zone after the ball has bounced outside of it or if the ball bounces in the non-volley zone.

What is the scoring system in pickleball?

Pickleball uses a rally scoring system. Both the serving team and the receiving team can score points. The serving team continues to serve until they commit a fault (e.g., the ball goes out of bounds, fails to clear the net). Points are awarded on every serve, and the first team to reach 11 points (or 15 or 21, depending on the agreed-upon game format) with a two-point lead wins the game.

5 Essential Rules for Pickleball Players to Follow

Know the simple rules of pickleball

The rules of pickleball are pretty simple.

The ball must stay inbounds during play, and each side should have one bounce before it is returned to your opponent. When serving, you must start at the baseline and make sure the ball doesn’t land in the no-volley zone. The game ends when either player or team reaches 11 or 15 points, depending on what you’ve agreed to beforehand. All in all, pickleball is a fun and easy game that doesn’t take too long to learn.

But like any sport, there are rules unique to pickleball (and some rules are just unnecessary), rules that do not always proceed as expected, and some strategies of play that can make some of the most basic pickleball rules work in your favor.

There are plenty of pickleball rules most often forget but the 5 essential rules for pickleball players to follow are the most basic and without knowing these, the game doesn’t even start.