8 Essential Pickleball Rules to Get You Game-Ready
Pickleball is incredibly simple to pick up, and we’re here to guide you with 8 fundamental rules to get you started in doubles—the most popular format for playing the game.
1. Announce the Score Before Serving
Every serve begins with calling out the score, which consists of three numbers: your team’s score, your opponents’ score, and whether you’re the first or second server on your team (1 or 2). The player on the right side of the serving team is always Server 1 and keeps that designation until your team loses the serve. For example, if your team has 4 points, the other team has 5, and you’re the first server, you would announce, “4-5-1.”
Tip: If keeping track of the score seems tricky, ask your partner to handle it until you feel more comfortable.
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Serves must be made underhand and can be hit either out of the air or after a bounce (known as a drop serve). The key requirements are that contact with the ball is made below waist level and that both feet are behind the baseline at the time of serving.
Tip: Beginners often find the drop serve easier to execute consistently.
3. Serve Diagonally and Clearing the Non-Volley Zone
The serve must travel diagonally across the court into the opposite service area, clearing the net and landing beyond the non-volley zone (also known as the kitchen) and its lines.
Tip: If your serve clips the net but still lands in the correct service box, it’s considered good and play continues.
4. Alternate Serving Between Teammates
Both you and your partner will get a chance to serve before the serve switches to the other team. When your team wins a point, the server switches sides with their partner and continues serving from the other side. This rotation continues until your team commits a fault. The exception is the very first service of the game, where only one player serves before the turn goes to the opposing team.
Tip: Unlike in tennis, you only get one attempt at a successful serve, so prioritize accuracy over power.
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After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side of the net before players are allowed to volley (hit the ball before it bounces). This means the receiving team must let the serve bounce, and the serving team must let the return of serve bounce.
Tip: Stay near the baseline after serving so you’re ready for the return shot.
6. Understand Scoring System
Games are typically played to 11 points, and you must win by at least a 2-point margin. Only the team that is serving can score a point. In some places, especially when courts are busy, local rules might modify the scoring slightly.
Tip: Serving first can give your team the opportunity to score right away, so it’s a slight advantage.
You can only volley the ball when you’re behind the non-volley zone line. No part of your body or equipment may touch the kitchen during a volley, and you can’t step into it after a volley due to momentum.
Tip: Be mindful of your footwork near the kitchen to avoid unnecessary faults.
8. Be Aware of Common Ways to Lose a Rally
Points are often lost by hitting the ball out of bounds, not clearing the net, volleying before the double-bounce rule is satisfied, stepping into the kitchen during a volley, or letting the ball bounce twice on your side.
Tip: Keep an eye on the ball’s trajectory to avoid hitting shots that are heading out of bounds.
Ready to Play?
Don’t worry if you can’t remember all these rules immediately. As you play, they’ll become second nature, and fellow players are usually happy to help newcomers learn the ropes. With these essentials under your belt, you’re well on your way to enjoying full games of pickleball. Grab your paddle and hit the court—have fun!
