Pickleball can be played as singles (one player per side) or doubles (two players per side). The court dimensions are identical for both.
There are two types of serve you can use: a volley serve (hit before the bounce) and a drop serve (drop the ball and hit it after the bounce).
At least one foot must be on the ground, behind the baseline, and not touching outside the imaginary extensions of the sideline or centerline.
The other foot may be in the air but cannot contact the ground outside that service area.
At contact, the hitting arm must be in an upward arc.
Contact must occur below the waist.
The highest part of the paddle head cannot be above the wrist at contact.
Simply release the ball with no added force (hand or paddle). Let it drop.
It may bounce anywhere and as many times as you like.
If you don’t like the bounce, pick it up and try again.
The serve must travel diagonally and land within the opposite diagonal service box.
Only one serve attempt is permitted per server.
The very first server of the game serves until they lose a rally, then the serve goes to the other team.
Each new side-out begins on the right-hand side.
After winning a point, the server switches sides and continues alternating with each point earned.
When the first server loses a rally, their partner serves next from the correct side.
After both partners have faulted, the serve passes to the opposing team.
Serve from the right on even scores and from the left on odd scores.
Any fair method works — e.g., flipping a coin, guessing a number, or marking “1” or “2” on a scoresheet. In recreational settings, venues often pre-designate which side serves first.
After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce once before returning it.
The serving team must then let it bounce once before hitting it back.
After each side has allowed one bounce, the ball may be volleyed or played off the bounce.
This rule prevents immediate net play and promotes longer, more strategic rallies.
The NVZ extends 7 feet from the net on both sides.
Players may not volley (hit out of the air) while standing in the NVZ.
Stepping on/into the NVZ during a volley — or being carried into it by momentum afterward — is a fault.
Players may enter the NVZ any time when not volleying.
Any ball touching a line is “in,” except on the serve where contact with the NVZ line is short and a fault.
A fault stops play due to a rule violation.
If committed by the receiving team → the serving team scores a point.
If committed by the serving team → loss of serve or side-out.
Serve landing outside the proper service area.
Failing to get the serve/return over the net.
Volleying before the required two bounces.
Hitting the ball out of bounds.
Volleying while inside the NVZ.
Allowing the ball to bounce twice.
Touching the net or post while the ball is in play.
Violating any service rule.
The ball hitting a player (or anything they’re wearing).
The ball striking a permanent object before bouncing on the court.
Only the serving team can earn points.
Standard games are to 11, win by 2 (tournaments may play to 15 or 21).
When a team’s score is even, the original starting server is on the right; when odd, that player is on the left.
A point is awarded after every rally, regardless of who served.
Rewards consistency and longer rallies.
