How to Play Pickleball: 9 Simple Rules to Follow

Pickleball is an exciting and rapidly growing sport that has gained immense popularity in North America. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned player, learning the rules of pickleball is essential to enjoy the game to its fullest. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about playing pickleball, from the equipment required to the rules of the game. So let's get started!

 

What You Need to Play Pickleball

Before you dive into the world of pickleball, it's important to have the right equipment. Here are the essential items you'll need:

1. Pickleball Paddles: Pickleball paddles are similar to oversized table tennis paddles, usually made of lightweight materials such as graphite or composite. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so choose one that feels comfortable in your hand.
2. Pickleball Court: Pickleball is typically played on a badminton-sized court, measuring 20' x 44'. The net is 36' high at the sidelines and 34' at the center. It's important to have access to a local pickleball court to play the game.
3. Pickleball Balls: Pickleball balls are similar to wiffle balls, with small holes to reduce the speed of the ball and provide better control. They come in different colors, but the most common color used for indoor play is yellow.
4. Pickleball-Specific Clothing: While there are no strict dress codes for pickleball, wearing appropriate clothing can enhance your performance. Invest in comfortable activewear and consider getting pickleball-specific shoes for better traction on the court.

Now that you have the necessary equipment, let's dive into the rules of pickleball!

The Rules of Pickleball

Pickleball is a unique game that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It is typically played as doubles, with two players on each team, but can also be played as singles. Let's break down the rules step by step:

1. Court and Positioning

Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court, with a net dividing the two sides. Each player stands to the right and left of the centerline. The court also has a 7 ft area called the non-volley zone, or 'kitchen', where players cannot hit volleys from. The kitchen line should not be touched during a volley.

2. Serve

Every rally in pickleball starts with a serve. The serve is always performed diagonally, from the right side of the court to the opponent's right service area. The serve must clear the kitchen (including the line) to count.

3. Serving Technique

In pickleball, the serve must be hit with an underhand stroke or backhand below the waist. The arm should move in an upward arc when striking the ball. You can either hit the ball out of the air or drop it on the ground and hit it. Unlike tennis, the serve is not an aggressive shot but aims to put the ball in play.

4. Faults

A rally continues until a fault occurs. There are three basic types of faults in pickleball:

• The serve does not clear the kitchen (including the line).
• A shot is hit out of bounds, landing behind the baseline or outside the sideline.
• A shot is hit into the net.

Unlike tennis, there are no "lets" in pickleball. If the serve hits the net, it is played as it lands, as long as it lands within the service area.

5. Kitchen Rules

The non-volley zone, also known as the kitchen, is a 7 ft area on each side of the net. Players cannot hit volleys from within the kitchen or even touch the kitchen line during a volley. This rule prevents players from gaining an unfair advantage at the net.

6. Groundstrokes and Volleys

In pickleball, there are two types of shots: groundstrokes and volleys. Groundstrokes are shots hit off the bounce, often from the baseline, while volleys are shots hit out of the air from a position closer to the net. Players must be aware of their positioning on the court to execute the appropriate shot.

7. Double Bounce Rule

Before any player can hit a volley, the ball must bounce once on each side of the net. This rule, known as the double bounce rule, prevents the serving team from rushing the net and gaining an unfair advantage. It also makes the game more strategic and allows the returning team to regain control.

8. Scoring

In pickleball, you only win points on your serve. The serving team continues serving until they lose a rally. After winning each point on your serve, you switch sides with your partner and serve to the other opponent. The first team to reach 11 points wins the game, but you must win by a margin of 2 points.

9. Singles and Doubles Play

Pickleball can be played as singles or doubles. In singles, there is only one player on each side, and the serving and positioning rules are slightly different. The court dimensions and other rules remain the same. Doubles is the most popular way to play pickleball, with two players on each side sharing a court.

Serving Strategies

While the primary goal of the serve is to put the ball in play, you can use various strategies to gain an advantage. Here are three serving strategies to consider.

1. Serve Deep: A deep serve forces your opponent to move backward, giving you more time to set up your shots.
2. Keep it Low: Hitting low shots makes it harder for your opponent to hit aggressive returns.
3. Add Spin: By changing the angle of your wrist on the serve follow-through, you can put spins on the ball, making it more challenging for your opponent to return.

Keep in mind that these strategies require practice and experimentation to perfect.

Starting and Scoring a Pickleball Game

To start a pickleball game, determine which team serves first through a fair method such as a coin toss or local rules. The player on the right side of the court begins the serve, announcing the starting score as "0-0-2." Each team starts with 0 points, and the number two indicates that the starting team serves at position 2.

Both players on a team get the opportunity to serve in a turn. The serving team announces the score as "X-Y-1" or "X-Y-2," indicating the server's position. If a rally is lost, the serve passes to the other team, and the score is announced accordingly.

The first team to reach 11 points, with a margin of 2 points, wins the game. If the score is tied at 10-10, the game continues until one team achieves a 2-point lead.

Playing Pickleball Singles

While doubles is the most common way to play pickleball, you can also play singles. In singles play, there is only one player on each side of the court. The serving and positioning rules are slightly different, but the overall gameplay remains the same.

The first serve for each side starts on the right side, and the server continues serving until they lose a rally. The receiver does not switch sides if they win the rally, and only one serve per rotation is allowed. If the server loses a rally, a side out occurs, and the serve goes to the receiver.

 

Pickleball is a dynamic and engaging sport that is easy to learn but challenging to master. By understanding the rules and practicing your skills, you can enjoy pickleball with friends and family. Remember to always abide by the rules, respect your opponents, and have fun on the court. So grab your pickleball paddles, find a court near you, and start playing this exciting game today!

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified instructor or coach for proper guidance in learning and playing pickleball.