What Are Pickleball Rules? A Simple Beginner Guide

Think of pickleball as a mix that borrows the best elements from tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It is played on a small court with paddles and a plastic ball. To play correctly and avoid common faults, beginners must understand pickleball serving rules, the double-bounce rule, the kitchen rule, scoring, faults, and what counts as an out ball.
This guide explains the basic rules of pickleball, how to serve, when points are earned, and why players must respect the non-volley zone.

1. Pickleball Court Basics

Before learning detailed rules, players must know how the court works.

• The court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long.
• The court has a seven-foot area right next to the net on both sides. This space is called the non-volley zone, or simply the ‘kitchen’.
• The service area is divided into right and left courts.
• Games are usually played in singles or doubles.

Understanding the court makes it easier to follow the rules explained below.

2. Pickleball Serving Rules Explained

Serving is where every rally begins, and pickleball has very strict rules. Here is a simple breakdown of the serving rules in pickleball:

2.1 Starting the Serve

1. The serve must be hit underhand.
2. Contact with the ball must be below the waist.
3. The paddle must move upward.
4. The Server must keep one foot behind the baseline.

2.2 Direction of the Serve

1. The ball must be served diagonally into the opposite service court.
2. The serve must clear the kitchen (non-volley zone) and land inside the diagonal service box.

2.3 One Serve Attempt Only

Unlike tennis, there is no second serve. A fault means the serve passes to the next player.

2.4 Serving Sequence in Doubles

It is very important:

1. Both partners serve, except at the beginning of each game.
2. The starting team begins with only one Server to keep things fair.
3. Server positions switch only after a point is won.
4. When a team loses a rally, the serve transfers to the opponents.

These rules are the foundation of all pickleball serving rules for beginners.

3. What is the double-bounce rule in pickleball

This rule is simple but crucial.

3.1 How the Double Bounce Rule Works

1. According to the rules, the person or team receiving the serve must wait for the ball to hit the ground once before returning it over the net.
2. Next, the serving team must also let that return ball bounce once before hitting it over the net again.
3. Only after those mandatory two bounces are complete are players allowed to start “volleying,” which means hitting the ball in the air before it touches the ground.

This rule prevents players from rushing the net too early, making the game slower and more strategic.

3.2 Why the Rule Matters

It keeps rallies balanced and gives both sides time to position themselves.

4. What is the kitchen rule in pickleball (Non-Volley Zone Rule)

The kitchen is a 7-foot non-volley zone on both sides of the net.

4.1 Basic Kitchen Rules

1. You can’t strike the ball out of the air—that is, volley it—when your feet are inside the ‘kitchen’, which is that seven-foot zone right next to the net.
2. If any part of your body touches the kitchen during a volley, it is a fault.
3. Your momentum cannot take you into the kitchen after a volley.

4.2 You can Enter the Kitchen

Beginners often think stepping into the kitchen is illegal. It is wrong. You can step into the kitchen anytime, as long as you do not venture inside.

4.3 Why the Kitchen Rule Exists

It stops players from smashing the ball right at the net, keeping the game fair and controlled.

5. Pickleball Scoring Rules

A key part of learning how pickleball scoring works is understanding three simple rules:

5.1 Only the Serving Team Scores

The receiving team cannot earn points from a rally.

5.2 Games Typically Go to 11 Points

A team must win by 2 points (e.g., 11–9, or 12–10).

5.3 Three-Number Scoring System in Doubles

Example score: 6-4-2

1. First number = Server’s team score
2. Second number = Opponent’s score
3. Third number = Server number (1 or 2)

6. When Is the Ball Out in Pickleball

Here are the simple rules:

• A ball is out if it lands outside the boundary lines.
• A ball touching any part of a line is considered in.
• A serve hitting the kitchen line is a fault/out.
• A ball hitting posts or outside objects is out.

7. Basic Rules of Pickleball Every Beginner Must Know

To understand the basic rules of pickleball, here is a simple checklist:

• Serve underhand and diagonally.
• Follow the double-bounce rule.
• No volleying in the kitchen.
• Only the serving team scores points.
• Rallies continue until a fault occurs.
• Games are usually to 11, win by 2.
• Stay behind the baseline when serving.
• Switch positions only after scoring.
• Volleys are allowed only after two ground bounces.
• Respect boundary lines and call out balls honestly.

These rules help beginners start playing confidently.

8. Common Pickleball Faults

Faults cause you to lose a rally. The most common are:

• Hitting the ball out of bounds
• Volleying in the kitchen
• Missing the ball during a serve
• Hitting the ball into the net
• Not following the double-bounce rule.
• Touching the net with your body or paddle

9. Tips for Beginners to Follow the Rules Easily

• Practice serving from both the right and left sides.
• Learn to return the ball deep to avoid kitchen pressure.
• Do shadow practice near the kitchen to learn foot control.
• Watch your feet after volleying—don’t fall forward into the kitchen.
• Call out the score loudly before every serve.

10. FAQs About Pickleball Rules