Pickleball might be the most welcoming sport around, but don't let its friendly vibe fool you. There are rules—and mastering them will take your game to the next level.
Whether you're just picking up a paddle or getting ready for your first tournament, this energetic breakdown of the official rules will have you game-ready. And if you want to play in style, CustomPickleballBands.com has you covered with gear that looks as sharp as your serve.
The Pickleball Court at a Glance
Before diving into rules, it helps to know the layout:
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The court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long.
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The net is 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the center.
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The 7-foot area on both sides of the net is the non-volley zone, aka the kitchen.
Starting the Game: Serving Rules
The game begins with an underhand serve that must:
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Be hit diagonally across the court.
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Clear the non-volley zone.
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Land within the opposite service area.
Key rules:
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Only one serve attempt is allowed (except in the case of a let).
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The server must keep both feet behind the baseline.
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In doubles, players alternate serving until a fault.
The Double Bounce Rule
One of pickleball’s most unique features is the double bounce rule:
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The receiving team must let the serve bounce once before returning it.
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The serving team must also let the return bounce before playing it.
Only after these two bounces can volleys (hitting the ball before it bounces) begin.
What Is the Kitchen Rule?
The kitchen, or non-volley zone, is a sacred space. You cannot volley the ball while standing in it—or while your momentum carries you into it.
You can only step into the kitchen to play a ball that has already bounced.
This rule:
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Encourages softer, more strategic play at the net (like dinks).
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Prevents “smash-and-dash” tactics.
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Scoring in Pickleball
Here’s how scoring works:
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Only the serving team can earn points.
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Games are played to 11, and you must win by 2.
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Each server gets one fault before it’s their partner’s turn (in doubles).
Announcing the score goes like this: server score – receiver score – server number (1 or 2).
Example: If it’s the first server and they have 5 points while the opponents have 3, they’d say: “5–3–1.”
Faults and Violations
You lose the point or your serve if any of the following happen:
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Serving out of bounds
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Hitting into the net
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Volleying from the kitchen
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Failing the double bounce rule
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Stepping on or over the kitchen line during a volley
Keeping these rules in mind helps you stay focused, especially when competition heats up.
What’s the Difference Between Singles and Doubles?
Doubles is the most popular format. But if you're flying solo, here's what changes:
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In singles, each player serves from the right if their score is even, left if it’s odd.
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You only get one serve attempt per turn.
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Court coverage becomes crucial since it’s all on you.
Both formats are fast, fun, and competitive.
Strategies That Start with the Rules
Once you know the rules, you can start strategizing:
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Use dinks to control the kitchen.
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Aim serves deep and wide to push opponents back.
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Master the third shot drop to regain net position.
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Communicate in doubles to avoid collision and missed shots.
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Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
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Standing too close to the net after serving
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Forgetting the double bounce rule
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Rushing into the kitchen too soon
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Holding the paddle too tight or too loose
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Not watching your feet on the kitchen line
Every beginner makes mistakes—but now you’ll make fewer.
Want to Learn More?
Visit our Pickleball Blog for tips, tutorials, gear reviews, and community highlights.
You’ll find:
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Paddle care tips
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Tournament prep guides
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Gear comparisons
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Personal stories from players like you
Final Rally: Respect the Rules, Rule the Game
Pickleball’s rules make it more than just a backyard pastime—they’re what make it dynamic, fair, and incredibly fun.
And when you show up with personalized gear, your confidence goes through the roof.
So next time you step on the court, remember: Know the rules. Respect the kitchen. Serve with swagger. And shop your style at CustomPickleballBands.com.