Pickleball: All the Rules You Need to Know

Whether you’re gearing up for your first game or want to avoid common mistakes, knowing the essential rules of pickleball will give you a competitive edge. While pickleball borrows elements from tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, it has its own set of unique rules.

Key Rules to Remember:

1. Serving: Serve underhand, making sure the paddle makes contact below your waist. The serve must land diagonally across the net.
2. Two-Bounce Rule: After the serve, the receiving side and the server must each let the ball bounce once before volleying.
3. Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen): You cannot hit the ball in the air while standing in the 7-foot area near the net, known as the kitchen.
4. Scoring: Only the serving team can score. Games are typically played to 11 points, but you must win by at least 2.
5. Faults: Common faults include hitting the ball out of bounds, volleying from the kitchen, or failing to clear the net.

By mastering these rules, you’ll not only feel more confident but also avoid penalties that could cost you the game.