Pickleball Rules & Scoring

Understanding the rules of pickleball is essential for enjoying the game and playing correctly. While pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, it has its own unique set of rules that make it distinct. This guide covers the official rules as established by USA Pickleball, the sport's governing body in the United States.

Court Dimensions and Setup

A pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, divided into several key areas:

• Baseline: The back line of the court (22 feet from the net)
• Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen): The 7-foot area on both sides of the net where players cannot volley (hit the ball in the air)
• Service Areas: The court is divided into right and left service areas on each side
• Center Line: Divides the service areas on each side of the net
• Net Height: 36 inches at the sidelines, 34 inches at the center

Scoring System

Pickleball uses a unique scoring system:

• Games are played to 11 points, but you must win by 2 points
• Tournament games may be played to 15 or 21 points, also win by 2
• Only the serving team can score - if the receiving team wins the rally, they gain the serve but don't score
• Score is called as three numbers: Serving team's score, Receiving team's score, Server number (1 or 2)
• Example: "3-2-1" means serving team has 3, receiving team has 2, and it's the first server's turn

Serving Rules

Serving in pickleball has specific requirements:

• Underhand Serve: The serve must be hit underhand with the paddle below the waist
• Contact Point: The paddle must contact the ball below the server's navel
• Foot Position: At least one foot must be behind the baseline when serving
• Serve Motion: The serve must be an upward arc motion
• Service Area: The serve must land in the diagonal service area (right court serves to right court, left to left)
• Two-Bounce Rule: After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before volleys are allowed

Double Bounce Rule

One of pickleball's most important rules:

• The ball must bounce once on the receiving side after the serve
• The ball must then bounce once on the serving side after the return
• After these two bounces, players can volley (hit the ball in the air) or let it bounce
• This rule prevents serve-and-volley dominance and extends rallies

Non-Volley Zone (The Kitchen)

The 7-foot non-volley zone is a critical area with specific rules:

• No Volleying: Players cannot hit the ball in the air (volley) while standing in the non-volley zone
• Can Hit After Bounce: Players can hit the ball after it bounces in the non-volley zone
• Momentum Rule: If a player's momentum carries them into the non-volley zone after a volley, it's a fault
• Foot Placement: Any part of the body touching the non-volley zone during a volley is a fault
• Strategy: The kitchen is where most dinking (soft shots) occurs

Serving Sequence in Doubles

Doubles play has a specific serving rotation:

1. The first server serves from the right side
2. If the serving team wins the point, the server moves to the left side and serves again
3. If the serving team loses the rally, the serve goes to the second server on the same team
4. When the second server loses the serve, the serve goes to the receiving team
5. The receiving team's first server serves from the right side, and the pattern continues
6. At the start of the game, only one player serves (the second server is skipped on the first service turn)

Faults

A fault results in the loss of the rally. Common faults include:

• Serve Faults: Ball doesn't land in the correct service area, foot fault (stepping on or over the baseline), hitting the ball above the waist
• Volley Faults: Hitting a volley while in the non-volley zone, hitting the ball out of bounds
• Double Bounce: Hitting the ball before it bounces on your side (after the serve and return)
• Net Faults: Ball hits the net on a serve and doesn't land in the service area, ball hits a permanent object before bouncing
• Contact Faults: Hitting the ball twice, catching or carrying the ball
• Non-Volley Zone Faults: Volleying from the kitchen, momentum carrying you into the kitchen after a volley

Let Serves

A "let" occurs when:

• The serve hits the net but lands in the correct service area - the serve is replayed
• A player is not ready when the serve occurs (must be called immediately)
• There's interference from an outside source (ball from another court, etc.)

Line Calls

Understanding line calls is important for fair play:

• Balls are "in" if they touch any part of the line - lines are considered part of the court
• Players make their own calls - honesty and sportsmanship are essential
• If unsure, call it "in" - give your opponent the benefit of the doubt
• No replays - if a ball is called out, the point is over

Common Situations

Singles vs. Doubles Rules

Most rules are the same, but there are key differences:

• Singles: Only one serve per side (no second server). Server serves from right side when score is even, left side when score is odd.
• Doubles: Two serves per side (first and second server). More complex serving rotation as described above.
• Court Size: Same dimensions for both singles and doubles play.

Official Rules Resources

For the most current and detailed rules, refer to:

• USA Pickleball: The official rulebook is available at usapickleball.org
• International Federation of Pickleball (IFP): For international tournament rules
• Local Leagues: Some local leagues may have modified rules - always check with tournament or league organizers