Pickleball basics: scoring, serving and the kitchen, explained simply
Pickleball is easy to start and fun to keep learning. This guide covers the rules that every new player meets in the first week. Tournaments may add their own rules, so always read the organizer's rules for the event you enter.
The court
A pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, about the same size as a badminton doubles court. The net is 36 inches high at the posts and 34 inches in the middle. Each side has a 7-foot zone next to the net called the non-volley zone, better known as the kitchen.
Serving
- You serve underhand, and the paddle must hit the ball below your waist.
- You serve diagonally, from behind the baseline, into the opposite service box.
- The serve must clear the kitchen. A serve that lands on the kitchen line is a fault.
- You get one attempt. If the serve is a fault, you lose the serve.
The two-bounce rule
After the serve, the receiving side must let the ball bounce once before hitting it. Then the serving side must let the return bounce once before hitting it. After those two bounces, anyone may volley (hit the ball in the air) or play it off the bounce. This rule stops the serving team from rushing the net straight away.
The kitchen rule
You may not volley the ball while you are standing in the kitchen or touching its line. You may step into the kitchen at any time to play a ball that has already bounced. You also must not let momentum from a volley carry you into the kitchen. This is the rule new players break most often.
Scoring
In the traditional format, only the serving side can score a point. Games are usually played to 11 and you must win by 2. In doubles, the score is called with three numbers: your side's score, the other side's score, and whether you are the first or second server. At the start of a game, the first serving side begins as server number two, so they only get one turn before the serve changes sides. Some tournaments use other formats, such as games to 15 or 21, or rally scoring where you can score on any rally. The organizer will tell you before play starts.
Faults
Common faults include hitting the ball out of bounds, into the net, volleying from the kitchen, and breaking the two-bounce rule. A fault by the serving side means the serve passes on. A fault by the receiving side gives the serving side a point.
Calling lines
A ball that touches the line is in. Players call the lines on their own side of the court. If you are not sure, the point goes to your opponents. This honor system is a big part of pickleball culture, and it is one reason the sport is so friendly.
Keep learning
Play with people who are a bit better than you, watch your games, and ask for tips. Once you are comfortable, try a local event. Our guide to picking a first division helps you choose.