With its intriguing blend of tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball has exploded in popularity over the past few years. Understanding the sport thoroughly demands a familiarization not just with the dimensions of the court, the scoring system and the equipment but also with the intricacies surrounding the game play. As every skilled player will tell you, understanding, digesting, and applying the five key rules of pickleball can make a world of difference in your performance on the court. Suffice to say, these rules – the double-bounce, no-volley zone, service rules, fault rules, and two bounce rule – form the quintessential foundation of the sport.
Understanding the Basics
Understanding Pickleball Basics
Pickleball is a fun sport that combines elements from tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. By understanding the basics, you can enjoy it no matter your skill level. These basics encompass knowing the court dimensions, scoring system, and the equipment.
The Court and Equipment
A pickleball court measures 20 feet wide by 44 feet long, which is the same size as a doubles badminton court. It includes a net similar to a tennis net but slightly smaller. The game is played using a paddle and a plastic ball with holes. These paddles can be made from light metals, wood, or composite materials, while the balls resemble those found in wiffleball.
Scoring System
The scoring system in pickleball is slightly complex. The game is normally played to 11 points, and you must win by at least 2 points to be the victor. Scoring can only be done by the team that is serving. Points are also generally only awarded when the serving team wins a volley while the opposing team does not return the serve, or if the opposing team commits a fault.
Starting and Ending the Game
A coin toss or another similar method usually determines who serves first in pickleball. The first serve of the game is made from the right-hand service square. Unlike ping-pong, where the ball has to bounce in your opponent’s square, in pickleball, the ball only has to stay within bounds.
The game ends when a team or player reaches 11, 15, or 21 points and leads by at least 2 points. In competitive games, the game might go beyond this if neither team is able to secure a 2-point lead when they attain the target points.
The 5 Rules of Pickleball
- Serve Rules: Serving must be done underhand with the paddle below the waist, and the serve made diagonally to the opponent.
- Double Bounce Rule: When the ball is served, the receiving team must let it bounce once before returning the serve. Similarly, the serving team must let it bounce once before returning the volley. This is called the double bounce or two bounce rule.
- Non-volley Zone Rule: The non-volley zone is a 7-foot area on both sides of the net. No volleying is allowed within this zone. It’s often referred to as the “kitchen.”
- Faults: A fault is any action that halts play because of a rule violation. A few examples include hitting the ball out of bounds, stepping into the non-volley zone, and volleying the ball before it bounces once on each side of the court.
- Scoring: The first team scoring 11 points and leading with a minimum of 2 points wins the game. The serving team must call out the score before starting service.
Drilling Down the 5 Rules
Understanding the Double-Bounce Rule
The double-bounce rule is crucial to the game of Pickleball and requires each team to play their first shot off the bounce. That is to say, when the ball is served, the receiving team must let it bounce before returning, and the serving team must also let the return bounce before playing it. After these two bounces have occurred, the ball can either be volleyed (hit before it bounces) or played off the bounce (groundstroke).
The No-Volley Zone Rule or The Kitchen
The no-volley zone rule, often referred to as “the kitchen,” is a term unique to Pickleball. The term “the kitchen” refers to a seven-feet area from the net on both sides that extends to the side lines. It’s called the no-volley zone because the ball must bounce once before being hit within this area. A player may not step into or on this zone while volleying the ball. A violation of this rule results in the opposing team receiving a point.
Pickleball Serving Rules
Pickleball serving rules are unique when compared to other racquet sports. The serve must be hit underhand with the paddle contact below waist level. Service should be initiated from behind the baseline. The serve needs to be made diagonally cross-court and has to land within the boundaries of the opposite service court – the area between the baseline and service (seven-foot line) on the opposite side. Also, the serving player only gets one chance at service. If they miss or the ball does not land within the opposing service court, it will result in a fault and loss of service.
Pickleball Fault Rules
A fault in Pickleball results in the opposing team gaining the serve if the fault was made by the serving team or a point if the fault was made by the receiving team. Faults can occur from a variety of events such as the ball not clearing the net, stepping on the baseline during the service motion, hitting the ball out of bounds, violating the double-bounce rule, or a violation of the no-volley zone.
The Two Bounce Rule
The two bounce rule is a repeat for emphasis on the double-bounce rule mentioned earlier. It’s another way to stress how important it is to let the ball bounce once on each side after the serve before a volley can occur. This rule plays a key role in keeping the games long and rallies intense, as players can’t attack right off the serve, forcing them to approach each shot strategically. Violation of the two bounce rule results in a fault.
Watch and Learn
Rule 1: Starting the Game
The game begins with a serve from the right-hand court and must be served diagonally to the opponent’s right-hand court. The server must make sure their feet are behind the baseline during the serve, and the ball should be hit in the air (not bounced off the floor before serving). During a serve, the ball should not touch the non-volley zone or a fault is declared.
Rule 2: Double Hit Rule
One rule to observe during pickleball play is the double-hit rule. This rule implies that once the server serves, each side must make at least one pass (hit the ball to the other team) before the ball can be volleyed (hit in the air without allowing the ball to bounce first). This essentially makes the first three hits in a rally crucial.
Rule 3: The Non-Volley Zone Rules
The non-volley zone, often referred to as the “kitchen,” is the 7-foot zone on both sides of the net. In pickleball, you are not allowed to volley the ball (strike it in the air) when standing in this zone. Doing so results in a fault. Additionally, momentum from a shot cannot carry a player into the non-volley zone.
Rule 4: Faults in Pickleball
A fault in pickleball is whenever there is a violation of the rules. Faults can occur in several instances such as the ball hitting out of bounds, the ball not clearing the net, stepping into the non-volley zone and volleying the ball, or failing the double-hit rule.
Rule 5: Scoring in Pickleball
Another fundamental rule in pickleball revolves around scoring. A team or player can only score points when they serve. The game is usually played to 11; however, the winning team must lead by at least 2 points. Each game must be won by a two-point margin. If the score ends up being tied at 10-10, the game continues until one team gets a two-point lead, such as 12-10 or 14-12. This rule keeps the game competitive and exciting. Your game watching will indicate when and how points are scored. Occasionally, a pickleball match might be played to 15 or 21 points, but the two-point margin and scoring only on service rule remain the same.
The sport of pickleball, brimming with joy, challenge and excitement, is not just a fantastic workout for the body, but also a stimulating activity for the mind. It’s the engagement with its rules that brings an appealing strategic depth to the game. Mastering the five key rules of pickleball is critically important to fully appreciate and succeed in this remarkable sport. So, kit up, keep observing, keep learning, and most importantly, keep playing. Because in the riveting world of pickleball, to know the rules is to love the game.
I am Michael Wanner, an experienced and educated expert in the field of pickleball. I hold a degree in Sports Science from Cleveland State University, Ohio, USA. My expertise lies in the technical aspects of pickleball and how to play it effectively. I have spent many years playing and coaching pickleball and have a wealth of knowledge to share with my readers. I am a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their pickleball skills and strategies.
