Quick Guide to Pickleball Rules and Scoring

Last Updated on September 14, 2023 by The Pickleball Expert Team

Pickleball is a fast-paced, exciting sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. To fully enjoy the game, it’s essential to understand the rules and scoring. In this quick guide, we’ll break down the basics to get you started on the court.

Pickleball Rules and Scoring

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Serving Rules – quick version

• The serve must be made underhand.
• The server must stand behind the baseline and serve diagonally to the opponent’s service court.
• If a point is scored, the server switches sides and the server initiates the next serve from the left-hand court.
• The serve must clear the net and land within the opponent’s service court.
• Both feet must remain behind the baseline until the serve is made.
• The receiving team must let the serve bounce before returning it.

• A “let” serve occurs if the ball hits the net but still lands in the correct service court. In this case, the serve is replayed.
• Faults during the serve, such as stepping on or over the baseline, result in a point for the opposing team.

Playing the Game

• After the serve, both teams must allow the ball to bounce once on each side of the net before volleying (hitting it in the air). This is known as the “double bounce rule.”
• Volleys (hitting the ball in the air without allowing it to bounce) are not allowed within the non-volley zone, often called “the kitchen.” The kitchen is a 7-foot area on both sides of the net.
• Players can step into the kitchen to hit the ball only after it has bounced.

Scoring

• Pickleball uses a rally scoring system, meaning points can be scored by both the serving and receiving teams.
• The game is played to a certain number of points, typically 11 or 15, with a winning margin of at least 2 points.
• In singles, a typical game is played to 11 points.
• In doubles, a typical game is played to 15 points.

Winning the Game

• To win a game, a team must reach the specified number of points (11 or 15) with a lead of at least 2 points.
• Typically, pickleball is played as a best-of-three games match, so the first team to win two out of three games wins the match.

Non-Volley Zone (the “Kitchen”)

• The non-volley zone, often called “the kitchen,” is a 7-foot area on both sides of the net.
• Players cannot volley (hit the ball in the air) while standing inside the kitchen.
• However, they can step into the kitchen after the ball has bounced.

Double Bounce Rule

• In pickleball, both the serving and receiving teams must let the ball bounce once on each side before volleying (hitting it in the air).
• After the two bounces, volleys are allowed.

The Court

• A pickleball court is a rectangular area with the following dimensions:
  • Width: 20 feet
  • Length: 44 feet
• The court is divided into two equal halves by a net that’s positioned at the center.
• The net height is 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center.

Singles vs. Doubles

• Pickleball can be played in singles (one player on each side) or doubles (two players on each side).
• The court size and layout remain the same for both singles and doubles play.

Wrap-Up

Now that you have a quick overview of pickleball rules and scoring, you’re ready to step onto the court and enjoy this dynamic sport. Whether you’re playing for fun or competing, understanding these fundamental rules will help you have a great pickleball experience.