How To Play
About The Game
Pickleball is a dynamic paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, ping-pong, & badminton. Played on a 20’x44′ court with a low net, it requires only paddles and a perforated ball similar to a wiffle ball. Its accessible rules and compact court size make it enjoyable for players of all ages, rapidly gaining popularity worldwide.
The sport emphasizes quick reflexes, strategy, and fun, offering both singles and doubles play options. The non-volley zone, also known as “the kitchen,” adds a tactical layer, requiring players to think carefully about placement and timing. With its engaging gameplay, social atmosphere, and minimal equipment requirements, pickleball has quickly become a favorite for communities worldwide, promoting fitness, teamwork, and enjoyment for everyone.
General Rules
Learn the essential rules of pickleball—serving, scoring, court boundaries, and the non-volley zone—to enjoy the game safely and confidently.
Scoring
- Games are played to 11, win by 2.
- Each team member gets to serve until they lose the point, with one exception, the team that serves first only gets 1 serve.
- The score is called out as a series of 3 number; serving team score, receiving team score, server #1 or #2. Ex: 7-3-2 means serving team has 7 points, opposing team has 3 points and it is the second server about to serve.
- The non-volley zone (or “kitchen”) can only be entered after a bounce. Play continues until a fault occurs or a team reaches 11 points, winning by 2.
Serving
- Must serve underhand from behind the baseline, cross-court, into the service area past the kitchen.
- Only the serving team can score points.
Miscellaneous Rules
- After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce, then the serving team must let that return bounce before hitting.
- A player cannot strike the ball in the kitchen unless the ball bounces in the kitchen first.