Pickleball Basics

Overview

Pickleball is played on a badminton-size court: 20’ x 44' with a centre net that is 36" high at the ends and 34" high in the centre. It is played with a paddle (resembling and over-sized table tennis paddle) and a ball that resembles a wiffle ball (a hard plastic ball with holes).

The ball is served diagonally (starting with the right-hand service-square if a serving team has an even score, the left-hand for an odd score).  Points can only be scored by the side that serves. Players on each side must let the ball bounce once before volleys are allowed, and there is a seven-foot no-volley zone ("kitchen") on each side of the net, to prevent “spiking.” The server continues to serve, alternating service courts, until the serving team faults on the service or loses the rally. The first side scoring eleven points and leading by at least two points wins. Pickleball can be played with singles or doubles.

The Serve

Serves are to be made diagonally, alternating each serve. The serve must clear the seven-foot non-volley-zone ("kitchen") in front of the net and land in the diagonal service court. Except for the first serve of a game, each member of the serving team gets one serve.

Serves should always be done underhand with the paddle below the waist. The ball should be hit into the air without being bounced. Alternatively (new in 2021), the ball may be dropped (not thrown up or down) and may be hit after it bounces, with no restrictions on paddle placement. The server must keep both feet behind the back line prior to contacting the ball.

The serving side will continue to serve until the there is a service fault or loss of rally, at which time either the serving team's second server will serve or, if both players have served, the service will be given to the opposing side. If the ball touches the net but still lands within the appropriate service court, the serve is considered in (new for 2021).

Volleys

To volley means to hit a ball in the air without first letting it bounce. In Pickleball, this can only be done when the player’s feet are behind the non-volley zone line (seven feet behind the net).

Double-Bounce Rule

Each team must play their first shot off of the bounce. That is, the receiving team must let the serve bounce and the serving team must let the return of the serve bounce before playing it. Once these two bounces have occurred, the ball can either be volleyed or played off the bounce.

Fault

A fault is committed when the ball:

• Is hit out of bounds
• Does not clear the net
• Is volleyed from the non-volley zone
• Is volleyed before a bounce has occurred on each side

See pickleball rules in practice in this YouTube video: Play Pickleball

Paddle and Other Specifications

SPC complies with US Amateur Pickleball Association (USAPA) guidelines and expects all players to follow the official rules and specifications for pickleball play.

See the official USAPA rules and specifications here.

Comprehensive Rules

SPC complies with US Amateur Pickleball Association (USAPA) guidelines and expects all players to follow the official rules and specifications for pickleball play.

Rulebook

The official USAPA rulebook (updated for 2023), as well as a simplified version and a list of 2023 changes, can be found here.