Rules
Basic Pickleball Rules
Pickleball is played either as singles or doubles on a badminton-sized court with a low net.
The game starts with an underhand serve, where the ball must land in the opponent’s diagonal service court. Players must let the ball bounce once on each side before volleying it, a rule known as the "double-bounce rule."
Points are scored only by the serving team, and games are typically played to 11 points, with a win requiring at least a two-point lead.
A unique feature is the non-volley zone, or "kitchen," near the net, where players cannot hit the ball in the air (whilst volleying), promoting longer rallies.
The game starts with an underhand serve, where the ball must land in the opponent’s diagonal service court. Players must let the ball bounce once on each side before volleying it, a rule known as the "double-bounce rule."
Points are scored only by the serving team, and games are typically played to 11 points, with a win requiring at least a two-point lead.
A unique feature is the non-volley zone, or "kitchen," near the net, where players cannot hit the ball in the air (whilst volleying), promoting longer rallies.
Pickleball Rules - The Nitty-Gritty
Most of the World nowadays follows the USA Pickleball Developed Rules (2025 Official Rulebook) which can be accessed via Pickleball Official Rulebook.
While the official rules of pickleball rely on a scoring system where points can only be won by the serving team, provisional rules for rally scoring are also included in the Rulebook.
While the official rules of pickleball rely on a scoring system where points can only be won by the serving team, provisional rules for rally scoring are also included in the Rulebook.
Pickleball Doubles Rally Scoring
Doubles Rally Scoring
Players on serving team change sides depending on score.
After each rally a point is awarded.
The ball is served diagnonally to the receiver. When the receiving team wins a rally, it results in a side-out - point and the new serving team serves from the right side of the court.
