Pickleball Rules 101: Everything You Need to Know

One of the best things about pickleball is that you can learn enough to have fun in under 10 minutes. But understanding the rules properly — especially the quirks that catch new players off guard — will make your first session much more enjoyable.

The Court

A pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long — the same for both singles and doubles. The net is 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches at the centre. On each side of the net is a 7-foot non-volley zone known as the kitchen.

Serving Rules

The serve must be underhand with the paddle below the waist. The ball must land diagonally across the net, clearing the kitchen. Both feet must be behind the baseline when serving. Unlike tennis, you only get one serve — no second attempt after a fault.

The Double Bounce Rule

After the serve, both teams must let the ball bounce once before volleying. The serve bounces, the receiver returns after the bounce, and the serving team must let that return bounce too. After those two bounces, both sides can volley freely.

The Kitchen Rule

You cannot volley while standing in the kitchen or on the kitchen line. You can enter the kitchen to play a ball that has bounced there. After volleying near the kitchen, your momentum must not carry you into the zone. This prevents net domination and creates strategic play.

Scoring

Only the serving team can score. Games go to 11 points, win by 2. In doubles, the score is called as three numbers: serving team score – receiving team score – server number. For example, '4-2-1' means the serving team has 4, receiving has 2, and it's server number 1's turn.

Key Tips for Beginners

Stay out of the kitchen until the ball bounces there — this is the most common beginner mistake. Call the score before every serve. At the net, controlled soft shots beat aggressive smashes. Communicate with your doubles partner constantly. Now book a court at Pickle Human and put these rules into practice!