What are the Rules of Pickleball?

Pickleball is a popular racquet sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. With its simple rules and easy-to-learn gameplay, it’s no wonder that pickleball has gained a huge following among players of all ages and skill levels.

But what exactly are the rules of pickleball? In this article, we will explore the basic rules of the game, including how to score, serve, and play the ball.

Whether you’re a seasoned pickleball pro or just starting out, this guide will help you understand the fundamentals of the game and improve your skills on the court.

The Rules of Pickleball:

If you are just starting out playing pickleball, the following rules below will serve as a guideline to help you enjoy a fun and competitive game.

1. Scoring:

In pickleball, the first team to score 11 points wins the game, as long as they have a lead of at least two points. If the score reaches 10-10, the game continues until one team has a two-point lead.

2. Serving:

One player from the serving team stands behind the back boundary line and hits the ball diagonally across the court to the other team. The ball must be served underhand, and the server must let the ball bounce before hitting it.

The serve must also land within the service box on the opposite side of the court. If the serve is faulted (e.g., if it goes out of bounds or doesn’t land in the service box), the serving team loses a serve. Each team gets two serves in a row before the serve goes to the other team.

3. Volleying:

In pickleball, players are not allowed to hit the ball in the air before it bounces on their side of the court, a rule known as the “no volley zone” or “kitchen.” Players can, however, volley the ball after it bounces on their side of the court.

4. Doubles play:

In doubles play, players must serve from the right-hand side of the court and must also return the ball to the right-hand side of the court.

5. Court dimensions:

Pickleball courts are similar in size to a doubles badminton court and are divided by a net. The dimensions of a pickleball court are 20 feet wide and 44 feet long.

6. Equipment:

Pickleball is played with a perforated plastic ball, wooden or composite paddles, and a net. The ball is similar in size to a wiffle ball and has a lower bounce than a tennis ball.

7. Penalties:

If a player commits a rules violation, such as volleying in the no volley zone or hitting the ball out of bounds, the opposing team is awarded a point.

There are several things that are not allowed in pickleball. First, players are not allowed to hit the ball in the air before it bounces on their side of the court, a rule known as the “no volley zone” or “kitchen.”

They are expected to play the game carefully and professionally. If a player hits the ball out of bounds, the opposing team is awarded a point.

Another thing that you can not do in pickleball is double hitting the ball. This means that you are only allowed to hit the ball once on your side of the court.

Players are also not allowed to carry or throw the ball while hitting it. Touching the net or crossing over into the opponent’s side of the court while the ball is in play is also disallowed.

Lastly, you are expected to behave in a sportsmanlike manner and refrain from conduct such as arguing with the officials, taunting opponents, or making derogatory comments.

Violations of these rules result in penalties, such as awarding a point to the opposing team. By following the rules of the game, players can ensure that pickleball is played fairly and in a respectful manner.

Can You Hit Overhand in Pickleball?

Can You Hit Overhand in Pickleball

In pickleball, players are allowed to hit the ball overhand if they choose to, as long as they do so after the ball has bounced on their side of the court.

However, the ball must still be struck with a paddle, not with a closed fist or any other part of the body. The underhand serve is the most common serve in pickleball, but players are also allowed to serve overhand if they prefer.

The ball must still be served from behind the back boundary line and must land in the service box on the opposite side of the court.

EndNote: What are the Rules of Pickleball?

In conclusion, the rules of pickleball are designed to create a fair and enjoyable game for players of all skill levels. The objective of the game is to score points by hitting the ball over the net and onto the opponent’s side of the court while preventing the opponent from doing the same.