RULES OFPICKLEBALL
Master the official rules and regulations of pickleball
BASIC RULES
Scoring
- Games are typically played to 11 points (win by 2)
- Only the serving team can score points
- Points are scored when opponents fault
The Serve
- Serve must be hit underhand
- Paddle contact below waist level
- Serve diagonally to opponent's service court
The Two-Bounce Rule
- Ball must bounce once on each side before volleys
- Receiving team must let serve bounce
- Serving team must let return bounce
The Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone)
- 7-foot zone on both sides of the net
- Cannot volley while standing in the kitchen
- Can enter after ball bounces
COMMON FAULTS
What Counts as a Fault?
These actions result in a point for the opposing team
Serving Faults
- •Hitting the ball into the net
- •Hitting the ball out of bounds
- •Serving into the wrong service court
- •Foot fault (stepping on or over baseline)
Playing Faults
- •Volleying from the kitchen
- •Hitting the ball before it bounces (two-bounce rule)
- •Double hitting the ball
- •Touching the net with paddle or body
COURT SPECIFICATIONS
Official Court Dimensions
Court Size
- • Length: 44 feet
- • Width: 20 feet
- • Net height: 36 inches at sidelines
- • Net height: 34 inches at center
Zones
- • Kitchen (NVZ): 7 feet from net
- • Service courts: 15 x 10 feet each
- • Baseline to kitchen: 15 feet
READY TO PLAY?
Now that you know the rules, it's time to hit the court!