Pickleball is a rapidly growing sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, table tennis, and even volleyball. This dynamic game can be played both indoors and outdoors, and it's accessible for all ages and skill levels—whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced player. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the five essential rules of pickleball, so you can hit the court with confidence.

1. The Pickleball Court and Equipment

• Pickleball is played on a rectangular court that measures 6.10 meters wide and 13.41 meters long—the same size as a standard doubles badminton court.
• The court is divided into left and right service boxes and includes a 2.13-meter non-volley zone on both sides of the net. This zone is commonly known as "the kitchen."
• The net height is 91.5 cm at the sidelines and 86 cm in the center.

Players use a solid pickleball paddle (racket) and a perforated plastic ball, similar to a wiffle ball. Paddles are available in a wide range of prices and quality levels, from entry-level to pro-level gear.

2. How Does Scoring Work in Pickleball?

• A standard game of pickleball is played to 11 points, and a player must win by at least 2 points. Some games, especially in tournaments, may be played to 15 or 21 points.
• Only the serving team can score points.
• A point is awarded when the opposing team commits a fault—such as hitting the ball out of bounds, into the net, or failing to return a shot properly.

3. Serving in Pickleball

Every rally begins with an underhand serve. This can be a “drop serve” or a traditional underhand stroke. The server must stand behind the baseline and serve the ball diagonally into the opponent’s service box.

In doubles play:

• Both teammates get a chance to serve before the serve switches to the other team (called a “side-out”).
• The first serve always starts from the right-hand side.
• If the server wins a point, they continue serving and alternate sides after each point.
• If they lose the rally, the second teammate takes over serving.
• After both players lose their serve, the serve goes to the other team.

In singles play:

• The server switches service sides after every point.
• Serve from the right side when your score is even, and from the left side when your score is odd.

4. The Two-Bounce Rule

Pickleball has a unique rule that slows down the start of every rally: the two-bounce rule. After the serve, the ball must first bounce once on the receiver’s side and then once on the server’s side before players are allowed to hit the ball in the air (a volley). This rule helps prevent quick, unreturnable points and encourages longer rallies

Ignoring this rule results in a fault and a point for the opponent.

5. The Non-Volley Zone (The "Kitchen")

The kitchen is a critical part of the pickleball court. It’s a 2.13-meter zone on both sides of the net where volleying is not allowed (hitting the ball before it bounces).

If you step into the kitchen during a volley—or your momentum carries you into it afterward—it’s considered a fault.

What is allowed:

You may enter the kitchen to hit a ball that has bounced.

You may remain in the kitchen after playing a groundstroke, as long as it wasn’t a volley.

Summary: Getting Started with Pickleball

By learning these five basic pickleball rules, you're ready to get out on the court. Whether you're playing casually with friends or gearing up for more competitive matches, this foundation will help you enjoy one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.