What Are The Rules Of Pickleball: Quick Guide 2025

Pickleball rules cover serving, scoring to 11, double-bounce, non-volley zone, and faults.

If you are asking what are the rules of pickleball, you are in the right place. I coach new players and ref local matches. In this guide, I explain what are the rules of pickleball in clear steps, with real examples. You will learn fast, play fair, and have more fun.

The basics: court, gear, and setup

New players often start by asking what are the rules of pickleball about the court and gear. The court is the same size for singles and doubles. It is 20 feet wide by 44 feet long, with a 7-foot non-volley zone on each side of the net.

Key points to know:

The net is 36 inches high at the posts and 34 inches at the center.
The non-volley zone is also called the kitchen. The line is part of the kitchen.
A legal serve must land in the diagonal service box. The non-volley zone line is not part of the service box.
Use an approved paddle and a perforated plastic ball. Outdoor balls are harder with smaller holes.

Before you start, check the lines, nets, and balls. It saves arguments later. I set a habit to walk the court for 30 seconds. It avoids surprise trips and bad bounces.

Scoring made simple

A common part of what are the rules of pickleball is scoring. In standard play, only the serving team scores. Games are to 11, win by 2. In some events, games go to 15 or 21.

How it works:

If the serving team wins the rally, they get a point and the server switches sides.
If the receiving team wins the rally, no point. The serve moves to the partner, then to the other team.
You must win by 2 points. For example, 12–10 or 15–13.

Score calling:

In doubles, call three numbers: server score, receiver score, server number (1 or 2). Example: 6–4–1.
In singles, call two numbers. Example: 7–6.
Even score means the server starts on the right side. Odd score means left side.

I tell my students to say the score out loud. It keeps rhythm and reduces disputes.

Serving rules and order

When people ask what are the rules of pickleball, serving details are next. The serve must be underhand with contact below the waist (navel). Keep both feet behind the baseline at contact.

Serve basics:

Serve crosscourt into the diagonal service box.
The ball must clear the non-volley zone in the air. If it touches the kitchen line, it is a fault.
You get one serve attempt per rally. Service lets are not replayed under current rules. A net-cord serve that lands in the box is in play.
You may use a drop serve. Drop the ball from your hand or paddle. Let it bounce. Then hit it. No tossing upward.

Order of serve in doubles:

The team that starts the game begins with server number 2. That is why the first call is 0–0–2.
After the first side out, both partners on each team get a turn to serve.

A quick tip from league play: say your name and “one” or “two” at the start of your serve turn. It calms chaos on busy courts.

Double-bounce rule and the kitchen

If you ask what are the rules of pickleball that shape rallies, this is it. The double-bounce rule says the serve must bounce, and the return must bounce. After those two bounces, either team may volley.

Kitchen (non-volley zone) rules:

You cannot volley while standing in the kitchen or touching its line.
You may step into the kitchen to hit a ball that bounced there. Then step out to volley the next ball.
Momentum matters. If you volley and your hat, paddle, or body falls into the kitchen, it is a fault.
The kitchen is 7 feet deep. Learn this space. It wins and loses points.

I once lost a match point when my cap fell off into the kitchen after a clean volley. Lesson: control your body and your gear.

Faults, lets, and dead balls

A big chunk of what are the rules of pickleball is knowing faults. A fault ends the rally. If the serving side faults, no point and serve moves. If the receiving side faults, the server scores.

Common faults:

Serve lands out, short, or on the kitchen line.
Volley while touching the kitchen or the kitchen line.
Ball hit out of bounds. Lines are in, except the kitchen line on a serve.
Double hit by the same team without a single stroke. Or the ball bounces twice on one side.
Wrong server or wrong receiver. Stop and correct as soon as you notice.
Foot fault on serve. Do not touch the baseline or court until you strike the ball.

Lets and replays:

Service lets are not used now. Net-cord serves that land in are live.
A hinder, like a stray ball on the court, leads to a replay.

Doubles vs singles: what changes

People also ask what are the rules of pickleball that differ by format. The court size is the same in singles and doubles. The kitchen still rules your volleys.

Key differences:

Doubles uses a three-number score call. Singles uses two numbers.
In doubles, each partner gets a serve turn, except the first team at 0–0–2.
Stacking is allowed. Partners can start on either side. But the right server must serve on the right when their team score is even, and on the left when odd.

If you stack, use wristbands or simple calls to avoid wrong-receiver errors.

Match flow and court etiquette

Good play is not only what are the rules of pickleball. It is also how you act. Etiquette keeps games smooth and friendly.

Best practices:

Call the score loud before each serve.
Make line calls fast and fair. If you are not sure, the ball is in.
Do not shout during your opponent’s shot. Call “Ball on!” if a ball rolls in. Then replay the rally.
Tap paddles or say “good game.” It builds trust.
Return balls to other courts with a soft, safe pass.

In my first league night, a clear score call fixed half the confusion. Try it for one week. You will feel the change.

Common scenarios and clear examples

This section answers what are the rules of pickleball with simple plays.

Sample rally:

Server calls 3–2–1 and serves from the right. The ball lands deep.
Returner lets it bounce and hits crosscourt. The server lets it bounce. Now both teams may volley.
The receiver volleys while stepping on the kitchen line. Fault on the receiver. Server’s team scores. New call: 4–2–1.

Kitchen momentum example:

You volley a ball near the net. Your paddle flies forward into the kitchen.
That is a fault. Your gear counts as part of you.

Wrong receiver example:

You serve to the left box. The right-side player returns the ball.
Stop the point. Correct positions. Replay if caught in time.

Strategy tips that fit the rules

Smart play comes from knowing what are the rules of pickleball and using them well.

Easy wins:

Depth first. Serve deep and return deep. It gives you time to reach the kitchen.
Honor the double-bounce rule. Use a soft third shot to move in. Or drive when the return is short.
Respect the kitchen. Volley from outside it. Step in only after a bounce.
Use stacking to keep your stronger forehand in the middle.
Aim crosscourt on dinks. The net is lower in the center. The court is longer on the diagonal.

I teach new players to count: bounce one, bounce two, now attack. It makes timing simple under pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions of what are the rules of pickleball

What is the non-volley zone and why does it matter?

It is the 7-foot area by the net on each side. You cannot volley while touching it or its line, but you can step in to hit a ball after it bounces.

Do I need to say three numbers when calling the score in doubles?

Yes. Call server score, receiver score, and server number. For example, 5–3–2 means your team has 5, they have 3, and server two is serving.

Can my serve hit the net and still be good?

Yes, if the ball clears the net and lands in the diagonal service box. Service lets are not replayed under current rules.

What happens if the ball hits me before it bounces?

Your team loses the rally, even if the ball was flying out. The ball touching any part of you or your gear counts.

Is stacking legal in doubles?

Yes. You can start on either side and switch after the return. Just be sure the correct player serves and receives.

What are the rules of pickleball for scoring in tournaments?

Most use games to 11, win by 2. Some use 15 or 21; you may switch sides at 8 or 11 in those longer games.

Conclusion

You now know what are the rules of pickleball for the court, serve, scoring, the kitchen, and faults. Keep your serves deep, honor the double-bounce rule, and stay out of the kitchen on volleys. Small habits bring big wins.

Grab a friend, print a quick rule card, and play a race to 11 today. Want more guides, drills, and rule updates? Subscribe, share this with your crew, or drop your questions in the comments.