Yes, you can play singles pickleball, and it’s fun, fast, and strategic.
If you want a great workout and clear tactics, singles is for you. I coach and play both formats, and I know the leap can feel big. This guide breaks down rules, strategy, gear, and drills so you can play singles pickleball with skill and confidence. By the end, you will know when, where, and how to thrive on your own.
What Is Singles Pickleball and How It Differs From Doubles
Singles is one player versus one player on the same size court you use in doubles. The rules are almost the same, but the feel is very different. You must cover more court and plan each shot with recovery in mind.
Many people ask, can you play singles pickleball on a normal court with no extra lines? Yes, you can. Singles uses the same lines, the same net, and the same non-volley zone.
Key differences you will notice:
- You serve every time your side has the ball. There is no second server.
- Even score serves from the right. Odd score serves from the left.
- Rallies are shorter if you attack well. They are longer if both players defend deep.
From my first month of singles, I learned that depth beats flash. A deep serve and a deep return set the tone. Clean footwork makes more difference than a bigger paddle.
Rules and Scoring for Singles
The official rulebook treats singles and doubles in similar ways. Still, there are a few singles details worth knowing before your first match. If you wonder, can you play singles pickleball with the same scoring as doubles, the core idea is the same: only the server can score.
Scoring, Serving Sides, and Game Length
- Games are most often to 11, win by 2. Some events play to 15 or 21.
- Only the server can score points.
- Serve from the right when your score is even. Serve from the left when your score is odd.
- Call the score as server score, then receiver score.
Serve Types and Faults
- You can use a volley serve or a drop serve. Both must meet legal motion rules.
- The ball must land in the cross-court service box beyond the kitchen line.
- A serve that clips the net and lands in is still live under current rules.
Two-Bounce Rule and the Kitchen
- The serve must bounce. The return must bounce. Only then can you volley.
- You cannot volley while touching the non-volley zone or its line.
- You can step into the kitchen to play a ball that has bounced.
In practice, the flow is simple. Serve deep, split step, and expect a deep return. Then choose a drive, a drop, or an approach based on ball height.
Singles Strategy That Works
Singles rewards clean patterns more than risk. You do not need ten shots. You need three you can trust. When friends ask, can you play singles pickleball at a high level with simple plans, I say yes. Keep it simple and repeatable.
What to focus on:
- Serve targets. Aim deep to the corners. Mix pace and spin to the backhand.
- Deep returns. Aim down the middle to cut angles. Step in as you hit.
- Third shot plan. Drive high returns. Drop or slice low returns. Follow a strong ball in.
- Court position. Recover to the middle after every shot. Stay behind the ball.
- Pattern play. Drive to the body. Then pass to the open court once they lean.
From my own matches, I win most points on serve plus first ball. A deep serve draws a short return. Then I hit a firm drive and move in. If I get stuck at mid-court, I lose ground fast. Do not camp in no-man’s land.
Footwork, Fitness, and Drills
Good singles is a footwork game. Your paddle helps, but your legs win the day. Train short bursts, sharp stops, and quick recoveries.
Try these simple drills:
- Shadow steps: Split step, cross-over, recover to center. Do 5 sets of 30 seconds.
- Cone lanes: Place two cones near each sideline. Sprint, plant, and hit shadow forehands and backhands.
- Serve and first ball: Serve to a target. Have a partner block a return. Drive to a corner, then recover.
- Wall work: Drive 50 balls to a taped square on the wall. Focus on height and depth.
- Intervals: 20 seconds hard, 40 seconds easy for 10 minutes. Use shuffles and split steps.
From coaching, one fix stands out. Add a small split step as your rival hits. Your balance improves at once. You will reach more balls with fewer steps.
Gear and Court Setup
The court is the same for singles and doubles. No special singles lines are needed. If you have a net, lines, and space, you can play singles pickleball right now.
Helpful gear tips:
- Paddle: If you like control, pick a softer face with a bigger sweet spot. If you hit hard, a power paddle helps on serves and passes.
- Grip size: Use a grip that lets you change edges fast. A grip that is too big slows your wrist.
- Shoes: Court shoes with strong lateral support help you plant and cut.
- Balls: Use outdoor or indoor balls based on your court. Test a few to see the bounce you like.
Can you play singles pickleball with the paddle you use for doubles? Yes. But some players enjoy a bit more power in singles since you must hit through space.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These errors cost easy points. Fix them early and your game jumps fast.
- Serving short. A short serve invites angle returns and early winners.
- Watching your shot. Hit, then recover to the middle at once.
- Overhitting from defense. When pulled wide, reset cross-court and buy time.
- Rushing the net on a weak ball. Approach only off a deep drive or a quality drop.
- Skipping the split step. No split means late reactions and mishits.
I used to chase lines too soon. Now I work the body first. When they give me space, then I go for the corner.
Safety, Etiquette, and Finding Singles Play
Singles is a workout. Treat it like one. Warm up, hydrate, and mind the heat.
Simple best practices:
- Warm up for 5 minutes. Loosen hips, calves, and shoulders.
- Call the score before each serve. Make clear, honest line calls.
- Rotate balls often in hot sun to keep bounce stable.
- Join ladders, clubs, or apps that list singles sessions.
- Set clear formats. First to 11, win by 2 keeps games quick and fair.
People often ask, can you play singles pickleball if you are new to the sport? Yes, but start slow. Try short games and longer breaks at first.
Can You Play Singles Pickleball in Tournaments?
Yes. Many events offer singles by age, skill rating, or both. The format is often best two of three to 11, win by 2. Some brackets use one game to 15 to save time. Ratings for singles can differ from doubles, so enter the level that fits your solo game.
If you wonder, can you play singles pickleball at a doubles-only event, check the listing. Many weekend events add singles on a separate day. Local clubs also run singles ladders where you can learn in a friendly setup.
Frequently Asked Questions of can you play singles pickleball
Can you play singles pickleball on a standard court?
Yes. Singles uses the same lines and net as doubles. No extra markings are needed.
Is singles harder than doubles?
It is more physical and you must cover more space. But strategy is clear and simple plans work well.
How do you keep score in singles?
Only the server can score. Serve from the right on even points and from the left on odd points.
What is the best serve for singles?
A deep serve to the corner or body is strong. Mix pace and spin to force short returns.
Do I need a different paddle for singles?
You can use the same paddle. Some players prefer a bit more power for serves and passing shots.
Can you play singles pickleball if you are a beginner?
Yes, start with short games and focus on deep serves and returns. Build fitness and footwork over time.
Are lets on the serve allowed in singles?
Under current rules, a serve that hits the net and lands in is live. Play it out.
Conclusion
You asked, can you play singles pickleball, and the answer is a clear yes. With the same court, simple rules, and a few smart patterns, you can jump in today. Serve deep, return deep, recover to the middle, and let your legs and focus do the rest.
Take the next step this week. Book one singles session, try the drills above, and track two stats: first-serve depth and return depth. Want more tips and weekly practice sheets? Subscribe and share your questions in the comments.