How to Play Pickleball: A Simple Guide to Rules and Scoring

Pickleball may sound a little quirky, but don’t be tricked by the name. Pickleball is a fun, quick game that is easy to learn. It’s a combination of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. You don’t have to be extremely athletic to play the game. It’s an excellent way to stay active and socialise. All you require is a paddle, a plastic ball, and a little court.

This guide will instruct you on how to play pickleball. We will explain the rules, scoring, and easy gameplay tips on how to play. Whether you’re new to the game or just want to learn more, this is where you should start.

What Is Pickleball?

Pickleball is the sport everyone’s talking about. Celebrities love it. Local communities do too. And it’s easy to see why. It is played with paddles and a plastic ball with holes. The court is small—about one-third the size of a tennis court. This makes rallies faster and more fun. The game is simple to learn. It works for all ages. You can play singles (1v1) or doubles (2v2). It is fast-paced, social, and great for staying active. And you don’t need a big space to play.

Want to know more? Check out: What is Pickleball?

Basic Pickleball Rules

Serving Rules

• Serves must be made underhand, with the paddle making contact below the waist in an upward motion.
  
• Both feet must stay behind the baseline when serving.
  
• The serve must go diagonally cross-court into the opposite service area.
  
• Two types of legal services in the pickleball court rules:
  
  • Volley serve: Hit out of the air.
    
  • Drop serve: Drop the ball (no throwing/tossing) and hit after one bounce.
    
• Let serves are live: If the serve touches the net but lands correctly in the service box, play continues.
  
  

Service Sequence

• Doubles: Both players serve before the other team gets possession (except the game-opening serve—only one player serves).
  
• Singles: Server serves from the right if their score is even, and from the left if odd. The server continues until a fault occurs.
  
  

Double Bounce Rule

• After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce once before returning.
  
• Then, the serving team must let the ball bounce once before playing it.
  
• After two bounces, volleys and groundstrokes are allowed.
  
  

The Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone)

• A 7-foot area on each side of the net.
  
• No volleys allowed from within this zone.
  
• You can step into the kitchen to hit a ball that has bounced.
  
• Your momentum cannot carry you into the kitchen after volleying, or it’s a fault.

Pickleball Rules at a Glance

Scoring in Pickleball

Traditional Scoring

• Only the serving side can score points.
  
• Games are typically played to 11 points and won by 2.
  
• In tournament settings, some games may go to 15 or 21.
  
  

Calling the Score

• Doubles: Server score – Receiver score – Server number (1 or 2).
  
• Singles: Server score – Receiver score.
  
• Example (doubles): “4–2–1” = The Serving team has 4, the receiving team has 2, and it’s the first server.
  
  

Rally Scoring (Optional)

• Points can be scored by either side, not just the server.
  
• Sometimes used in tournaments or casual play for faster games.
  
• It must be agreed upon beforehand.

Pickleball Court Layout

• Court size: 20 feet wide by 44 feet long (same for singles and doubles).
  
• Net height: 36 inches at the sidelines, 34 inches in the centre.
  
• Lines:
  
  • Baseline: Back boundary line.
    
  • Sidelines: Outer edges of the court.
    
  • Centerline: Divides service areas.
    
  • Non-volley line: Marks the start of the kitchen.
    

For a deeper understanding, read this extensive blog on Pickleball Court Size

How to Play Pickleball Singles

Singles play is more physically intense and follows a slightly different rhythm. Check out the pickleball singles rules below for a better understanding:

• Serve from the right side if your score is even, left side if it’s odd.
  
• Only one server per side—no partner rotation.
  
• Because you’re covering the whole court alone, footwork and stamina are key.

Common Faults and Violations

Faults result in the end of a rally. Common ones include:

• Serving into the net or out of bounds
  
• Volleying from inside the kitchen
  
• Failing the double-bounce rule
  
• Hitting the ball out of bounds
  
• Touching the net or posts during play
  
• Missing a serve or violating service rules

Pickleball Line Call Rules

• A ball that contacts any part of a boundary line is “in,” except on serves.
  
• Serves that land on the non-volley zone line are considered faults.
  
• In all other cases, if the ball hits the line, it’s a good shot.
  
• Line calls are typically made by players. If you’re unsure, call it in—sportsmanship is important in pickleball.

Time-Outs and Game Management

• Each team may take two 1-minute time-outs per game.
  
• Time-outs can be used for rest, strategy discussions, or momentum breaks.
  
• In tournaments, referees may grant additional time for injuries or technical issues.

Tips for Beginners

If you are new to this trendy sport, here are a few speedy tips:

• Keep your serve simple: Focus on getting it in, not smashing it.
  
• Watch the kitchen line: No volleys in there—learn the rule and stay sharp.
  
• Team up smart in doubles: Talk to your partner and move together.
  
• Play smart, not hard: A well-placed shot beats a wild power hit.
  
• Most importantly, have fun! Pickleball’s all about friendly vibes and good rallies.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have a good understanding of how to play pickleball—serving and scoring, court design, and kitchen rules—you’re ready to take the court with confidence. Playing for fun, fitness, or some friendly competition, adhering to the official rules ensures the game is fair, speedy, and fun for all.

And if you ever get into a rule-related jam, the USA Pickleball Official Rulebook is your reference book for more specifics and tournament situations.

So pick up your paddle, locate a court, and let the games commence!

Wondering how pickleball got its quirky name? Read: Why is it called Pickleball?

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