Pickleball Rules: Get Ready to Dominate the Court!

Master the Game: Pickleball Rules to Elevate Your Play

Ready to dive into the exhilarating world of pickleball? Whether you're swinging your pickleball paddle for the first time or aiming to dominate the pickleball court, knowing the rules is the first step to upping your game. Let's break down the essentials so you can unleash your potential and have a blast!

1. The Court and Gear: Your Arena Awaits

Pickleball is played on a court that's 20 feet wide and 44 feet long—the perfect size for intense rallies and strategic plays. Grab your paddle (we recommend the best pickleball paddles from Eleven Zero Sports) and a pickleball ball that's ready for action. The net sits at 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center, just waiting for your next big play.

2. Serving Like a Pro

The game kicks off with an underhand serve from behind the baseline. Swing your paddle below your waist and send that pickleball diagonally across the court into the correct service area—beyond the non-volley zone, or as we like to call it, "the kitchen." Nail this, and you're on your way to controlling the game. Remember, mastering the pickleball serving rules sets the tone for the entire match.

3. Embrace the Double Bounce Rule

Here's where strategy meets skill. After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before volleys are allowed. This crucial part of the rules of pickleball keeps both teams on their toes and paves the way for those epic, fast-paced exchanges that make the game so exciting.

4. The Kitchen: The Non-Volley Zone

The non-volley zone, affectionately known as the kitchen, is a 7-foot area on both sides of the net. No volleying allowed here! You can step into the kitchen to play a ball that has bounced, but smashing volleys while in this zone is a no-go. Mastering this aspect of the game can give you a strategic edge on the pickleball court.

5. Scoring Big

Only the serving team can score points in pickleball. Games are typically played to 11 points, and you must win by 2. Keep your serves sharp and your plays strategic, and you'll rack up those points in no time. Understanding pickleball scoring is key to turning the tide in your favor.

6. Avoiding Faults

Faults happen—but not to you, right? Common faults include hitting the ball out of bounds, not clearing the net, volleying in the kitchen, or violating the double bounce rule. Stay focused, play smart, and keep those faults to a minimum to maintain your momentum on the pickleball court.

Why Pickleball?

Pickleball combines the best of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong into one addictive sport. It's easy to learn but challenging to master—a perfect recipe for endless fun. Plus, it's accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. So grab your pickleball paddle, hit the court, and discover why this sport is taking the world by storm!