Top 5 Pickleball Rules Every Beginner Needs to Know

Did you know that Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world? Whether you're picking up a paddle for the first time or looking to refine your skills, understanding the basic Pickleball rules is essential. Mastering these fundamental rules will help you play with confidence and enjoy the game. Here are the five key rules that every beginner should know.

Pictona’s PB-101 class is the perfect way to learn the fundamentals, practice key skills, and get comfortable with the game in a fun, welcoming environment. Before you hit the courts, check out these five must-know rules to set yourself up for success. Ready to learn from experts? Sign up for PB-101 today!

1. The Double Bounce Rule

One of the first pickleball rules beginners must learn is the double bounce rule. This rule ensures fair play and longer rallies, making the game more enjoyable.

• At the start of each rally, both teams must allow the ball to bounce once before hitting it.
• The serving team must let the return bounce before striking the ball.
• Once both bounces have occurred, players can volley (hit the ball in the air) or play off the bounce.

2. The Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen) Rule

The non-volley zone, commonly known as the “kitchen,” is a seven-foot area on both sides of the net. Understanding this set of pickleball rules is crucial for avoiding faults and maintaining proper court positioning during play.

• Players cannot volley (hit the ball before it bounces) while standing inside the kitchen.
• If a player's momentum carries them into the kitchen after a volley, it is considered a fault.
• Players can step into the kitchen to hit a ball that has bounced first.

3. Serving Rules & Faults

Proper serving technique is a fundamental part of Pickleball. For a comprehensive overview, refer to the USA Pickleball Rules Summary.

• The serve must be made underhand with the paddle below waist level.
• The ball must be hit diagonally across the net into the opponent’s service box.
• To be valid, the serve must land beyond the non-volley zone (kitchen) line.
• Only one serve attempt is allowed per player (except in the case of a let, where the serve hits the net but lands in the correct service box).

4. Scoring System

Pickleball uses a unique scoring system that differs from other racket sports. Here are the basics:

• Games are typically played to 11 points, but a team must win by at least two points.
• Only the serving team can score points.
• The server must announce the score before serving, stating the serving team's score first, followed by the opponent’s score, and then the server number (e.g., “5-3-1”).

5. Line Calls & Faults

This set of pickleball rules is important for maintaining fair and accurate gameplay, ensuring players follow consistent standards when making calls. Knowing when a ball is “in” or “out” is essential for fair play.

• A ball that lands on any line, except the non-volley zone line on a serve, is considered in.
• The non-volley zone line on a serve is out, meaning the serve must land beyond this line.
• Players make their own line calls in recreational play, so honesty and sportsmanship are crucial.
• Common faults include stepping into the kitchen while volleying, failing to return the ball before it bounces twice, and hitting the ball out of bounds.

Growing Your Pickleball Game

Learning pickleball rules is only one step of the process! The next step is getting onto the courts and implementing pickleball rules in real-game situations, helping you develop strategy and confidence as you play.

If you’re seeking to get more involved and improve your pickleball skills, you should try Pictona’s PB-101 class! Our expert instructors will guide you through the fundamentals and help you become more confident in your game in a fun and welcoming environment. The best part? It’s completely free and gives you access to the courts of Pictona at Holly Hill!