Pickleball Rules (Pickleball Game) Basic Overview 2023

Most people get confused with the pickleball rules along with considering the criteria of the badminton game. The pickleball game rules don’t vary much, even though this game’s playing court’s length is the same as the badminton court. Moreover, pickleball offers a very smooth track of gaming criteria where multi-players can also take part.

In brief, the prominent rules of this game mainly relate to the ball serving pattern. In the 1-to-1 match, each player will have to follow the rules where the player will strike the ball after one time bounce on each side.

The pickleball court size is 20′ x 44′, the same as the regular badminton court. Furtherly, there are some basic rules to play this game; let’s get toward the discussion,

Pickleball Rules

Following are the rules for the pickleball game,

Sequences of Serving Rules

The serving player on the right-hand court can get points along with the opportunity on both teams.

Double Bounce Rule

The bouncing of the service along with the serve before striking the ball is allowed in this rule. Here the players can have groundstrokes on each team positioning.

Positioning of the Player

In the pickleball rules 2023, the players in the serving team will have to change their positions on the court. The first player in the serving team who has served first will be on the right side of the court when the score is in even numbers. Furtherly, that player will get the left-side position of the court if the score is in odd numbers.

Pickleball Serving Rules

The player will have to serve the ball in a diagonal way along with the crosscourt side of the court. Moreover, the serving position of the ball must be underhand, which is one of the primary rules while starting the game. Also, the player will have to stand by putting one foot behind the baseline while proceeding to the serve.

The player must strike the ball on the service first to cross the baseline with the foot’s positioning. In addition, the player must have precise contact with the paddle toward the ball serving, which is mainly under the waist.

Note: In case the ball hits the net after the serve and falls on the court area, the player can have another attempt for the serve.

Faults Considering in the Game

While playing pickleball, even in singles or doubles, the player will have to be conscious to save any faults. Several points, including the serve missing or rule violation, can be a fault in the game.

• In case the serving team makes a fault, then the opposing team can take the serve from the first team
• Out-of-bound hitting of the ball will also be a fault
• if the player’s serve doesn’t fall on the area of the court regardless of the non-volley zone, it’s a fault
• During the match, if anything like a paddle, player’s shirt, or player’s hand touches the net, then it will be a fault
• Any violation of the general rules of pickleball will also be a fault
• If the opposing team makes any fault, then the serving team will get the point in the scoring line
• In case the player hit the ball before the ball bounces on the court, then it is a fault
• If the player hits the ball in the non-volley zone, it will also be a fault
• If the ball falls on the court and bounces more than one time, then the receiver will get the fault

Pickleball Court Rules for the Serving Choice

Generally, according to the USAPA Pickleball rules and scoring, a coin-tossing procedure will take place to select a serving team. After winning the toss, the player can choose the court’s position and whether he/she will serve first or not. The toss winner can also pass the serve position to the opposite team as well.

Pickleball Doubles Serving Rules

In the double-play game of two teams, the player in the server team will be on the right-hand side of the court. Plus, according to the rule, the server will strike the ball diagonally toward the other player on the team. Now there are two factors to consider,

• The receiver will let the ball (coming from the server) bounce one time on the court and then strike it back
• Subsequently, the server team will also let the ball bounce for a single time on the court before striking

In case of a fault delivered by the receiving team, the serving team will get the point there. However, if the serving team makes a fault, then two players in the serving team will change their position. Also, the second player will get the serve then. Then if the second player makes a fault, the player’s position will be the same on the court. Only the ball service will be handed over to the other team.

The Pickleball Line Rules

There are some basic line rules to call the server, along with the different scoring systems. If the player serves the ball and contacts the non-volley zone line, it will be a fault. However, if the served ball falls into the court except for the non-volley zone, it will be called “in,” which means no fault.

Pickleball Non-Volley Zone Rules

As noted, there’s a 7 feet area on both sides of the net in the court considering a non-volley zone. You might have also heard it as pickleball kitchen rules because the non-volley zone is also known as the kitchen.  Furthermore, the player is not allowed to hit the ball within the non-volley zone (7 feet).

However, both teams’ players can be in the non-volley zone (place their feet) except while hitting the ball.

• In case the player touches the non-volley zone after smashing the ball in the court, then it’s a fault
• If the ball bounced and the player hits the ball while in the non-volley zone, then it will not be a fault
• Even if the momentum cause carrying away of the player in the non-volley zone, it will also be a fault

The Pickleball Scoring Rules

Here are simple rules to remember for scoring in pickleball. There are 11 points to be completed for the winning purpose of each side (team). However, the point difference should be 2 with the opposite side to win the match. For example, 9-11 or maybe more points if the difference is not two at 11 points. Plus, for consideration, only the serving team can score points at the time.

The opponent will get the point in case the serving team happens to do any fault during the game. Moreover, the legal service of the ball is one of the prior rules of pickleball scoring for pointing the numbers by the team. The USAPA can also make any changes regarding the scoring criteria method. That can also be a variation in the point difference.

Pickleball Rules Singles

In singles play, the server must stand behind the baseline, diagonally opposite from the receiver. The serve must be hit underhand, and the server must make contact with the ball below the waist. The serve must clear the non-volley zone and land within the boundaries of the opponent’s court. If the server fails to do so, it results in a fault and the opponent gets a point.

Pickleball Rules for Beginners

Pickleball is a popular sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. For beginners, understanding the basic rules is essential to enjoy the game. The objective is to hit the ball over the net and into the opponent’s court, aiming to score points. The serve must be underhand and made diagonally to the opponent’s court. After the serve, the ball must bounce once before returning it. Players can volley the ball, except when standing inside the non-volley zone. The game continues until one player fails to return the ball or hits it into the net. Learning these rules will help beginners get started and have fun playing pickleball.

Pickleball Rules Kitchen

In pickleball, the kitchen refers to the non-volley zone, which is a designated area on both sides of the net. The kitchen extends 7 feet from the net and is marked with a line. When a player is standing inside the kitchen, they are not allowed to volley the ball, meaning they cannot hit the ball out of the air before it bounces. This rule is in place to prevent players from dominating the net and to promote fair play. Players must step out of the kitchen before volleying the ball. Understanding and following this rule is crucial to maintain a level playing field and ensure a fun and competitive pickleball game.

FAQ,s

What are the 5 Rules of Pickleball?

Among the basic 5 rules of pickleball are keeping the ball in bounds, one bounce per side, serving from the baseline, serving cannot land in the no-volley zone, and the game ends after 11, 15, or 21 points. And this is pickleball rules non-volley zone.

What is the double bounce rule in pickleball?

The two-bounce rule means after the ball is served, it must be bounced twice by the receiving team, then returned by the serving team; therefore, there are two bounces.

Can you hit the ball with your hand in pickleball?

Keeping the paddle in hand and hitting the ball with the hand is legitimate. The ball can’t hit any other part of your body. The ball that is “out” cannot be called “out” until it bounces. Always let the ball pass through you rather than catching it.

Can you overhead smash in pickleball?

Among pickleball’s offensive shots, the overhead smash stands out as the most aggressive. An opponent’s court struck at an oblique angle with a forceful smash delivered as high in the air as possible. A high-lofted ball hit by the opponent returns with an overhead impact.

What is the 10-second rule in pickleball?

Referees call scores when the player determines that the receiving player is ready. A fault raises if the server does not respond within 10 seconds. A 10-second count can only be stopped in two instances following the score call.

Final Thoughts

So finally, here we have delivered all of the basic pickleball rules along with their outcomes, either points or faults. The beginners can surely learn how to play pickleball even in single or double playing matches. Moreover, a thorough description of the serving criteria has also been mentioned above. Simply follow these given rules and get a precise ruled-base game with your team members.