Pickleball Rules – Learn How to Play the Right Way
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in India and around the world. It’s fun, social, and easy to pick up—making it perfect for newcomers and pros alike. To play effectively, it’s essential to understand the pickleball rules, court layout, and scoring system.At Zygo Sports, we’re here to help you master the game with the right knowledge and top-quality pickleball equipment.
Basic Pickleball Rules
Whether you’re playing on an indoor pickleball court or an outdoor one near you, these basic rules of pickleball apply universally:
➤ Serving Rules
- The serve must be made underhand, with the pickleball paddle positioned below the waist.
- The ball must be hit in the air without letting it bounce.
- Serves must be made diagonally and must clear the non-volley zone (the "kitchen").
- Only one serve attempt is allowed, except in the case of a let (when the ball touches the net but lands correctly).
➤ Double Bounce Rule
- After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce once before returning it.
- The serving team must also let the return bounce once before playing it.
- After these two bounces, players can either volley (hit the ball before it bounces) or play it off the bounce.
➤ Volleys and the Non-Volley Zone
- Volleys are not allowed within the 7-foot non-volley zone on either side of the net.
- This rule prevents players from dominating the net and ensures fair play.
Scoring in Pickleball
- Only the serving team can score points.
- Games are usually played to 11 points, and you must win by at least 2 points.
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Points are lost if a player:
- Hits the ball out of bounds
- Hits the net
- Volleys from inside the non-volley zone
- Fails to observe the double bounce rule
Doubles Play Rules in Pickleball
Pickleball can be played in singles or doubles. Here’s how doubles play works:
- Both players on the serving team get a chance to serve, except at the start of the game where only one server is allowed.
- When a point is scored, the same server switches sides and continues serving.
- When the serving team faults twice, service passes to the opponents.
- Players switch sides only after scoring, not after every point.
- A ball that lands on any line is considered in.
Pickleball Court Rules
- The pickleball court is 20 feet wide by 44 feet long.
- The net height is 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the center.
- The non-volley zone, or kitchen, extends 7 feet from each side of the net.
- Proper pickleball footwear is essential for safe and smooth movement on the court.
Why Understanding the Rules Matters
Knowing the rules improves your game and helps avoid injuries. It also makes it easier to participate in events at local clubs, recreational centers, or popular venues like Pullman Yards Pickleball.
Follow Official Pickleball Rules
At Zygo Sports, we follow the rules set by the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP) and endorsed by AIPA (All India Pickleball Association) to ensure you’re playing with the best standards in mind.
📥 Download the Zygo Sports Official Pickleball Rule Book (PDF)
Ready to Play? Get the Best Pickleball Paddles and Gear
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