Understanding Pickleball Rules and Scoring

Quick Guide

Here's a simplified overview of pickleball rules to help you get started. 

Basic Rules Overview:

• Pickleball is played in doubles or singles.
• The serve must be underhand, below the waist.
• The serve is crosscourt and must land within bounds.
• The server continues serving until a fault occurs.

Service Sequence:

• Both doubles players serve before a side-out.
• Switch sides after scoring a point.

Scoring:

• Points are only scored by the serving team.
• Games are usually played to 11 points, win by 2.

Additional Rules:

• Double-bounce rule for serves.
• Non-volley zone (the "kitchen") restricts volleys.

Line Calls:

• A ball touching any line (except non-volley on serve) is in.

Faults:

• Various actions result in faults, including out-of-bounds hits and net touches.

Downloadable Guides

Click on an image below to download the rules or a summary

Official Rulebook 2024  |    Rule Summary