5 Rules of Pickleball You Need to Know in 2023

It’s me again. Coming up with a next article. I almost playing Pickleball for 5 Years, and I’ve come to know the importance of understanding the rules that govern this exciting and fast-paced game.

There are many rules to learn, mastering the top 5 rules of pickleball will set you on the path to becoming a skilled and knowledgeable player.

In this article, I’ll share these rules that every aspiring pickleball player should know.

You might be a beginner just discovering the joys of pickleball or a seasoned player looking to brush up on your knowledge; either way, this guide will help you gain a deeper understanding of the game’s core rules.

So let’s jump in and explore the top 5 rules of pickleball that you need to know!

Also, read my previous post: New Balance Pickleball Shoes For Men [2023 Updated]

What Are The 5 Rules Of Pickleball

Rule 1: Keep the ball inbound

Keep the ball inbounds In most sports played on a field or court, the ball must stay within the designated boundaries. In pickleball, the ball must remain within the white lines on either side of the court.

If you hit the ball out of bounds, you lose your serve and the other team takes control. The good news is that pickleball requires the ball to bounce during the serve and return, which gives you a better chance to return your opponent’s serve at the net.

Rule 2: One bounce per side

This rule sets pickleball apart from other net sports and is often forgotten.

The ball should bounce once on your side before you return it to the other side. After both teams have allowed the ball to bounce once, players can either hit the ball in the air or let it bounce again.

Rule 3: Serve from the baseline

Serving in pickleball has a few regulations, with the most important being that serves must be made from the baseline, with one foot behind it. Serves must be executed underhand, with the ball below the waistline, and directed diagonally to the opposite side. Breaking these rules results in a fault, and the serve goes to your teammate or the other side in singles play.

Rule 4: Serve must clear

The no-volley zone The no-volley zone is the lined box 7 feet from the net on both sides of the court, also known as the “kitchen.” The serve must clear this zone; otherwise, you lose your serve. After the serve, you can play drop shots into the kitchen, but remember to let the ball bounce once on each side before continuing the volley.

Rule 5: Win by reaching 11 or 15 points

Win by reaching 11 or 15 points with a 2-point lead Traditionally, pickleball games end at 11 points, but the winning team must have a 2-point lead.

Some games go up to 15 points by default, but the 2-point lead rule still applies. Discuss the final score with both teams before starting. When playing to 11, teams switch sides when the first team reaches 6 points.

what score do you play to in pickleball

Games are played to 11 points, and the winning team must have a 2-point lead. For example, if one team reaches 11 points but the other team has 9 points, the game continues until one team achieves a 2-point lead and wins the game.

Final Points

I hope you enjoy my article on the basic rules of pickleball. By familiarizing yourself with these rules, you’ll be able to enjoy the game to its fullest and engage in exciting matches with other players.

So, grab your paddle, find a court, and start playing pickleball!