If you're new to pickleball or looking to brush up on your skills, understanding the rules of the game is essential. From the court dimensions to the scoring system, each aspect of the sport plays a crucial role in ensuring a fair and exciting match. In this blog post, we'll dive into the rules of pickleball, providing a comprehensive guide for beginners and seasoned players alike. Whether you're looking to improve your serve or master the art of the volley, this article has everything you need to take your pickleball game to the next level. So, let's get started!
Rule #1: The Court
The court is the foundation of pickleball, and it must be set up correctly in order for the game to be played properly. The court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, and it is divided into two halves by a net that is 36 inches high at the ends and 34 inches high in the middle. The court also has two service areas, which are 10 feet deep and 15 feet wide, located on each side of the net.
Rule #2: The Serve
The serve is the starting point of every point in pickleball. The server must stand behind the baseline and serve the ball underhand, hitting it diagonally into the opponent's service area. The ball must clear the net and land in the service area for the serve to be considered legal. The server only gets one attempt at the serve, and if it fails to clear the net or lands outside of the service area, it is a fault and a point is awarded to the opposing team.
Rule #3: The Volley
A volley is when a player hits the ball before it bounces on the court. A player can volley the ball only if they are standing outside of the non-volley zone, which is a seven-foot area on either side of the net. If a player hits the ball while standing inside the non-volley zone, it is a fault.
Rule #4: The Double Bounce Rule
After the serve, both teams must allow the ball to bounce once on their side of the court before volleying. This is known as the double bounce rule, and it ensures that both teams have an equal opportunity to reach the ball. Once the ball has bounced on both sides, players are free to volley the ball.
Rule #5: Scoring
Pickleball is typically played to 11 points, and the winning team must win by two points. Points are awarded when the opposing team fails to hit the ball back over the net, hits the ball out of bounds, or commits a fault. The serving team can only score points, and the receiving team can only score points if they win the serve.
Conclusion
Pickleball is a fun and exciting sport that is easy to learn and play. By following these basic rules, players can enjoy the game and improve their skills over time. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, understanding the rules of pickleball is essential to playing the game successfully. With practice and determination, anyone can become a skilled pickleball player and enjoy all the benefits that this great sport has to offer.
