Pickleball is a fun, fast-paced, and increasingly popular sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Especially in the U.S. and abroad, its accessibility and enjoyable nature have made it a favorite among people of all ages.

To ensure fair and competitive play, pickleball follows a standardized set of rules—including court setup, scoring systems, and gameplay conduct.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to play pickleball, understand court dimensions, and get to know the essential rules for both singles and doubles. We’ll also answer common questions in a dedicated FAQ section at the end.

How to Play Pickleball

Pickleball Court Overview

Pickleball courts share the same dimensions as standard badminton courts. The game is played with a hard plastic wiffle ball (about the size of a tennis ball, with 26 holes) and a paddle that resembles an oversized table tennis paddle. Paddles can be made of wood, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or hybrid materials.

Court Dimensions:

  • Court size: 44 ft x 20 ft (approximately 13.4 m x 6.1 m)
  • Net height: 36 inches at the sidelines, 34 inches at the center

This setup allows you to easily convert a badminton court into a pickleball court by simply adjusting the net height.

How to Play Pickleball: Basic Rules

1. Serving Rules

  • Underhand serve only: The ball must be struck below the waist with an upward motion.
  • Paddle position: The paddle head must not rise above the wrist when contacting the ball.
  • Diagonal serve: The serve must land in the opposite diagonal service box without touching the non-volley zone (the “kitchen”).

2. Double-Bounce Rule

  • Bounce once on each side: The receiving team must let the serve bounce once before returning it, and the serving team must also let the return bounce once.
  • After that: Volleys (hitting the ball before it bounces) are allowed—outside the kitchen zone.

3. Serving Position & Rotation

  • Both feet must be behind the baseline when serving.
  • A coin toss determines who serves first.
  • After each game, teams switch sides.
  • In doubles, both teammates get one service opportunity before turning over the serve to the other team (after the first fault).

Singles vs. Doubles Gameplay

Singles

  • The server starts on the right side.
  • After scoring, the server switches sides and continues serving.
  • Serving from the right means the score is even; from the left, it’s odd.

Doubles

  • Only the designated receiver may return the serve.
  • Players switch sides only after winning a point on their serve.
  • The first team gets only one fault before handing over the serve; afterward, both players on each team get a chance to serve.

Scoring System

  • Only the serving team can score points.
  • Games are played to 11 points, and a team must win by 2.
  • Matches are typically played in a best-of-three format.

Score Calling Format:

Serving team’s score – Receiving team’s score – Server number (1 or 2)
Example: 5–3–2

Common Faults

  1. Serve hits the net or lands outside the correct service box.
  2. The ball lands out of bounds.
  3. Violating the double-bounce rule.
  4. Volleying the ball while standing in the non-volley zone.
  5. Serving out of rotation or from the wrong side.
  6. Ball hitting permanent fixtures (lights, walls) before bouncing.

🙋‍♀️ FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Pickleball

1. Is pickleball easy to learn for beginners?
Yes! Pickleball is beginner-friendly thanks to its simple rules and compact court size. Most new players can pick up the basics and enjoy casual rallies within just a few sessions.

2. What is the “kitchen” in pickleball?
The “kitchen” refers to the non-volley zone—a 7-foot area on both sides of the net where players are not allowed to volley the ball (hit it in the air). Any shot taken within this zone must first bounce before being returned.

3. Can I play pickleball indoors and outdoors?
Absolutely. Pickleball is commonly played both indoors and outdoors. Just be sure to use the correct type of ball: indoor balls have larger holes and are lighter, while outdoor balls are heavier with smaller holes to handle wind and rougher surfaces.

4. Do I need special shoes for pickleball?
Yes, court shoes with strong lateral support are recommended, especially when playing on hard courts. Running shoes are not ideal, as they’re designed for forward motion and may increase the risk of injury during side-to-side movements.

5. How do I choose the right paddle?
Your ideal paddle depends on your skill level, playing style, and budget. Lightweight paddles are easier to control, while heavier paddles offer more power. If you’re unsure where to start, check out our in-depth guide:
→ 10 Best Pickleball Brands for 2025: Top Picks for Every Player

Final Thoughts

Pickleball is a game that combines strategy, reflexes, and social fun in a uniquely accessible format. Whether you’re playing for leisure or competition, understanding the rules and practicing consistently can elevate your skills and enjoyment.

Now that you know the basics of how to play pickleball, it’s time to hit the court and start rallying!