Pickleball Rules: How To Play The Game

Pickleball is an exciting game that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. The rules here are simple, but it is important to understand their nuances in order to play confidently and with pleasure. Let’s look at the main points that will help you master the game.

How the Game is Played

Pickleball can be played both one-on-one and in pairs. Regardless of the format, the rules are the same. The main goal is to score 11 points (in tournaments, it can be 15 or 21), and you need to win with a difference of at least 2 points.

Only the serving side earns points. If the opponent makes a mistake (for example, not returning the ball, sending it out of the court or into the net), the server gets one point and continues to serve. But if he himself makes a mistake, the serve is passed to the opponent.

This makes the game more tactical—it is important to attack and wait for the opponent to make a mistake.

About Serving

Pickleball serves from below, i.e. the ball must be hit under the arm, and contact with the racket must be below the waist. The server should stand behind the back line of the court and direct the ball diagonally into the opponent’s receiving area.

It is important to remember a few nuances:

• The serve is executed in one motion, without pause or deception.
• The player has only one attempt, unless the ball hits the net and lands in the correct zone (this is called a “years” and entitles the player to serve again).
• The first player to serve in a new game does so only once, and then passes the serve to the opponent. But then both players on the same team take turns serving until they make a mistake.

These rules help to keep the games fair and prevent unfair advantages at the start of the game.

How is Scoring Done?

The scoring system in Pickleball is simple but different from the usual tennis:

• Points are awarded only to the serving side.
• After each service win, the server changes sides of the court.
• In doubles, after the first error, the partner serves, and after the second error, the opponent has the right to serve.
• In singles play, the server is on the right side when the score is even and on the left side when the score is odd.

This system makes the game more strategic because it is important to score points and keep the serve as long as possible.

What is a “Kitchen” and Why is it Needed?

One key difference in Pickleball is the area where hitting the ball in the air is forbidden. It’s called the no-hitting zone (or simply “kitchen”) and is within 7 feet of the net on each side.

Remember the important points:

• You can’t hit a forehand shot while in the “kitchen” or even stepping on the line.
• If you are carried into the “kitchen” by inertia after the shot, it is considered a mistake.
• You can enter the “kitchen”, but only if the ball has already bounced off the court.

This rule is designed to avoid overly aggressive play at the net and to maintain a balance between offense and defense.

Grab your Pickleball racket, call your friends, and get out on the court!