Intro
If you’re new to the fastest-growing sport in America, understanding the rules of pickleball is the first step toward loving the game. Whether you’re playing for fun or training for competition, knowing the basic structure and flow helps you play confidently and avoid confusion on the court. Let’s break down the pickleball rules every beginner should know.
What Is Pickleball and Why Is It So Popular?
Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It’s played on a smaller court with paddles and a perforated plastic ball, typically as doubles but also as singles. The game’s accessibility, social nature, and low-impact movement make it appealing to players of all ages.
How to Play: The (very) Basic Rules of Pickleball
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Serving: The serve must be made underhand and diagonally cross-court, starting behind the baseline.
- Scoring: Only the serving team can score points. Games are usually played to 11 points, and you must win by two.
- Double Bounce Rule: After the serve, each team must let the ball bounce once before volleys (hits without a bounce) are allowed.
- The Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen): The rectangle area on the court closest to the net is called the non-volley zone A.K.K. The Kitchen. You can’t volley the ball while standing inside this area.
- Faults: Faults include hitting the ball out of bounds, into the net, or volleying before the bounce rule is complete.
These fundamentals ensure fair play and keep rallies exciting.
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
- Standing too close to the non-volley zone line after serving.
- Forgetting the double bounce rule.
- Rushing serves or switching sides incorrectly.
- Not calling out the score before serving (required in matches).
- Focusing on positioning, patience, and awareness will instantly improve your game.
Montis Tip: Step Onto the Court with Confidence
Every rule is easier to master when your footing is solid. Montis Pickleball’s Court Shoe Collection offers lightweight, stable shoes designed for the movements of pickleball — perfect for learning proper footwork.
👉 Explore Montis Court Shoes
Final Thoughts
This post hardly scratches the surface of the rules of the game, however, mastering the basics of pickleball rules quickly builds confidence and consistency. Once you’ve learned the scoring, serving, and kitchen rules, you’ll be ready for more advanced play. Remember — every great player started as a beginner, and with the right shoes and mindset, your journey begins now. Check out more in depth Rules of Pickleball here.
