Hello, fellow Pickleball enthusiasts and beginners!
Whether you are entirely new to the game or just need a refresher, this blog post aims to provide an introduction to the rules of Pickleball. At first glance, Pickleball rules might seem a bit complex, but once you start playing, you'll quickly get the hang of it. So, let's dive right in!
1. The Basics:
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is played with a perforated plastic ball, similar to a whiffle ball, and solid paddles. It can be played both indoors and outdoors, on a court similar to a doubles badminton court. The net height is 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the middle.
2. Doubles or Singles:
Pickleball can be played as singles or doubles. In singles, the game is played with one player on each side, while in doubles, there are two players on each side of the court.
3. Serve:
The serve must be made underhand with the paddle below the waist, and the server must keep both feet behind the baseline. The serve is made diagonally, landing within the confines of the opposite diagonal court. Importantly, in Pickleball, only the serving team can score points.
4. Double Bounce Rule:
One of the unique rules in Pickleball is the double bounce rule, also known as the "two bounce rule." When the ball is served, the receiving team must let it bounce before returning, and then the serving team must also let it bounce before returning. This means that the ball must bounce once on each side before volleys (hitting the ball without letting it bounce) are allowed.
5. Non-Volley Zone:
The non-volley zone, also known as "the kitchen," is the seven-foot zone on both sides of the net. No volleying is permitted within this zone, meaning the ball must bounce once before it's returned if a player is within this area. A player may only enter the kitchen to play a ball that has bounced in it and must exit the zone immediately after.
6. Scoring:
In Pickleball, the serving team can score points. The game is usually played to 11 points, and the team must win by at least two points. The server announces the score before each serve, stating their score first, then the opponent's score.
7. Faults:
Several instances qualify as faults in Pickleball, including the ball hitting the net on the serve, the ball landing out of bounds, a serve not landing within the confines of the receiving court, volleying the ball before it bounces on the serve and return, and stepping into the kitchen to volley a ball.
Remember, like any sport, the best way to learn Pickleball is to play it. The rules might seem intricate at first, but once you start playing, you'll get the hang of it quickly. Most importantly, Pickleball is about having fun, so grab a paddle, find a court, and start playing!
For the comprehensive rulebook, you can download he latest copy from the USA Pickleball website.
Stay tuned for more posts about Pickleball strategy, equipment, and our love for the sport.
Yours in Pickleball,
Backyard Pickleball
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