How to Play Pickleball: Basic Rules for Beginners

Pickleball is easy to learn. Here are the rules you need for your first game.

Singles or doubles

You can play one-on-one or two-on-two. Doubles is more common.

Serving

Serve underhand, diagonally across the court, from behind the baseline. The ball must clear the kitchen (the no-volley zone) and land in the opposite service box.

The two-bounce rule

After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before anyone can volley. This keeps rallies fair and gives the serving team time to move forward.

The kitchen

You cannot hit the ball out of the air while standing in the kitchen, the zone next to the net. You can step in only after the ball has bounced.

Scoring

Only the serving side scores. Games are usually played to 11 points and you must win by 2. In doubles, the score is called as three numbers: your score, the opponent's score, and which server you are.

Ready to play?

Start with a mid-weight paddle and a friendly rally. See our guide on how to choose a pickleball paddle.