Pickleball is easy to start playing, but knowing a few basic rules will make your first game much more enjoyable. The sport combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, but has its own court, scoring system and — most importantly — the famous kitchen.
How Pickleball Is Played
Pickleball can be played as singles or doubles, although doubles is especially popular. Players use a solid paddle and a lightweight perforated ball.
The aim is simple: hit the ball over the net and make it difficult for your opponent to return it.
A standard pickleball game is commonly played to 11 points, and you generally need to win by two points.
The Serve
Every rally starts with a serve. The serve is made diagonally into the opponent's service court.
Under the official rules, there are specific requirements for both volley serves and drop serves. If you're just getting started, focus on consistency rather than power.
The Two-Bounce Rule
One of the most important pickleball rules is the two-bounce rule.
After the serve:
- The receiving team must let the serve bounce.
- The serving team must let the return bounce.
- After those two bounces, players may volley the ball or play it after a bounce.
This rule prevents players from immediately rushing the net after serving.
What Is the Kitchen?
The area extending 7 feet from the net on both sides is called the non-volley zone, but almost everyone calls it the kitchen.
You cannot volley the ball while standing in the kitchen. You may enter the kitchen to play a ball that has bounced, but you need to establish yourself outside it again before hitting a volley.
It sounds complicated, but after a few games it becomes second nature.
Official Pickleball Rules
Rules can change, especially when it comes to tournament play. For the latest regulations, always check the official USA Pickleball Rulebook.
USA Pickleball updates its official rulebook annually and is one of the most useful references for players who want to understand the game in more detail.
Don't Overthink Your First Game
Your first pickleball game doesn't need to be perfect. Learn how to serve, understand the kitchen, remember the two-bounce rule and start playing.
The rest comes surprisingly quickly.
At TOCO67, that's exactly what we like about pickleball: it's easy to start, social from the first game and offers plenty to master once you get hooked.