Pickleball rules: A beginner’s guide

Pickleball is fun, fast, and easy to learn. But to play the right way, you’ll want to understand the basic rules. Whether you're playing with friends or in a competition, these rules help keep the game fair and fun for everyone.

Table of contents

1. Starting the game
2. Serving rules
3. The Double Bounce rule
4. What is the Kitchen?
5. How to score points
6. How to win
7. Extra tips
8. Watch and learn

1. Starting the game

• Pickleball is played with 2 or 4 players (singles or doubles).
• The team that serves first is chosen by a coin toss or rally.
• Only the serving team can score points.

2. Serving rules

• Serve underhand and hit the ball below your waist.
• Hit the ball diagonally across the net.
• The ball must land in the opponent’s service box (past the kitchen).
• You get only one serve attempt—no second chances!

3. The Double Bounce rule

• After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before you can hit it in the air.
• This rule means no smashing right away—everyone gets a fair start!

4. What is the Kitchen?

• The “kitchen” is the 7-foot area on both sides of the net.
• You can’t hit the ball in the air while standing in the kitchen.
• You can step into the kitchen only after the ball bounces.

5. How to score points

You score a point when the other team:

• Hits the ball out of bounds
• Misses the ball
• Hits it into the net
• Steps into the kitchen during a volley

Reminder: Only the serving team can score points.

6. How to win

• Games are usually played to 11 points.
• You must win by at least 2 points (like 11–9 or 15–13).
• In tournaments, games might go to 15 or 21 points.

7. Extra tips

• Stay out of the kitchen unless the ball bounces!
• Keep your paddle low and be ready to move.
• Call out the score before every serve (e.g., “5-3-1” in doubles: server's score, receiver's score, server number).
• Play fair and have fun!

8. Watch and Learn

Want to see the rules in action? Check out this helpful video: