🏓 Pickleball Rules Every Player Should Know (But Many Don’t)

Whether you’re brand new to pickleball or have been playing for a while, this guide covers everything you need to know about pickleball rules. From serving and scoring to the infamous Non-Volley Zone (AKA – the kitchen) violations and partner communication, this article answers the most frequently asked questions – in plain English.

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🏓 How Do You Play Pickleball? The Basics First

1. What’s the objective of pickleball?

Score points by winning rallies. In traditional pickleball scoring, only the serving team can score when the receiving team faults.

2. How many points do you play to in pickleball?

Games are usually played to 11 points, and you must win by a margin of 2. Tournament matches may be played to 15 or 21 points, win by 2.

3. Who serves first in a game?

The player on the right side of the court serves first. In doubles, only one player serves on the first service turn (the start of the game).

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🏁 Serving Rules You Can’t Ignore

4. What are the key rules for the volley serve in pickleball?

• The serve must be an underhand motion.

• For the volley serve

  • Contact with the paddle and ball must be made below your waist.

  • The paddle must be below the wrist.

  • The paddle must be moving in an upward motion.

• At the point of contact, the player must have their feet behind the baseline, between an extension of the sideline or centerline.

• The serve must land diagonally in the correct service box.

• Only one serve per turn unless you score.

• A ball that hits the net but lands in is playable.

• The centerline, sidelines, and baselines are in. A serve that hits the Non Volley Zone line is out.

5. Is a drop serve legal?

• Yes. You may drop the ball and hit it after it bounces once.

• The paddle motion rules for the volley serve do not apply to the drop serve.

• The drop itself may land anywhere behind or in the court.

6. How does doubles serving work?

• Each team gets two serves (one per player) — except for the first service of the game.

• The right-side player serves first and switches sides with their partner on each point won.

7. What’s the Two-Bounce Rule?

The serve must bounce once before being returned. The return must also bounce before being hit by the serving team.

8. Do I have to call the score before serving?

Yes. Either the server or their partner must announce the score clearly before serving.

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🪵 Understanding the Non-Volley Zone (aka The Kitchen)

9. What is the Non-Volley Zone?

A 7-foot zone on both sides of the net. No volleying (hitting the ball in the air) is allowed while standing in or touching the NVZ line.

10. Can I step into the Kitchen after volleying?

No. If your momentum carries you into the NVZ after a volley, it’s a fault — even after the point ends.

11. Can I hit a ball in the Non-Volley Zone?

Yes, but only after it bounces. Volleys (hitting out of the air) are not allowed in the Kitchen. You do NOT have to wait for the ball to bounce before entering the Non-Volley Zone.

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🚫 Common Faults and How to Avoid Them

12. What counts as a fault?

• Ball hits the net

• Ball goes out of bounds

• Volleying from the Kitchen

• Double bounces

• Serving violations

13. What happens if the ball hits the net during a rally?

If it lands in bounds, it’s live.

14. What if the ball hits my body or paddle hand?

• If it hits below your wrist, it’s legal.

• If it hits above the wrist or any part of your body, it’s a fault.

15. Can the ball hit my partner?

If it touches a player before bouncing, it’s a fault on that player.

16. Can I catch a ball I think is going out?

No, never catch a live ball. If you do it before it hits the ground, it’s considered a fault on you.

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🧩 Net and Court Edge Rules

17. What happens if the ball hits the net post or net system?

That’s a fault, unless the ball travels around the post legally and lands in.

18. Is a ball that travels around the net post legal?

Yes, if it doesn’t touch the post and lands in bounds. That’s often referred to as an ATP – Around the Post. Exciting when it happens!

19. Can the ball go under the net?

No, that’s always a fault.

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👯‍♀️ Rules for Doubles and Singles Pickleball

20. What makes doubles serving different?

Each player serves once per sideout (except for the very first serve rotation of the game).

21. How is scoring called in doubles?

You use three numbers:

1. Your team’s score

2. Opponent’s score

3. Server number (1 or 2)

22. How does singles serving work?

Serve from the right side when your score is even, and from the left when it’s odd.

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🗣️ Communication, Line Calls, and Pickleball Etiquette

23. Can I talk to my partner during a rally?

Yes, communication like “mine” or “switch” is encouraged.

24. What about yelling or distracting opponents?

That’s considered verbal interference and may result in a fault.

25. Can either player make a line call?

Yes,  but it must be immediate, honest, and based on what they clearly saw. If you’re unsure, the ball is in.

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🌀 Momentum Rule and Weird Situations

26. What is the Momentum Rule?

If your momentum takes you into the Non-Volley Zone (aka the kitchen) after a volley, it’s a fault, even if the ball was already dead.

27. How long does the Momentum Rule apply?

There’s no time limit. If you enter the Kitchen after hitting the shot due to momentum, it’s a fault, regardless of when.

28. What if I call the ball “out” while hitting it?

• If the ball had already bounced out, the point ends, and your team wins.

• If you called it before the bounce, it’s partner communication, and the rally continues if opponents play the ball.

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🎯 Final Takeaway: Play Smart, Play Fair

Learning the rules is the fastest way to gain confidence on the court. Whether you’re mastering the serve or navigating momentum faults, staying sharp on the rules helps you play smarter and have more fun.

Need help improving your game?  Check out this free guide! Pickleball Skills and Strategies

If you are new(er) to the game…check out this guide and video course

Have fun out there!