Pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports because it hits the sweet spot between fun, fitness, and accessibility. It’s social, fast-paced, and welcoming—whether you’re playing casually or competitively.

What what actually is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s played on a small court with a solid paddle and a lightweight plastic ball with holes (similar to a wiffle ball).

The Basics:

• Played singles or doubles (doubles is most common)

• Smaller court than tennis

• Underhand serve only

• Ball must bounce once on each side before volleys are allowed

• Games typically played to 11 points

One unique feature is the “kitchen” (non-volley zone) near the net, where players can’t hit the ball in the air. This creates strategic net play and longer rallies.

Basic Rules of Pickleball

Here’s a simple breakdown of how the game works:

1. Court & Players

• Played singles or doubles (doubles most common)

• Court is smaller than tennis

• Each side has a Non-Volley Zone (the “kitchen”) near the net

2. The Serve

• Must be underhand

• Paddle contacts the ball below the waist

• Serve diagonally into the opponent’s service box

• Only the serving team can score

• One serve attempt (except in some beginner formats)

3. The Double Bounce Rule

After the serve:

1. The receiving team must let the ball bounce once

2. The serving team must also let it bounce once

3. After that, volleys (hitting in the air) are allowed

This prevents immediate net attacks and creates longer rallies.

4. The “Kitchen” Rule

• You cannot volley while standing in the Non-Volley Zone

• You can enter the kitchen to play a ball after it bounces

5. Scoring

• Games usually played to 11 points

• Must win by 2 points

• Points are scored only by the serving team

6. Faults (How You Lose a Rally)

• Ball lands out of bounds

• Ball doesn’t clear the net

• Volleying in the kitchen

• Not following the double bounce rule