The Rules of Pickleball

Pickleball is an exciting sport that is rapidly gaining popularity across the globe. It combines elements of badminton, table tennis, and tennis to create a unique and challenging game. Whether you’re playing it in your backyard or at a local court, pickleball is sure to provide hours of fun for all ages! If you’re new to the sport, this comprehensive guide on the rules to pickleball is the perfect place to start!

So, without further ado, let's dive headfirst into the pickleball rules!

Court and Equipment

The pickleball court is sized similarly to a doubles tennis court, but it's a little bit smaller. A standard pickleball court is 20 by 44 feet in size for doubles and 20 by 34 feet in size for singles. The sidelines of the net are 36 inches high, while the middle is only 34 inches.
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A solid paddle made of wood, composite, or some other material is used by players. The ball, which is made of perforated polymer, is slightly smaller and lighter than a tennis ball.

Scoring

Points are scored in pickleball when the ball lands in your opponent's court and they are unable to return it. The game is won by the first team to 11 points and a two-point lead.
If the score reaches 10-10, the team that reaches 13 points and leads by at least two points wins the game.

Serves

To start the game, a player from one team serves the ball to the other team. The serve must be hit underhand and must land within the designated service box on the opposite side of the court.
If the serve is successful, the receiving team has the opportunity to return the ball. If the serve is unsuccessful (e.g., it goes out of bounds or hits the net), the other team gets a point.

Volleys and Groundstrokes

After the serve, players can either hit a volley (a shot hit before the ball bounces) or a groundstroke (a shot hit after the ball bounces). Players are not allowed to volley a ball that has bounced on their own side of the court. If a player volleys a ball that has bounced on their own side, it is considered a fault and the other team gets a point.

Dinking

Dinking is a common strategy in pickleball where players hit soft, low shots over the net. These shots are difficult for opponents to return, making them a useful tool to keep the ball in play and set up scoring opportunities.

Double-Bounce Rule

One unique aspect of pickleball is the double-bounce rule. The double-bounce rule in pickleball is a rule that requires both teams to let the ball bounce once on their side of the court before returning it. This rule applies to both singles and doubles play, and it adds an extra layer of strategy to the game.

For example, if a team receives a serve, they must let the ball bounce once on their side before returning it. If they hit the ball before it bounces, it is considered a fault and the other team gets a point. Similarly, if a team hits a groundstroke and the ball bounces on their opponent's side, the opponent must let the ball bounce once before returning it. If they hit the ball before it bounces, it is again considered a fault and the first team gets a point.

This rule adds an extra level of strategy to the game, as players must decide whether to hit a groundstroke or a volley after the ball bounces.

The double-bounce rule can be challenging for players who are used to other racquet sports where the first team to hit the ball gets to return it. However, with practice and experience, players can learn to use the double-bounce rule to their advantage by setting up scoring opportunities and forcing their opponents to make mistakes.

Singles and Doubles Play

Pickleball can be played as singles (one player per team) or doubles (two players per team). In doubles play, players stand on opposite sides of the court and take turns hitting the ball. In singles play, players stand on the same side of the court and hit the ball back and forth.

Penalties and Faults

There are a few different types of penalties and faults in pickleball. Some common ones include:
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Foot fault: If a player steps on or over the center line while serving, it is considered a foot fault and the other team gets a point.
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Volleying a ball that has bounced on your own side: As mentioned above, volleying a ball that has bounced on your own side is considered a fault and the other team gets a point.
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Hitting the ball out of bounds: If the ball lands outside the boundaries of the court, the other team gets a point.
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Double bounce: If a team fails to let the ball bounce on their side of the court before returning it, it is considered a double bounce and the other team gets a point.

Rules for Pickleball Paddles

There are a few rules that apply to pickleball paddles. For example, paddles can't have any sharp edges or things sticking out of them, and their surface must be flat and smooth. The International Federation of Pickleball (IFP) also has rules about how big the paddle can be and how much it can weigh.

Tips for Beginners

Here are a few pointers to get you started if you're new to pickleball:

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Begin with a simple forehand stroke to become familiar with the ball and the paddle.

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Practice your serve: A strong serve can give you a competitive advantage.

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Stay low: Because pickleball requires a lot of movement, it's critical to stay low and agile.

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Understand how to read your opponent's shots: To predict your opponent's next move, pay attention to their body language and position on the court.

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Don't be afraid to seek assistance: Don't be afraid to seek advice and guidance from a coach or a more experienced player.

Conclusion

We hope these rules and tips have helped you understand the fundamentals of pickleball. With a little practice and strategic thinking, you'll be well on your way to becoming a pickleball pro in no time!

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