How to play pickleball: basic rules

The game of pickleball – is an exciting sport that combines energy and strategy. In order to enjoy the game and achieve impressive results, it is important to familiarize yourself with the basic pickleball rules and the rules of this discipline. Pickleball can be played in pairs, with two players on each side of the court. And in a single game, where only one person plays on each side of the court.

Court and equipment

Pickleball takes place on a special court with special measurements. Players use rackets to hit the ball and follow clear rules regarding equipment. In the previous article we discussed in detail the equipment needed to play pickleball.

Serving the ball

To start the game, decide who will serve – any kind of toss will do. Once you have decided who serves first, that player serves the ball to the player on the right side of the court. The pickleball serve should be made with a bottom hit with contact below the waist. Your arm should move in an upward arc as you hit the ball. You can hit the ball in the air, which most players do. You can also hit if you drop the ball on the ground. If the ball hits the no-hit zone line, it is considered an out. Your next pitch will be to your left.

Scoring points

You can only score if you are the serving team. So if you win as the serving team, you switch sides and the same player has to serve, but in the opposite direction. If you lose the point as the serving team, the serve goes to the next player. If the serve goes to the other side of the court as part of an out, the player on the right side will serve first in doubles.

The rule of two bounces

The game of pickleball involves batting the ball only after it has bounced. Players must follow the two-bounce rule, which governs the sequence of moves in the game.

Kitchen area

One of the key features of pickleball is the area on the court reserved for strategic moves. Players must follow the rules of the “kitchen” area and use it to their advantage. You can never hit on the fly – when any part of your body is in the kitchen. You also can’t let your momentum carry you into the kitchen after a volley.

Calculating points

Pickleball is a game in which you only score points on your serve and keep serving until you lose a point. You switch sides with your partner after winning each point on your serve and serve to the other opponent. Both players (in doubles) have the opportunity to serve during each move. When scoring, players must clearly say three numbers: “Zero, zero… two”, where:

• the first digit is your account;
• the second digit is the opponent’s score;
• the third digit indicates which of the two team players is serving.

Following all the above rules, the game will continue until one of the teams scores 11 points. And you need to get a two-point advantage. Thus, by conducting a thorough analysis and improving their skills in accordance with the basic rules of the game, each player can achieve results and enjoy exciting pickleball matches. Read also about famous people who play pickleball.