Basic Rules and Scoring in Pickleball

Basic Rules

In pickleball, only the serving team can score points. Games are typically played to 11 points, and you must win by 2 points. Here's how scoring works:

• Points are only scored by the serving team
• Games are played to 11 points (win by 2)
• Each score consists of three numbers (e.g., 5-3-2)
• Tournament games may be played to 15 or 21 points

Scoring System

The serve is one of the most important aspects of pickleball. Here are the key serving rules:

• Serves must be made underhand
• Contact with the ball must be below waist level
• Serve diagonally across court
• One serve attempt only (except if the ball touches the net)

Serving Rules

The two-bounce rule, unique to pickleball, requires that:

1. The receiving team must let the serve bounce before returning
2. The serving team must let the return bounce before playing it
3. After these two bounces, the ball can be volleyed or played off the bounce

Common Faults

A fault results in loss of serve or point. Common faults include:

• Hitting the ball into the net
• Hitting the ball out of bounds
• Violating the non-volley zone rules
• Not allowing the ball to bounce when required

Gameplay Tips

The non-volley zone, commonly called "the kitchen," extends 7 feet from each side of the net. Key rules include:

• No volleying while standing in the kitchen
• No touching the kitchen line when volleying
• Momentum cannot carry you into the kitchen after a volley