Official Pickleball Rules 2025
Basic Rules Overview
Core Game Rules
- Games are played to 11 points (win by 2)
- Points can only be scored by the serving team
- Each side must play one bounce before volleys are allowed
- The serve must be made diagonally across court
Serving Rules
Legal Serve Requirements
- Server must keep both feet behind the baseline
- The serve must be made with an underhand stroke
- Contact with the ball must be below waist level
- The serve must be made diagonally crosscourt
2025 Rule Updates
- Drop serves are now permanently allowed
- Chainsaw serves are prohibited
- Server must keep at least one foot on the ground during serve
Scoring System
Basic Scoring Rules
- Only serving team can score points
- Games are played to 11 points (win by 2)
- Tournament games may be played to 15 or 21
Doubles Scoring
In doubles, each side starts with a score of 0-0-2:
- First number: serving team's score
- Second number: receiving team's score
- Third number: server number (1 or 2)
Faults & Violations
Common Faults
- Hitting the ball into the net
- Hitting the ball out of bounds
- Violating the double-bounce rule
- Touching the non-volley zone while volleying
- Not clearing the non-volley zone on serve
Non-Volley Zone Rules
Kitchen Rules
- No volleying while standing in the kitchen
- No touching the kitchen line while volleying
- Momentum cannot carry you into the kitchen after a volley
- You can enter the kitchen at any time to play a bounced ball
Line Calls & Boundaries
Line Call Rules
- A ball touching any part of the line is "in"
- Players make calls on their side of the court
- If uncertain, the ball should be called "in"
- Players may ask for line judge in tournament play
Doubles Rules
Doubles Specific Rules
- Both players must serve before side-out (except first serve)
- Players must maintain serving order throughout the game
- Partners alternate positions for each serve
- Wrong position errors must be called before serve
Tournament Regulations
Tournament Rules
- Players must wear appropriate athletic attire
- Time-outs are limited to 1 minute
- Game breaks limited to 2 minutes
- Line judges required for medal matches
Rules Demonstration Videos
Basic Rules Explained
Visual guide to essential pickleball rules and regulations.
Common Rule Violations
Learn about frequent rule violations and how to avoid them.
Ready to Play?
Now that you know the rules, check out our Basic Techniques Guide to improve your game!
Note: These rules are based on the official USA Pickleball Association rulebook. For tournament play, always refer to the latest official rulebook.
Last updated: January 8, 2025