Official Pickleball Rules 2025

Last Updated: January 8, 2025

Author: Pickleball Pro Guide Team

Approved by: USA Pickleball Association

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