1. The Serve

The serve must be made underhand with the paddle contacting the ball below waist level.

Both feet must stay behind the baseline when serving.

The serve is made diagonally into the opponent's service court.

Only one serve attempt is allowed (except in some recreational games).

2. The Double Bounce Rule

After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce once before returning it.

The serving team must also let the return bounce once before hitting it.

After these two bounces, players may volley the ball (hit it before it bounces) or play it off the bounce.

3. The Non-Volley Zone ("The Kitchen")

The kitchen is the 7-foot area on either side of the net.

Players cannot volley while standing in the kitchen.

You may enter the kitchen to play a ball that has bounced.

Your momentum cannot carry you into the kitchen after hitting a volley.

4. Scoring

Games are usually played to 11 points, and a team must win by 2 points.

Only the serving team can score points.

A point is won when the opposing team commits a fault.

5. Faults

A fault occurs when:

The ball is hit out of bounds.

The ball does not clear the net.

A player volleys from inside the kitchen.

The double bounce rule is violated.

The ball bounces twice before being returned.

A serve lands outside the correct service court.

6. Boundaries

Any ball landing on a line is considered IN, except on the non-volley zone line during a serve.

A served ball that lands on the kitchen line or in the kitchen is a fault.

7. Doubles Play

Most Pickleball is played as doubles.

Both players on a team have the opportunity to serve before service passes to the opponents (except at the start of the game).

Players switch service courts after scoring a point.

8. Have Fun and Show Good Sportsmanship

Respect opponents and line calls.

Call the score clearly before each serve.

Remember that Pickleball is about fun, fitness, and community!