Pickleball is booming. With nearly 20 million players in 2024, it’s the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. for four straight years. A mix of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, pickleball appeals to all ages and skill levels. But rapid growth means understanding the official pickleball rules is more important than ever.
In this blog, we’ll break down 10 essential pickleball rules every new player – and even experienced players looking to stay sharp with the latest 2025 updates – should know.
From serving basics to pickleball singles rules and doubles rotations, here’s your guide to playing confidently and fairly.
1. Serve Must Be Underhand (Including Drop Serve)
- All serves in pickleball must be underhand – no tennis-style overhead serves.
- You must strike the ball below the waist, with your paddle moving in an upward arc.
- The serve must land diagonally across the court and not touch the Non-Volley Zone (kitchen).
- If the serve hits the net and still lands in the correct box, play continues.
- Only one serve attempt is allowed.
Drop Serve:
- You can drop the ball and hit it after it bounces.
- As of 2025, you can also drop the ball from your paddle – just avoid spinning it.
- Drop serves are great for consistency, especially for beginners.
2. Call the Score Before Serving
- In singles: say your score first, then your opponent’s (e.g., “3-2”).
- In doubles: use three numbers – your score, opponent’s score, and your server number (1 or 2). For example, “4-6-1.”
- The first server in doubles always starts from the right-hand side.
3. Serve Rotation: Singles vs. Doubles Singles
- If you win a point, switch sides and continue serving.
- Serve from the right when your score is even, from the left when it’s odd.
Doubles
- Each team gets two servers per possession.
- Server #1 starts on the right side.
- After a fault, Server #2 serves from their current position.
- Only the serving team switches sides after scoring.
- Once both players’ fault, it’s a side-out.
4. First-Server Exception – “0-0-2” Rule
- In doubles, the team that serves first only gets one server to begin.
- That’s why the pickleball game starts at “0-0-2.”
- This levels the playing field and prevents an early advantage.
5. The Two-Bounce Rule
- The receiving team must let the serve bounce once.
- The serving team must let the return bounce.
- After both bounces, volleys are allowed.
- This rule encourages longer rallies and fair play.
6. Non-Volley Zone (The Kitchen) Rules
- The 7-foot zone near the net is called the kitchen.
- You cannot volley (hit the ball out of the air) while standing in or touching this area.
- You can step into the kitchen to hit a ball that has bounced.
- You must exit before attempting a volley.
- Momentum, taking you into the kitchen after a volley is a fault.
- Serves cannot land in or on the kitchen line.
7. Common Faults to Avoid
- Hitting the ball out of bounds
- Letting the ball bounce twice on your side
- Volleying while standing in the kitchen
- Committing a foot fault while serving
- Hitting the net or missing the ball entirely on a serve
New in 2025: Players are expected to call faults honestly, even on their partner, to support fair play.
8. Only the Serving Team Scores (Traditional Scoring)
- In traditional scoring, only the serving team can earn points.
- The receiving team can win a rally but only gains the serve.
- A 2025 update allows rally scoring in some formats.
- In rally scoring, every rally earns a point regardless of who served.
- Traditional scoring remains the official standard for most play.
9. Games Are Played to 11 (Win by 2)
- Most pickleball games are played to 11 points.
- You must win by at least 2 points.
- Tournament matches are typically best 2 out of 3 to 11.
- Some games go to 15 or 21 in casual settings.
- Always agree on the target score before starting.
10. Win by 2 Points (No Ties)
- A game isn’t over at 11–10; you must lead by 2 points to win.
- Scores like 12–10 or 13–11 are common in tight games.
- This rule makes for thrilling end-game rallies and fair finishes.
Ready to Rally?
Mastering these 10 official pickleball rules will give you the confidence to step onto the court and enjoy the game fully. Whether you’re playing singles or doubles, knowing the rules helps you avoid beginner errors, communicate clearly, and play fair. As pickleball evolves, especially with the 2025 updates, staying informed keeps you competitive and respectful on the court.
So grab your paddle, remember the kitchen rules, and have fun learning through play. With these basics covered, you’re more than ready to jump into your next match.For more tips, equipment, and updates on pickleball rules 2025, check out Evolute Pickleball – your trusted source for an eco-friendly and sustainable pickleball gear, guide to improving your game, and playing it right. Welcome to the world of pickleball! Just don’t volley in the kitchen!