If you want to talk about pickleball, don’t say anything about it. Just kidding. You probably know already that everyone who plays pickleball talks about this sport. In fact, you probably became acquainted with it through your friends.

Once you have our attention, we can talk about the rules. Pickleball rules state that the ball must remain inbounds, that one bounce should occur per side, that serving must be done at the baseline, that the serve cannot land in the no-volley zone, and that the game ends after 11 or 15 points.

Although there are many nuances, some exceptions to the rules, and some strategies of play that can make some of these rules work in your favor, there are plenty of nuances to soccer. Let’s discuss some of them by pickleballhop today.

Let’s get started.

Pickleball is likely something you’ve heard of today, even if you hadn’t heard about it five years ago. In spite of being a game that has been around for awhile (invented in 1965), it is only now beginning to gain traction as a mainstream sport. Despite the fact that there are few rules and minimal equipment required, it is easy to see why it has become so popular recently.

Like tennis, pickleball involves the use of a paddle (similar to a racket) as well as a bouncing ball and a net. This game combines elements of several sports, including badminton, tennis, and ping-pong. It is an easy game to learn, requires no prior experience and little athletic ability. It’s played with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes. For pickleball players to be comfortable and perform at their best on the court, pickleball socks with additional cushioning and support are crucial.

You can read our guide about Best Pickleball Paddles

The following article will explain the basics of pickleball.

It will also enable you to learn the game’s nuances and how to play more quickly, thus allowing you to become more competitive.

We’ll get to the rules without further ado.

Rule 1: The ball must remain inbounds

A ball must always stay in bounds to be in play in most sports that are played on a field or court. In play, the pickleball player is required to keep within the white lines either side of the court.

The other team gets the ball if the ball goes out of bounds like in ping pong. The results of the game will suffer as a result.

In spite of this, pickleball requires the ball to bounce while it is served and returned, so if it bounces on your serve, you have a greater chance of returning your opponent’s serve “at net” (this is where most points are won).

Rule 2: Each side should bounce once

Pickleball is characterized by this rule, which separates it from other net sports. Funny enough, this rule is often forgotten.

You have to return the ball to the other team if you let it bounce twice on your side. You may only bounce the ball once on your side when serving or returning. In the event that your serve bounces more than once (or goes out of bounds), you will have forfeited your serve. Before returning the ball to the other side, let it bounce ONE time.

When the ball has been returned to one side after a single bounce and then is returned to the other side after a single bounce by the server, the two-bounce rule is complete and either side may play the ball in the air or let it bounce on that turn.

Rule 3: The baseline must be followed

Serving in pickleball entails a few rules. The most important thing here is that the serve is done at the baseline (with one foot behind the baseline).

The winner will be decided by a flip of the coin or a random selection of a number, but traditionally, a flip.

A serve must also be performed underhand with the ball held below the waist and served diagonally to the opposite court. The player who violates these rules receives a fault, and the serve goes to his teammate, or directly to the opposite side if he’s playing singles.

Rule 4: Serves cannot land in the no-volley zone

Within the lined box, the zone is within 7 feet of the net. On both ends of the court, is the no-volley zone. Often, players will refer to the no-volley zone as the kitchen line, and say, “stay out of the kitchen.”.

If the ball touches the no-volley zone on your serve, you will lose the serve. You must serve beyond it. The ball may drop after the serve, however (called a “drop-shot”).

In general, however, the deeper the serve, the better. Before continuing the volley and dropping the ball in the kitchen, it needs to bounce once on each side.

Rule 5: At 11 or 15 points, the game ends.

Pickleball is traditionally played to 11 points. Like tennis and volleyball, the winning team must win by a minimum of two points. In that case, if you’re at 11 and your opponent gets 10, the game will continue. The next possible score would be 12.

In some games, 15 points are automatically added, but the players must still win by at least two points. Both teams will always discuss the final score before it is recorded.

In a game to 11, the first team to score 6 points switches sides. If the game is to 21, the first team to score 8 points switches sides.

Here are the five pickleball rules. You can now begin practicing. Getting started is easy * you could even spray paint a court on your driveway if you wanted to!