What are the five rules of pickleball? This is a common question that arises when learning how to play pickleball. Researching the rules of the game is always a good place to start.
The 5 rules of pickleball are the serve, the volley, the fault, learning how to win, and rules regarding doubles play. Learning these 5 major rules are the building block for the game of pickleball and should be learned by all players.
The rules of pickleball are designed to provide a fair and enjoyable game for players of all skill levels. In this guide, we’ll discuss the five basic rules of pickleball and how you can implement them into your next game.
The 5 Rules of Pickleball
The game of pickleball has been broken down into 5 distinct rules, each focusing on an important aspect of the game. The key rules are the serve, the volley, the fault, how to win, and doubles play. Learn these 5 rules and remove any doubt from who really wins the next match.
We’ve also asked the PickleballSet editors to chime in and give their opinions on these 5 rules.
1) The Serve
The serve must be made underhand and must clear the opponent’s side of the net’s non-volley area, also referred to as the “kitchen.” The adjacent service box must also receive the serve.
“Many people think of the serve as what you see in tennis, but pickleball is not the same. If you’re just starting out, learning the rules for the pickleball serve is the first place to start,” said PickleballSet editors.
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2) The Volley
Within the non-volley zone, players are not permitted to volley the ball. This rule is in place to encourage players to repeatedly hit the ball over the net as opposed to aiming to do it with their first shot.
When asked, PickleballSet editors said “The no-volley zone is a no mans land after the serve has been hit. This is the first rule many new pickleball players fail to understand, and it could cost you or your team a point.”
3) The Fault
A player commits a fault when they serve poorly, hit the ball out of bounds, before it has left the non-volley zone, into the net, or before it has cleared the non-volley zone.
The fault rules are important for keeping accurate score and determining an ultimate winner of the game. Faults are one of the hardest rules to avoid comitting, and minimization is usually the best strategy. Eliminating unforced faults can mean the difference between a beginner and an advanced player.
4) How to Win
The winner is whoever scores 11 points first, as long as they are ahead by two points at the time. The game continues if the score is 10-10 until one person or team has a two-point advantage.
“Always keep accurate score and check with other players so that everyone is in agreement. It can get confusing keeping track of who’s up in close games, especially during match point or two-point advantages,” said PickleballSet editors.
5) Doubles Play
The right side of the court must be used when serving in the doubles game, and players must switch serves with their partner. The initial stroke after the serve for each team must be directed to the right side of the court.
When asked, PickballSet editors mentioned “Pickleball doubles play largely follows the same rules as singles play. Knowing the nuances and keeping accurate score is just as important for doubles games. Always serve from the right side of the court.”
Here’s a great video showing the 5 Rules of Pickleball
Why is it important to learn the 5 rules of pickleball?
The guidelines provided by a sport’s regulations help to maintain fairness and everyone’s safety, thus it is crucial to study them. Players can better plan their strategies and make wise decisions throughout gameplay by being aware of the regulations.
The 5 rules of pickleball fall under these guidelines. They are a basic understanding of the game of pickleball and provide the building block for more advanced tactics of the game.
The ability to understand and appreciate the many strategies and tactics being used by the players is another way that being familiar with the rules of a sport can improve one’s enjoyment of the game. Finally, becoming familiar with a sport’s rules might help you respect it and its heritage.
Are there other rules beyond these 5?
Yes, the game of pickleball has many rules beyond just these 5 rules. The game of pickleball is governed by the U.S.A. Pickleball Asscoiation (USAPA). This governing organization has created a pickleball rulebook with hundreds of rules that cover pickleball in its entirety.
New rules are added or modified each year, so it’s important to keep up to date on rule changes. Since the game is relatively new on the national stage, expect the rules to continue to change as players push the boundaries even more.
Common Pickleball Rules Players get Wrong
Always remember that the 5 rules of pickleball are just a basic understanding of a wider rule set. They are meant for a quick understanding of how the game is played, but not a comprehensive guide. If you plan to study the rules, pick up a pickleball rule guidebook.
Bottom Line: Pickleball is Governed by 5 Main Rules
These are the five fundamental pickleball rules, but there are a lot more regulations that apply to the game, such as those concerning foot faults, obstruction, and lob serves. Before starting a game of pickleball, players should become familiar with the game’s regulations, and if you want to become a line judge or increase your pickleball skill ranking, learning the rules is the first place to start.
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