Rockland County, NY
The Rules of Pickleball
​Pickleball is known for its accessible yet intricate rules. This dual nature makes it an appealing game for beginners while also offering depth for more experienced players. To satisfy both types of players, below you will find our Win by Two Pickleball Quick Start Guide, which contains the "bare bones" rules to get you started, followed by more comprehensive rules as written by USA Pickleball.
Win by Two QuickStart Rules
Serving: The side serving always begins serving from the right side of the court. The serve must be made from behind the baseline and within the middle line and sidelines. The serve must be an underhand serve, being struck below the waist, that crosses diagonally to the opposite service court. In addition, the ball must not land in the opponent's non-volley zone (area within 7 feet of the net on both sides). This area is commonly referred to as the "kitchen".
Double Bounce: The serve must bounce once on the opponent's side and is then returned, where it must bounce again before any volleys (hitting the ball out of the air) are allowed.
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Scoring: Points can only be scored by the serving team with games typically played to 11 points. In addition the winning team must Win by Two.
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Switching Sides: If the serving team scores a point, the server switches sides and serves again.
Side Out: When the second server loses the serve, the serve goes to the opposing team.
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Serving Faults: Failure to serve into the correct court.
Volley Faults: Hitting the ball out of bounds, into the net, or volleying from within the no-volley zone.
Double Bounce: Failing to let the ball bounce once on each side after the serve before volleys are allowed.
The above rules merely give you the minimum to start playing the game.
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The links below are the summarized rules and also the complete rulebook. So learn...practice...have fun and go play!!!