How to play.

Singles/Doubles.

Pickleball is played either as doubles or singles. The same rules apply for both singles and doubles.

Rules Summary.

While simple, the rules and scoring process take some time to learn and understand. The best way to do this is to attend a "Come and Try" session with us and we would be delighted to introduce you to the sport of pickleball and its rules.

  • The ball is served underhanded and diagonally to the opponent's service court.

  • Points are scored by the serving side only and occur when the opponent faults (fails to return the ball, hits ball out of bounds or into the net, etc.).

  • The server continues to serve, alternating service courts, until the serving side faults.

  • The first side scoring 11 points and leading by at least a 2-point margin wins.

  • You must win by 2 points.

  • The two-bounce rule. Following the serve, each side must make at least one ground-stroke prior to volleying the ball (hitting it before it has bounced).

  • Non-Volley Zone (also known as the kitchen): A player cannot volley a ball while standing within the non-volley zone.

Serving.

  • Serving must be underhand.

  • Paddle contact with the ball must be below the server’s waist.

  • You must start the serve with at least one foot behind the baseline and neither foot can contact the baseline or court until after you hit the ball.

  • The serve should be diagonal crosscourt and must land in the opposite diagonal court.

Serving Sequence.

  • Both players on each team of a doubles game get to serve until they commit a fault.

  • The exception is the first service of each game, where only one player from the initial serving team gets to serve before service passes to the other team.

  • Every time service changes sides, the first serve is from the right hand court.

  • Every time you score, you switch sides of the court for your next serve.

Points.

  • Points are only scored by the serving team.

  • Games are generally played to 11 and you must win by 2 points.

  • Tournament games are sometimes played to 15 or 21 and you must win by 2 points.

Double Bounce Rule.

  • When the ball is served, the receiving team must let it bounce before returning it, and the serving team must let it bounce before returning as well.

  • After the initial two returns, no bounces are mandatory. You may then hit the ball with a ground stroke where the balls bounces first or with a volley where no bounce occurs.

Volleys.

  • Volleying isn’t allowed within the non-volley zone, an area of the court within 7 feet of the net on both sides, marked with a line on pickleball courts. It is also known as the “kitchen”.

  • It is a fault to step in the non-volley zone or even on the line when volleying.

  • It is a fault when your momentum carries you into the kitchen or causes you to touch the line after a volley.

  • You may be in the non-volley zone at any other time as long as you’re not volleying the ball.

Line Calls.

  • Balls contacting any line, except the non-volley zone line on a serve, are considered in.

  • Serves contacting the non-volley zone line are short and cause a fault.

Faults.

A fault occurs when:

  • A serve does not land within the receiving court.

  • The ball is hit into the net on the serve or any return.

  • The ball is volleyed before a bounce has occurred on each side.

  • The ball is hit out of bounds.

  • The ball is volleyed from the non-volley zone.

  • The ball bounces twice before being struck by the receiver.

  • The player, player’s clothing, or any part of a player’s paddle touches the net or the net post when the ball is in play.

  • There is a violation of a service rule.

  • A ball in play strikes a player or anything the player is wearing or carrying.

Court Etiquette.

Pickleball is a "social" sport. This generally means that pickleball is as much about interacting and socializing with people as it is about physical activity and competition. This "social" culture around pickleball is one defining characteristic of the sport itself. In connection with that unique culture, it is important to understand some "pickleball etiquette" tips before hitting the pickleball court. These include:

  • Introduce Yourself to New Players - Before starting a pickleball game with new people, be sure to introduce yourself to others.

  • Do Not Cross a Pickleball Court During a Point - Avoid crossing over a pickleball court when a point is ongoing. This includes avoiding entering the baseline area or the sideline area.

  • If a ball comes onto your court from an adjacent court, stop play by calling “ball” and pick up the loose ball. Ask the people on the adjacent court who gets the ball, and then hit or throw it back to that person as best you can.

  • Conversely, if you are the person on the adjacent court who wants the ball back, please raise your hand or your paddle so they know to whom to return the ball.

  • Before serving the ball to your opponents, make sure the receiver is ready.

  • Call the Score Loudly - When you are serving, be sure to call the score loudly so that your opponents can hear you.

  • Line calls are the responsibility of the receiving side.

  • You should not call faults or other line calls on the other side of the net unless asked to do so.

  • If you are on the receiving team and your partner calls a ball out that you think may have been in, tell your partner you disagree and attempt to resolve the disagreement between you.

  • If your team cannot agree on the line call, then the call goes in favour of your opponents. If an erroneous line call interferes with a player’s play, then the point should be replayed.

  • At the end of a game, players who just finished their game must exit the court so that the waiting players can come onto to your vacated court. We must insist on this and appreciate your cooperation.

  • Know the Rules - Do your best to know and understand the rules of pickleball. This will help avoid disputes on the pickleball court and ensure that everyone is playing by the same set of rules.

  • "Paddle Tap" After Every Game - After every game, players meet at the pickleball net to tap pickleball paddles - either with the head or butt of the pickleball paddle. When paddle tapping, also consider giving your opponents a compliment - for instance, "great game", “thanks for the game”, “you played well.”

  • Advice & Instruction - Many players appreciate advice and tuition from players who are more advanced. Many will actively seek such advice. However, please DO NOT give advice or instruction to another player during or after a game unless it is asked for.

Safety On Court.

As with any sport, it’s important to properly prepare for a pickleball game. Warm-ups ensure that your body is stretched and ready to play, and cool-downs bring your body back to resting mode so you can safely play again next time. Putting in an extra 5-10 minutes of work before and after you play will pay off in the way of keeping you healthy and improving your game.

  • Stretch before and after playing. We know … we all say we do it, but do you? Examples: Arm circles, Core twists, High-knee marches, Overhead stretch, Court length forward/backward jog.

    These exercises will increase your heart rate and get blood flowing to the right muscles so you can play your best and remain healthy while doing it.

  • Don’t overplay your current physical condition. Be aware of your own limitation.

  • Hydrate. This means “drink water.”  Drink BEFORE you are thirsty, otherwise dehydration starts to set in.

  • ​If you see someone who displays signs of dizziness, weakness, or lack of concentration, keep an eye on them. Recommend a time-out if you think it necessary for their sake.

  • Falls - If someone falls on the court, ALL PLAY STOPS, until their needs have been assessed. The club committee members will know where a First aid kit is located. If a medical emergency is determined, advise a member of the club committee immediately and call 000.

So practice, warm up before games and work on your dinks, but do not forget to enjoy the game, the community and most of all the people you are meeting and playing with, because Pickleball is supposed to be fun. 

What To Wear.

Players wear just about anything comfortable and appropriate for the season.

It’s recommended you wear some non-scuff tennis type shoes. Most athletic shoes are fine. The best shoe for pickleball is a court shoe or tennis shoe — one that has great comfort, grip, ankle support, rubber soles, and a tread pattern conducive to quick lateral movements.  

Additional resources.