INTRODUCTION
Pickleball, a rapidly growing sport enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels, combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis into a dynamic and exhilarating game. To fully appreciate and excel in pickleball, it's essential to understand the rules that govern play on the court. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the fundamental rules of pickleball, covering everything from scoring and serving to court dimensions and gameplay etiquette, empowering you to step onto the court with confidence and competence.
COURT AND EQUIPMENT
Court Dimensions
- A pickleball court is rectangular, measuring 20 feet wide by 44 feet long for doubles play and 20 feet wide by 22 feet long for singles play.
- The court is divided into halves by a 34-inch-high net.
Equipment
- Players use paddles to hit a perforated plastic ball over the net.
- Paddles must comply with size and weight regulations, and the ball must have a diameter of 2.874 to 2.972 inches.
GAMEPLAY BASICS
Serving
- The serving team starts the game by serving the ball diagonally across the net to the opposing team.
- The serve must be underhand and made from behind the baseline.
- It must clear the net and land in the opposing diagonal service court.
Scoring
- There are two types of scoring in pickleball: "normal" scoring and rally scoring.
- In normal scoring, points can only be scored by the serving team, and games are typically played to 11 points and must be won by 2.
- In rally scoring, a point is awarded after every rally, regardless of which team served.
FAULTS AND LET SERVES
- A fault occurs when a player violates a rule, such as hitting the ball out of bounds or committing a foot fault during the serve or volley at the NVZ
- Let serves, where the ball touches the net but lands in the correct service court, are played as though the serve had not hit the net. In professional tournaments, a let serve is replayed. Note that a serve that hits the NVZ lines (back line or side line), it is a fault.
KEY RULES AND REGULATIONS
Double Bounce Rule
After the serve, each team must allow the ball to bounce once on their side before volleys (hitting the ball in the air) are allowed. In other words, the receiving team must let the ball bounce, and the serving team must allow the return of serve to bounce, before a volley can be hit.
Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen)
- A 7-foot non-volley zone, often referred to as the kitchen, extends from the net on both sides of the court.
- Players cannot volley the ball while standing inside the kitchen. A player can enter the kitchen to play a ball if it has bounced in the kitchen.
- If a player hits a volley, and any part of his body, or any piece of his equipment, enters the NVZ after the volley, that is considered a fault and the player loses the point.
Line Calls
Players are responsible for making their own line calls.Service Order
- The serving team must designate which player will serve first and continue serving until they lose the serve.
- After the serving team loses the serve, the opposing team gets to serve.
ADVANCED STRATEGIES
Poaching
In doubles play, players can strategically move towards the center of the court (poach) to intercept shots and put pressure on opponents.Dinking
Dinking involves hitting soft, controlled shots over the net to strategically place the ball in difficult positions for opponents, often used to set up volleys or force errors.Lobbing
Lobbing entails hitting high-arching shots over opponents' heads, typically used to reset the point or capitalize on opponents' positioning.Stacking
Stacking is a strategic positioning tactic where players arrange themselves on the court to maximize coverage and exploit opponents' weaknesses.ETIQUETTE AND SPORTSMANSHIP
Respect Opponents
Treat opponents with respect and courtesy, avoiding unsportsmanlike behavior such as trash-talking or deliberately trying to distract opponents.Retrieve Balls Promptly
Retrieve balls promptly and avoid unnecessary delays between points to maintain the flow of the game.Call Scores Clearly
Communicate scores clearly and accurately to prevent confusion and ensure fair play.Arguing Line Calls
The team on the receiving end of a shot can make a line call. The opponents on the other side of the net cannot, although they can concede that a ball was in, even though their opponent made an out call. Arguing line calls is frowned upon in pickleball.CONCLUSION
Pickleball offers a unique blend of athleticism, strategy, and camaraderie, making it a favorite pastime for millions of players worldwide. By mastering the rules and regulations of pickleball, you can fully immerse yourself in the excitement of the game while competing with integrity and sportsmanship. Whether you're a novice player looking to learn the basics or a seasoned veteran seeking to refine your skills, understanding the rules of pickleball is the first step towards becoming a proficient and respected player on the court. So, grab your paddle, step onto the court, and enjoy the exhilarating journey of pickleball, where every rally is an opportunity to showcase your talent, teamwork, and love for the game.
-Greg Hansen
