Pickleball Rules | Scoring, Serving, Kitchen & Court Guidelines

Pickleball Rules: Serving, Scoring, and Court Guidelines

Understanding the pickleball rules is the first step toward confident and competitive play. That’s why we created this section, to explain the rules in a clear, simple way that makes sense whether you’re new to the game or looking to brush up before your next tournament.From how to serve legally to what counts as a fault in the kitchen, we break it all down. Our goal is to help you feel prepared and informed so you can focus on strategy, not second-guessing the rules during a match.

What You’ll Learn in the Pickleball Rules Section

  • Serving Rules: Understand correct service motion, foot faults, and where to stand.
  • Scoring: Learn how scoring works in both singles and doubles, and when to switch sides.
  • Non-Volley Zone: Know what the kitchen is, how to use it, and what actions are restricted.
  • Faults and Let Calls: Discover the common reasons points are lost and how to avoid them.
  • Net and Court Specifications: Get the official measurements and how they impact your game.
PickleTip Pro Insight: Most players don’t lose points because of bad shots, they lose them from not knowing the rules. Mastering the basics gives you a mental edge.

Why Knowing the Rules Makes You a Better Player

Rules aren’t just technicalities. They shape how you play and what strategies you can use. When you understand the rules, you can anticipate plays, position yourself better, and stay calm under pressure.

That’s why we keep this section updated with rule changes, interpretations, and easy-to-understand explanations. You don’t need a rulebook in your pocket, you just need to start here.