What Are the 5 Basic Rules of Pickleball?

Pickleball looks simple when you watch it — but like any sport, it has rules that make the game fair, fun, and competitive. If you're new to pickleball, learning the basic rules first will help you feel confident the moment you step on the court.

The good news? Pickleball's core rules are straightforward. Once you understand these five fundamentals, you'll be ready to play your first game.

Rule 1: The Serve Must Be Underhand

Every pickleball rally starts with a serve, and the serve has specific requirements. The serve must be hit underhand, with the paddle below the waist. You can choose to hit a volley serve (out of the air) or a drop serve (after the ball bounces).

The serve must land in the diagonally opposite service court, past the non-volley zone. If you're serving from the right side, aim for the opponent's right service court. Serves that land in the non-volley zone (the "kitchen") or out of bounds are faults.

Unlike tennis, only one serve attempt is allowed — there are no second serves in pickleball.

Rule 2: The Double-Bounce Rule

This is the rule that surprises most beginners. After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce once before returning it. Then the serving team must also let the return bounce once before hitting it. Only after these two bounces can players hit the ball in the air (volley).

Why does this rule exist? It prevents the serving team from rushing the net and dominating the point immediately. The double-bounce rule keeps rallies fair and gives both teams a chance to get into position.

Remember: serve (bounce) → return (bounce) → then volleys are allowed.

Rule 3: The Non-Volley Zone (The Kitchen)

The non-volley zone — affectionately called "the kitchen" — is the 7-foot area on both sides of the net. The most important rule: you cannot hit the ball in the air (volley) while standing in the kitchen.

You CAN stand in the kitchen, and you CAN hit the ball after it bounces. But if you volley while any part of your body is touching the kitchen (including the line), it's a fault.

This rule prevents players from standing at the net and smashing every ball. It encourages the soft, strategic "dinking" game that makes pickleball unique.

Rule 4: Scoring Basics

Pickleball games are typically played to 11 points, and you must win by 2. Here's what makes scoring unique:

Only the serving team can score points. If the serving team wins the rally, they score a point and continue serving. If the receiving team wins the rally, no point is scored — but the serve passes to the other team (this is called a "side out").

In doubles, both players on a team get to serve (except on the very first serve of the game). The score is announced as three numbers: serving team's score, receiving team's score, then the server number (1 or 2). For example, "4-2-1" means the serving team has 4, the receiving team has 2, and it's the first server.

Rule 5: Faults and How Points Are Lost

A fault is any rule violation that ends the rally. Common faults include:

• Hitting the ball out of bounds
• Serving into the non-volley zone
• Volleying from inside the kitchen
• Not letting the ball bounce twice at the start (violating the double-bounce rule)
• Hitting the ball into the net without it crossing over

When the serving team commits a fault, they lose the serve. When the receiving team commits a fault, the serving team scores a point.

Ready to Play Your First Game?

Now that you know the five basic rules, you're ready to hit the court! The best way to learn is by playing — and having the right gear makes all the difference.

The Raybloom Complete Pickleball Set includes two premium fiberglass paddles, pickleballs, a carry bag, and cooling towels — everything two beginners need to start playing right away.

Every Raybloom order includes free U.S. shipping and is backed by our 30-day money-back guarantee. Get your set today and put these rules into practice. See you on the court!