Introduction to Pickleball Rules
Pickleball is a fun and exciting sport that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a combination of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, and it is played on a smaller court with a lower net. In order to play pickleball, it is important to understand the rules of the game. In this article, we will cover the basic pickleball rules that every player should know.
The Court
The pickleball court is 20×44 feet for doubles and 20×34 feet for singles. The net is hung at 36 inches at the center and 34 inches at the sidelines. The court is divided into two equal halves by the net.
The Serve
The serve is the start of each point. The serve is one of the most important aspects of pickleball. The server begins the game by standing behind the baseline and hitting the ball diagonally across the net to the opponent’s side of the court. The opponent then hits the ball back to the server’s side, and the game continues. The server must hit the ball underhanded and must not make contact with the ball above the waist.
The Return of Serve
The return of serve is the next shot in a rally. The receiver must return the serve by hitting the ball across the net, and the ball must land in the opponent’s court. The receiver may hit the ball in the air or on the first bounce.
Scoring
In pickleball, the first team or player to reach 11 points wins the game, as long as they have a lead of at least two points. If the score reaches 10-10, then the game continues until one team or player has a two-point lead.
Points are awarded to the serving team or player when the opposing team or player commits an error, such as hitting the ball out or hitting the ball out of the air in the kitchen. If the serving team or player commits a fault, the opposing team or player will receive the serve and a point.
It’s important to note that if the serving team wins a rally, they will continue to serve. If the receiving team wins a rally, they will become the serving team and the players will rotate positions on the court.
In doubles, the serving order of the team members must be followed, and only the player who is serving is allowed to score. In singles, the player can score points on either serve, but the receiving player can only score on their own serve.
The scoring system of pickleball is simple and easy to understand, but it’s important to know the rules and the proper way to keep score to avoid confusion during the game.
Faults/Errors
A fault occurs when a player violates one of the rules of the game. Some common faults include:
Hitting the ball out of bounds
Hitting the ball before it has bounced in the kitchen
Hitting the ball more than once before it goes over the net
The Non-Volley Zone (kitchen)
The non-volley zone is the area within 7 feet of the net on either side of the center line. The non-volley zone is known as the kitchen. Players are not allowed to hit the ball while they are standing in the non-volley zone, they must wait until the ball has bounced before hitting it.
Playing Pickleball
Pickleball is a fun and exciting sport that is easy to learn and fun to play. By understanding the basic rules of the game, players can improve their skills and enjoy the sport even more. Before you can start playing, you need the right equipment.
Court & Equipment
A pickleball court measures 20 feet wide by 44 feet long. The net is hung at a height of 34 inches at the sidelines and 36 inches at the center. The court is divided into two equal halves by the net, with the kitchen (which is the area you cannot volley in) extending 7 feet from the net on both sides.
To play pickleball, players will need a paddle and a plastic ball with holes. Paddles come in a variety of materials, such as wood, graphite, and composite, and can vary in weight and size. The ball should be a standard pickleball, which is slightly larger than a Wiffle ball and has a softer feel.
It’s also important to note that players should wear appropriate clothing and shoes. Athletic shoes with non-marking soles are recommended to avoid scuffing the court.
In addition to the basic equipment, it’s also a good idea to have a few extra pickleballs on hand in case one gets lost or goes out of bounds. And having a water bottle or a towel is also a good idea to stay hydrated and dry during the game.
Conclusion
Pickleball is a game that is enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. By understanding the rules of the game, players can improve their skills and have even more fun while playing. With its combination of racket sports, and growing popularity, pickleball is a game that is sure to be enjoyed by everyone.