7 Essential Rules to Play Pickleball as a Beginner

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, attracting players of all ages with its fun, social, and easy-to-learn nature. Whether you’re stepping onto the court for the first time to play or just curious about what pickleball is and how the game works, understanding the basics is the right way to start. 

Typically played in a doubles format on a court similar in size to a badminton court, pickleball combines elements of tennis, ping pong, and badminton, making it accessible and exciting. This guide will further walk you through the essential rules every beginner in Singapore needs to know, helping you feel confident and ready to play pickleball the right way.

1. Every Rally Starts with a Serve

When playing pickleball, every game and each rally begins with a serve, making it one of the most essential skills to learn as a beginner. The player positioned on the right side of their court always serves first, and the ball must be hit diagonally across the net into the opponent’s service box. 

When serving in doubles, it’s important to remember that the serve must clear the non-volley zone (also known as the kitchen), including the kitchen line. Players have two options when serving: they can use a drop serve, where the ball is allowed to bounce before being hit, or a volley serve, where the ball is struck out of the air. 

If choosing the volley serve, there are a few key mechanics to follow. The ball must be hit with an underhand forehand or backhand motion, contact must be made below the waist, and the pickleball paddle must move in an upward arc during the stroke. 

2. Follow the Two-Bounce Rule

To keep rallies fair and balanced, pickleball uses the two-bounce rule. As per this rule, the ball must bounce once on each side of the court before either team is allowed to volley (hit the ball out of the air). 

This means that after the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce before returning it. Then the serving team must also allow the return to bounce before playing their next shot. This rule is crucial because it prevents the serving team from rushing the net immediately and gaining an unfair advantage. 

For example, if your partner serves and you position yourself at the kitchen too early, you’re in a risky spot; any ball returned at you must be allowed to bounce. If you hit a volley instead, it’s considered a fault, and your team will lose the point. By enforcing this pause in aggressive play, the two-bounce rule helps maintain fair court positioning and allows both teams time to get into the pickleball rally.

3. The Point Continues Until a Fault

Once the serve is in play, a pickleball rally continues until one team either hits a winning shot or commits a fault, which immediately ends the point. Understanding what constitutes a fault is essential for beginners, as even small mistakes can cost you the rally. There are several common faults to be aware of. 

For instance, if the serve lands outside the designated service area or within the kitchen, including the kitchen line, it’s a fault. During play, if the ball lands out of bounds, whether past the baseline or outside the sidelines, it also results in a fault. 

Additionally, if the ball hits the net and fails to cross over, or bounces twice on one side before being returned, the rally ends in favour of the opposing team. It’s also important to remember earlier rules, such as the two-bounce rule, since volleying too soon can count as a fault as well.

4. Stay Out of the Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone)

One of the most unique rules in pickleball involves the non-volley zone, commonly referred to as the kitchen. This is a 7-foot area on each side of the net where special restrictions on play are applied. 

While standing in the kitchen, players cannot volley, or even when touching the kitchen line. Even more importantly, if your momentum carries you into the kitchen after a volley, it’s still considered a fault. 

However, this rule doesn’t mean you can’t enter the kitchen at all. If the ball bounces in the kitchen, you are free to step in and return it, just be sure not to volley while inside. This distinction is crucial, especially when reacting to short or drop shots. 

5. Points are Only Scored by the Serving Team

Unlike some other racquet sports, pickleball applies a unique scoring system in which only the serving team can earn points. When your team is serving, you continue to serve and potentially rack up points until you lose a rally. After each successful point during play, you and your partner switch sides (left and right), and the server continues by serving diagonally to the opposite opponent. 

However, if your team loses a rally, the serve doesn’t immediately switch to the other team. Instead, your teammate takes over the serve, following the same process. Only after your team loses a second rally during the same service turn does a “side out” occur, meaning the serve passes to the opposing team. 

This structure adds a layer of strategy, making it essential to hold serve and capitalise on each opportunity to score. By understanding this rotation, pickleball beginners can follow the game more easily and stay in sync with their partner during play.

6. Call the Correct Score Before Each Serve

When playing pickleball, players must clearly announce the score before each serve, ensuring everyone stays on the same page during the game. The score is called out as three numbers, for example, “3-2-1”, and each number has a specific meaning.

• The first number represents the score of the serving team.
• The second number is the receiving team’s score.
• And the third number indicates which player on the serving team is serving: “1” for the first server and “2” for the second server. 

For instance, if the game is tied at 3-3 and you’re starting the serve, you would announce “3-3-1” to let everyone know you’re the first server. If you lose that rally, the serve passes to your partner, who will then call out “3-3-2” before serving. Should your partner lose their serve as well, a “side out” happens, and the serve switches to the opposing team, who will begin with “3-3-1”. 

There’s one exception to this pattern: at the very start of a new game, the first player to serve calls out “0-0-2” because the starting team only gets one serve to begin the match, giving them an initial scoring advantage. By calling the score correctly, players play a fair and organised pickleball game, ensuring smooth communication on the court.

7. Win by 2 – Reaching 11 Points Isn’t Enough

Pickleball games are usually played to 11 points, but simply reaching 11 isn’t enough to secure the win. To officially win, a team must be ahead by at least 2 points, which adds an exciting layer of competition to close matches. 

For example, if the score is tied at 10-10, the pickleball game doesn’t end when one team scores the next point. Instead, play continues until one team gains a two-point lead, resulting in extended and often thrilling finishes. 

This means you might see final scores like 12-10, 15-13, or even 21-19 in tightly contested games. These longer matches are often some of the most memorable and fun, keeping players on their toes and spectators engaged until the very end.

Start Your Pickleball Journey with the Right Gear from Sin Ten

By understanding how to serve correctly, following the two-bounce rule, respecting the non-volley zone, and scoring properly, you not only play by the rules but also improve your overall pickleball game and have more fun. As with any sport, practice is key, so don’t hesitate to get out there and apply what you’ve learned. 

To help you get started with the right equipment, check out Sin Ten, a table tennis shop in Singapore, where beginners can find high-quality pickleball paddles designed to enhance your performance and enjoyment.

Ready to take your first swing? Visit Sin Ten today and choose the right pickleball paddle to play your best game!