Court Dimensions and Layout
A regulation pickleball court measures 20 feet wide by 44 feet long for both singles and doubles. The net height is 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center. The non-volley zone (commonly called the “kitchen”) extends 7 feet from the net on each side. The court is divided into right and left service areas behind the kitchen line. Recommended total playing area including overruns is 30 × 60 feet.
Serving Rules
The serve must be underhand with paddle contact below the server’s waist. The server must stand behind the baseline and serve diagonally to the opponent’s service area. The serve must clear the net and land beyond the kitchen line (the non-volley zone line). Only one serve attempt is allowed per rally (no second serves). The ball must not touch the kitchen line on the serve — landing on any other line is in.
The Two-Bounce Rule
After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce once before returning it. The serving team must then let the return bounce once before playing it. After these two bounces, both teams may volley the ball or play it off the bounce. This rule prevents serve-and-volley dominance and encourages longer rallies.
Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen) Rules
Players cannot volley the ball (hit it out of the air) while standing in the kitchen or touching the kitchen line. This includes momentum carrying a player into the kitchen after a volley — if your forward swing pulls you into the zone, it is a fault. You may enter the kitchen at any time to play a ball that has bounced. You may reach over the kitchen line to volley a ball as long as your feet remain outside the zone.
Doubles Scoring
Doubles scoring uses a three-number system: the serving team’s score, the receiving team’s score, and the server number (1 or 2). At the start of the game, only one player on the first serving team serves (starting as server 2). After a side-out, both players on the serving team get to serve before a side-out occurs. The serving team switches sides after scoring a point. Only the serving team can score.
Singles Scoring
Singles scoring uses two numbers: the server’s score and the receiver’s score. The server serves from the right court when their score is even and from the left court when their score is odd. Only the serving player can score. There is no server number in singles — each player serves until they lose a rally.
Game Format
Standard games are played to 11 points, win by 2. Tournament matches may use games to 15 or 21 points, also win by 2. Matches are typically best two out of three games. In the third game (if needed), teams switch sides when the first team reaches 6 points (or 8 in a game to 15).
Rally Scoring vs. Side-Out Scoring
Traditional pickleball uses side-out scoring where only the serving team can score. Rally scoring (also called “every rally scores”) awards a point on every rally regardless of which team served. Rally scoring is gaining popularity in recreational and professional play because it produces more predictable game lengths and reduces the advantage of serving first.
Faults
Common faults include: serving into the net or out of bounds, volleying from the kitchen, hitting the ball out of bounds, failing to clear the net, violating the two-bounce rule, and the ball touching a player or their clothing. A fault by the serving team results in a loss of serve (or side-out in doubles). A fault by the receiving team awards a point to the serving team.
Line Calls
A ball touching any boundary line is in. A ball touching the kitchen line on a serve is a fault. In recreational play, each team calls lines on their own side. In officiated matches, referees make line calls with the assistance of line judges when available.
Common Rule Questions
Can you step into the kitchen after the ball bounces?
Yes. You may enter the kitchen at any time to play a ball that has bounced. The kitchen rule only restricts volleys (hitting the ball out of the air).
What happens if the ball hits the net on a serve and goes in?
As of the 2024 USA Pickleball rule update, a serve that hits the net and lands in the correct service area (beyond the kitchen line) is a let and is replayed. Previously, there was no let rule and the ball was played.
Can you hit the ball around the net post?
Yes. An around-the-post (ATP) shot is legal as long as the ball lands in bounds on the opponent’s side. The ball does not need to travel over the net — it can go around either side of the net post at any height.