What is the two-bounce rule in pickleball?

After the serve, the ball must bounce once on the receiving side and once on the serving side before either team may hit it out of the air.

How many points is a game of pickleball?

Most games are played to 11 points and must be won by 2. Tournaments sometimes play to 15 or 21.

Can you play pickleball as singles?

Yes. The rules are the same, but the score is called with two numbers instead of three, and the server switches sides based on whether their score is even or odd.

Pickleball Rules for Beginners

4 video lessons

The court, the serve, two bounces and the kitchen, in a few minutes.

Quick answer & tips ▾

Pickleball is usually played as doubles on a badminton-sized court with a low net. Every point starts with an underhand serve hit diagonally across the court, and it has to land past the non-volley zone, called the kitchen.

Two rules shape every rally. First, the two-bounce rule: the return of serve must bounce, and so must the next shot, before anyone may volley. Second, you can never volley while standing in the kitchen or on its line. Games are normally played to 11, win by 2, and only the serving team can score.

Key tips

Learn the two-bounce rule before your first game; it is the rule new players break most.
Stay back after serving or returning until the ball has bounced on each side.
Keep your feet behind the kitchen line whenever you volley.
Call the score out loud before every serve so everyone stays in sync.

FAQ

What is the two-bounce rule in pickleball?: After the serve, the ball must bounce once on the receiving side and once on the serving side before either team may hit it out of the air.
How many points is a game of pickleball?: Most games are played to 11 points and must be won by 2. Tournaments sometimes play to 15 or 21.
Can you play pickleball as singles?: Yes. The rules are the same, but the score is called with two numbers instead of three, and the server switches sides based on whether their score is even or odd.