🏓 Pickleball Rules Explained: How to Play Pickleball Like a Pro

🏓 Pickleball Rules Explained: How to Play Pickleball Like a Pro

Welcome to DNKD Pickleball, where we serve up both style and knowledge on and off the court! I’m GB, founder of DNKD, Arizona-based pickleball fanatic, husband, and dad of two. Since moving from Seattle, our family has fallen in love with the sport—and today, I’m breaking down the official rules of pickleball so you can join the fun with confidence.

Whether you’re brand new to the game or brushing up before your next match, this guide covers everything you need to know about how to play pickleball.

🎯 What Is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a fast-growing paddle sport that blends tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Played on a smaller court with a perforated plastic ball and solid paddles, it’s easy to learn, fun to play, and perfect for players of all ages.

đź“ť Basic Pickleball Rules

Let’s start with the core rules you’ll need to know to hit the court with confidence.

1. Pickleball Court Dimensions

  • The court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long—identical for singles and doubles.
  • There’s a non-volley zone (aka “the kitchen”) on both sides of the net, extending 7 feet from the net.

2. Pickleball Serving Rules

  • Underhand serves only – paddle contact must be below your waist.
  • The serve must go diagonally into the opposite service court.
  • Serves must clear the net and not land in the kitchen.
  • Only one serve attempt is allowed, unless there's a let (i.e., the ball touches the net but lands in the correct box).

3. The Two-Bounce Rule

After the serve:

  • The receiving team must let the ball bounce once.
  • The serving team must then also let it bounce once before playing it.
    Only after two bounces (one on each side) can volleys begin.

4. Pickleball Scoring Rules

  • Only the serving team can score points.
  • Games are typically played to 11 points, and you must win by 2.
  • Tournament matches may be played to 15 or 21.

5. Doubles Pickleball Rules

  • Each team gets two serves per turn (one per player), except at the start of the game, where only one player serves.
  • After each point, the server switches sides with their partner.
  • When both players lose their serve, the ball goes to the other team.

6. Common Pickleball Faults

  • Volleying in the kitchen or touching the kitchen line when volleying.
  • Serving out of bounds or into the net.
  • Double bounces on your side.
  • Touching the net or hitting the ball out of bounds.

🚨 Why Pickleball Rules Matter

The beauty of pickleball lies in its balanced rules, which encourage long rallies, fun strategy, and accessibility. That’s why it’s become one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S.—especially here in Arizona where we’re lucky to be surrounded by year-round pickleball courts and a passionate community.

🛍️ Want to Look Good While You Play?

At DNKD Pickleball, we believe pickleball isn’t just a sport—it’s a lifestyle. That’s why we’ve created a growing line of stylish, high-quality pickleball apparel and accessories designed for players who want to show up and stand out.

🔥 Shop fan favorites like:

  • Pickleball-themed t-shirts and tanks
  • Tough phone cases for pickleball lovers
  • Minimalist pickleball tote bags
  • Weekend duffels perfect for tournaments or road trips
  • Our best-selling “Can’t Stop Dinkin’” trucker hat

Whether you’re smashing winners or just dinking around, our gear is made to move with you—on and off the court.

👉 Check out the full collection at DNKD Pickleball and bring some extra style to your next match.

đź‘‹ Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got the official rules of pickleball down, it’s time to hit the court and enjoy the game that’s taking over the country. If you spot us out there in our DNKD Pickleball gear, come say hi—we’d love to meet fellow fans of the game!

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