Pickleball is a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. The game is played on a rectangular court with a net, and it can be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels. Here are some basic rules of pickleball:
Court and Equipment:
Pickleball is played on a rectangular court, similar to a badminton court but smaller, with dimensions of 20 feet by 44 feet for both singles and doubles play.
The court is divided into two service courts by a net, and there is a Non-Volley Zone (NVZ) a.k.a. "the Kitchen" on each side of the net, extending 7 feet from the net.
Paddle and Ball:
Players use paddles, typically made of lightweight materials such as wood or composite, to hit a perforated plastic ball over the net.
The ball used in pickleball is similar to a wiffle ball, with holes to reduce its speed and add control.
Scoring:
Pickleball predominantly uses a non-rally scoring system, meaning that points can only be scored by the serving team.
Games are usually played to 11 points (win by 2), and typical matches will be the best of three or five games.
Serve:
The serve must be made underhand, with the paddle below the waist, and the ball must be struck below the waist.
The serve is made diagonally cross-court, and it must clear the net and the NVZ/Kitchen line and land in the opponent's diagonal service court. If the ball hits the sideline or baseline, the serve is in. Only the NVZ/Kitchen line is out while serving.
Double Bounce Rule:
After the serve is hit, each team must let the ball bounce once on their side before volleys (hitting the ball in the air) are allowed.
The double bounce rule ensures that the game incorporates strategy and allows players to move to the NVZ/Kitchen.
Non-Volley Zone (NVZ) a.k.a. the Kitchen:
Players are not allowed to volley (hit the ball in the air without letting it bounce) while standing in the NVZ/Kitchen.
A player’s momentum also cannot take them into the NVZ/Kitchen after they’ve hit the ball out of the air, that is a fault. Make sure to stay out of the NVZ/Kitchen if the ball is hit out of the air - the floor is lava!
The NVZ/Kitchen is the area within 7 feet on both sides of the net.
Faults:
Faults include serving or hitting the ball out of bounds, stepping into the NVZ/Kitchen and volleying the ball, not clearing the net and NVZ/Kitchen line on the serve, and other rule violations.
The opponent wins the point automatically when a fault is committed.
Sideline and Baseline Boundaries:
The ball must land within the boundaries of the court, including the sidelines and baselines. If the ball lands on the line, it is considered in.
Serving Rotation in Doubles:
In doubles play, each player gets a chance to serve, and the serve rotates between the right and left sides of the court.
These are some fundamental rules of pickleball, and they provide the framework for the game. As players become more experienced, they will encounter additional rules and nuances that contribute to the strategic and enjoyable nature of the sport. Time to enjoy some pickleball!
Watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTvPYdKZqO0&t
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