A Guide to Pickleball Rules For Beginners[2025 update]

Pickleball has exploded in popularity with over 311% participation growth since 2021. Whether you are new to the game or brushing up on basic pickleball rules, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

In this article, you will learn about the pickleball rules for beginners, including the unique pickleball kitchen rules, singles pickleball rules, and doubles pickleball rules. Additionally, we cover the latest updates from the official pickleball rulebooks and essential pickleball serve rules 2025.

The “Kitchen Rule” That Tripped Me Up (But Now I Get It!)

One of the first things I learned is about the kitchen—the non-volley zone. This is a 7-foot area right next to the net where you’re not allowed to hit the ball out of the air. I appreciate this rule because it stops players from getting too aggressive near the net, keeping the game fun and safe. In my own words:

What it is: A 7-foot zone from the net where you can’t volley.

Why it matters: It prevents smashing the ball too close to your opponent and keeps the play balanced.

My tip: Always be aware of your feet when you’re near the kitchen so you don’t accidentally commit a fault!

Singles pickleball has its own set of rules. These rules are simple and help beginners grasp the fundamentals of the game.

• Court Size:A standard singles court is 20×44 feet.
• Serve:Serve diagonally (underhand, below your waist) to the opposite service box. These are part of the pickle ball rules that ensure fair play.
• Scoring:The scoring follows the “side-out” system, where only the server can earn points. Games typically go to 11 points, but you must win by 2.

By following these rules for pickleball, players can enjoy a balanced and exciting game.

Playing doubles in pickleball is exciting and competitive. The rules are designed to keep the game structured and fun.

• Serving Order:Doubles teams alternate serves. Players call out three numbers (for example, “3-2-1”) to keep track of the server position.
• Double-Bounce Rule:This rule requires that the ball bounce once on each side before players can hit volleys. It is one of the most important pickleball service rules to know.

These doubles pickleball rules ensure that both teams have an equal chance to score and win.

It is important to follow the equipment guidelines to ensure fair play. The basic pickleball rules include strict specifications on paddles, balls, and court dimensions.

• Paddles:In 2024, USA Pickleball approved 1,225 paddles. This is one of the critical pickleball rules on serving and playing.
• Balls:There are 81 approved balls used in official competitions.
• Court Specifications:The court must measure 20×44 feet and the net must be 34 inches high.

1. The Playing Area and Equipment:

When I first looked at the rules, I noticed that the court is set up the same way you might expect—a 20×44-foot rectangle. There’s also a special area called the “non-volley zone” or “kitchen.” This is the area right next to the net where you can’t hit the ball out of the air. And I learned that the paddles and balls have to follow specific standards so that every game is played fairly.

2. How to Serve:

One of the first things I figured out is that the serve is done underhand, and you have to hit the ball below your waist. Also, you’re supposed to serve diagonally into the opposite service court. This means that if I’m serving, I need to stand in a particular spot and make sure my serve goes to the right part of the opponent’s side. This rule is there to keep things simple and fair.

3. Scoring the Game:

In pickleball, I learned that only the serving team can score points. Typically, games are played to 11 points, but you always need to win by at least 2 points. So if I’m playing, I have to keep track of the score carefully and remember that if I’m serving, only I can earn points for my team.

4. The Double Bounce Rule and Faults:

One rule that really caught my eye was the “double bounce” rule. This means that after the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before anyone can hit it out of the air (volley). I also learned what counts as a fault. For instance, if I hit the ball out of bounds, step into the kitchen and volley, or mess up my serve, that’s considered a fault. These rules are in place so that everyone knows what’s allowed and what isn’t.

5. Player Positioning and Safety:

The rulebook also explains where players should stand and what’s expected during both singles and doubles play. I found it helpful that there’s an emphasis on sportsmanship and safety—this means I need to be aware of my own positioning and also be respectful and safe while playing.

I noticed some cool updates in the 2025 rules compared to last year:

1.   Service Details:

One of the big changes I noticed is that the 2025 rulebook goes into more detail about how to serve.   They clarified exactly where the server should stand and how to move during the serve.   This makes it easier for me to understand what’s expected and helps prevent any confusion during the game.

2.   Clearer Fault Definitions:

The 2025 update has tighter language when it comes to faults.   For example, it spells out more clearly what mistakes count as faults during the serve or when playing near the kitchen.   For someone like me, this means there’s less chance of arguing about whether a mistake was made—it’s all written down more clearly.

3.   Non-Volley Zone Adjustments:

I also found that there are small tweaks regarding the kitchen (non-volley zone).   These changes make it more straightforward to decide if a volley was made in the wrong area, reducing disputes and keeping the game moving smoothly.

4.   Updated Wording and Safety Provisions:

Finally, the overall language of the rules has been improved.   This means that the instructions are easier to read and understand, which is really important when you’re learning a new sport.

They also added or refined guidelines related to player conduct and safety, which helps everyone—from beginners like me to seasoned players—enjoy the game in a fair and safe way.

Conclusion

I truly believe that understanding these pickleball rules is key to enjoying the game—whether you’re hitting your first serve or perfecting your volley. This guide has covered the pickle ball rules, from the kitchen rules and singles pickleball rules to the detailed doubles pickleball rules and recent updates in 2025. Additionally, we have shared important statistics and FAQs to answer common queries about pickleball rules on serving and more.

We invite you to explore more about the sport and enhance your skills by visiting our blog for additional tips and expert advice. If you are ready to upgrade your gear, check out our wide range of products at Paddlesshop. Start your pickleball journey today, and join the community that is experiencing unprecedented growth!

People Also Ask