Pickleball Rules: A Complete Guide for Southchase 6 Players

Pickle-ball Player

Introduction

With our new professional-grade C&D Pickleball net now installed on our community court, we thought it would be helpful to provide a comprehensive guide to the rules of pickleball for players of all experience levels.

Court and Equipment

• The pickleball court measures 20' x 44' (smaller than a tennis court)

• The net height is 36" at the sidelines and 34" in the middle

• Players use solid paddles (larger than ping pong paddles but smaller than tennis racquets)

• The ball is plastic with perforations (similar to a wiffle ball)

• Our new net features locking wheels, weighs almost 200 pounds, and is built with commercial-duty steel

Basic Game Structure

• Games are typically played to 11 points (win by 2)

• Tournament games may go to 15 or 21 points

• Only the serving team can score points

• Players call the score before each serve as three numbers: serving team's score, receiving team's score, and server number (1 or 2)

Serving Rules

• Serves must be underhand with the paddle below the waist

• Server must keep one foot behind the baseline

• The ball must be served diagonally to the opponent's service court

• The serve cannot land in the non-volley zone (kitchen)

• Only one serve attempt is allowed (no second serves like in tennis)

• If the serve hits the net but lands in the correct service court, it's a "let" and is retaken

The Double Bounce Rule

• After the serve, each side must let the ball bounce once before hitting it

• This means: serve → bounce → return → bounce → then play begins

• After these initial bounces, players can volley (hit the ball before it bounces)

• This rule prevents immediate "slam" returns and keeps rallies going longer

The Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen) Rules

• Players cannot volley while standing in the kitchen or touching the kitchen line

• Players cannot step into the kitchen after volleying, even from momentum

• Players can enter the kitchen to play a ball that has bounced

• The kitchen extends 7 feet from each side of the net

Doubles Serving Rotation

1. The game starts with only the player on the right side (even court) serving

2. After a fault by the starting server, the serve passes to the opposing team

3. When the second team gets the serve, the player on the right side serves first

4. After they lose the serve, it goes back to the first team, but to the second player

   
   

Server Positioning

• The server switches sides after each point their team scores

• If your score is even (0, 2, 4, etc.), you serve from the right/even side

• If your score is odd (1, 3, 5, etc.), you serve from the left/odd side

Common Faults

• Hitting the ball out of bounds

• Hitting the ball into the net

• Stepping into the non-volley zone when volleying

• Not clearing the net on a serve

• Not following the double bounce rule

• Touching the net with your paddle or body

• Volleying a serve return

Court Reservation

Remember that you can reserve court time through our website at Southchase6.com. The new net is designed to accommodate both pickleball and tennis play, with sturdy construction that can withstand outdoor conditions while still being movable when needed.

Conclusion

Pickleball is a fun, social game that's easy to learn but offers plenty of strategic depth as you improve. We hope this guide helps new players get started and serves as a useful refresher for experienced players. Enjoy our upgraded court facilities!

Thank you for being part of the Southchase 6 community!

I❤️ SC6