Pickleball Rules Explained in 5 Minutes
You can learn enough pickleball to play a real game in about five minutes. The rules are simple by design. Here are the only three things you need to know before your first session.
The serve
You serve underhand, diagonally, from behind the baseline. The ball must land past the kitchen line on the other side. One serve attempt per turn, so just get it in. There is no need for power early on.
The kitchen
The kitchen is the zone next to the net. You cannot volley, meaning hit the ball before it bounces, while standing inside it. Step back, let the ball bounce, then hit. Most beginner mistakes happen here, so respect the line.
Scoring
Games go to 11, win by two. In casual play only the serving team scores. That is it. Everything else you will pick up by playing.
Read the rules once, then learn the rest on the court. Pickleball rewards playing over studying.
Bring water and court shoes, find an open session, and start. When Super Arena opens in Clementi, you will have coached clinics and open play in one place.
Common questions
What is the kitchen in pickleball?
The kitchen is the non-volley zone, a seven-foot strip on each side of the net. You cannot hit the ball out of the air while standing in it. It keeps players back and makes rallies fairer.
How do you score in pickleball?
In most casual play, only the serving side can score, and games go to 11 points, win by two. The score is called as three numbers: your score, their score, and the server number.