When you’re learning how to play a new sport, it’s essential to understand the fundamentals and rules of the game. Pickleball is a sport that more people are beginning to play worldwide. There are a few important things to know if you want to learn more about how to play pickleball. Here are five rules to know before you play pickleball.

Serving

The first thing you’ll want to understand before playing pickleball is the proper way to serve the ball. Unlike tennis, in pickleball, you always serve the ball underhand. You also want to ensure that you are serving from the baseline, which is the back line of the pickleball court. You’ll want to serve the ball diagonally across the net to your opponent’s side of the court.

Boundaries

Knowing the court boundaries is another essential rule for playing pickleball. Most sports have “bounds” that are the outlines of the court or field where gameplay occurs. This is also true for pickleball. During gameplay, you’ll want to stay in bounds, and if the ball goes out of bounds, your opponent will receive a point, and it will be their turn to serve the ball.

Bounce

Another important rule to remember when playing pickleball is the “two-bounce rule.” This rule states that the ball must bounce at least one time on both sides of the court for the serve and the return of the serve. After this initial two-bounce rule occurs, players can play the ball in the air or allow it to bounce on the court.

No-Volley Zone

The “no-volley zone” is also a crucial element of pickleball that you’ll want to understand before playing. This zone is the lined box section of the court that is seven feet from the net. This no-volley zone is also known as “the kitchen” and is a rule that’s unique to the sport of pickleball. During serves, the ball must not land in the no-volley zone. However, after the serve, the ball is able to land in this zone.

Points

Scoring points is another essential thing to learn when playing pickleball. A typical game of pickleball ends when one individual or team scores 11 points. However, in order to win the game, a player must beat their opponent by at least two total points. Therefore, if one player has 11 points, but their opponent has 10, play will continue.

So be sure to brush up on these five essential rules for playing pickleball so you can play the sport with ease and confidence. All Star Tennis Supply has all the pickleball supplies you need to prepare for a great game of this exciting sport.