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You know how 90% of pickleball players think they know the rules? Here’s the truth: fewer than 5% of recreational players can accurately list and explain all the core rules of pickleball. That means the other 95% are probably breaking a rule every time they play—and they don’t even realize it.
But not you. Not after this.
In this guide, we’ll cover every essential pickleball rule—clear and simple. Plus, we’ll reveal the one rule even advanced players often get wrong (spoiler: it’s about momentum in the kitchen).
Whether you’re new to the sport or already climbing the DUPR ratings ladder, understanding the rules is key to playing smarter, avoiding unnecessary faults, and maybe even winning a few extra points each match.
The 7 Most Important Pickleball Rules You Must Know
Let’s break it down, DUPR-style:
1. The Two-Bounce Rule
Before either team can start volleying (hitting the ball out of the air), the ball must bounce once on each side after the serve. This is one of the most misunderstood but critical rules—especially among new players.
2. The Non-Volley Zone (aka The Kitchen)
No volleys allowed while standing in the non-volley zone. But here’s the part players miss: if your momentum carries you into the kitchen—even after a clean volley—it’s a fault. We'll break that down later.
3. Serving Rules
- Serve underhand with contact below the waist.
- Both feet must be behind the baseline at the time of contact.
- Serve diagonally across the court.
- You get only one serve attempt (no let serves — this isn’t tennis).
4. Pickleball Scoring System
Let’s clear this up once and for all: in pickleball, only the serving team can score. Most games are played to 11 points, and yes—you’ve got to win by 2. That’s the standard across recreational play and official events like DUPR Rating Sessions and RTM (Road to Minors) Tournaments.
But if you’re stepping into a team-based format like Minor League Pickleball or the DUPR Collegiate Pickleball Tour, buckle up—those games usually go to 21 points, win by 2. The pace is different, strategy shifts, and staying focused for longer rallies becomes even more important.
What Does 4-2-2 Even Mean? The Doubles Scoring System Explained
Doubles pickleball has a scoring system that confuses a lot of players at first—but once it clicks, it’s easy.
The score is always called out in three numbers. Like this:
4-2-2
Here’s the breakdown:
- First number = the serving team’s score
- Second number = the receiver team’s score
- Third number = the server number (1 or 2)
So if your team is serving 4-2-2, it means:
Your team has 4 points, your opponents have 2, and it’s the second server’s turn.
🧠 Be aware: At the very start of the game, the first server only gets one chance (so the third number is called out as “1”). After that, both players on each team get a turn to serve at least twice before it’s a side-out.
5. Line Calls
A ball is in if it touches the line. If there’s doubt? The benefit goes to your opponent. That’s not just sportsmanship—it’s in the rulebook. When in doubt, don’t call it out …
6. Double Hits
Legal only if they happen during one continuous motion. If you swing once and the ball hits your paddle twice, no problem. But two distinct hits? Fault.
7. Faults
These include:
- Serving out of bounds
- Volleys from inside the kitchen
- Not adhering to the two-bounce rule
- Touching the net or crossing the plane before the ball does. Yep, touching the net is a big no-no. If you, your partner, or your paddle hit the net—even by accident—you lose the point, no matter where the ball landed.
The Rule Most People Get Wrong: The “Momentum Rule” in the Kitchen
You hit a volley just outside the kitchen. It lands. You step forward into the kitchen. Legal?
Nope. If your momentum carries you into the kitchen after a volley, even if the ball is long gone, it’s still a fault. This is one of the most commonly missed (and misunderstood) rules—even by experienced players.
FAQs about Pickleball Rules
❓ What is the two-bounce rule in pickleball?
Each side must let the ball bounce once before hitting a volley. It applies to the serve and the return only.
❓ Can I ever step in the kitchen?
Yes—but only if you’re not volleying. You can hit a dink inside the kitchen, but the ball must bounce first.
❓ Do I get a second serve if I fault the first one?
Nope. In pickleball, you only get one serve attempt.
❓ Is the line in or out?
If the ball touches the line, it’s in.
❓ Can I hit the ball with both hands?
Yes. Two-handed backhands (or forehands) are 100% legal.
Why Knowing the Rules Can Improve Your Pickleball Rating
Every DUPR match you play is logged and analyzed by our Elo algorithm. That means every point—every rule followed or broken—impacts your pickleball rating. If you're losing points to faults that could've been avoided, you're literally giving away your rating.
Clean play = cleaner wins = a more accurate DUPR score.
Think of it this way: knowing the rules gives you a competitive edge. It’s like upgrading your paddle without spending a cent.
Ready to Level Up?
The more you know the rules, the more confident—and competitive—you’ll be. And if you want to keep improving, your next step is signing up for tournaments, outsmarting every other player with your knowledge on the Pickleball Rulebook.
Create your free DUPR account, log your matches, and start climbing. Whether you're a 3.0 player or aiming to be the next Ben Johns (7.41), your journey starts with knowing the game inside and out.
