The rules of pickleball are simple and easy to learn, but they make all the difference in enjoying the game to the fullest. Want to start off on the right foot? Then click the button below and check it out. For beginners, knowing the basic rules is essential to fully enjoy the experience. Beginners often get confused by details like serving, point counting, and court zones, but the good news is that everything can be learned quickly and easily.
If you want to take your first steps in Pickleball and play your first matches without fear of making mistakes, this guide is for you. Here, you'll learn, step by step, all the essential rules that will transform your experience on the court. Keep reading and discover how to master the game from the start!
Pickleball Rules FAQ
What can't you do in pickleball?
In pickleball, it is not permitted to serve above the waist, enter the non-volleyball zone (kitchen) to cut a ball in the air, or let the ball bounce more than once. It is also not permitted to touch the net or cross the opponent's court line.
What is the golden rule of pickleball?
The golden rule of pickleball is: "keep the ball in play." Playing consistently and avoiding unforced errors is the key to improvement. For beginners, it's better to return the ball correctly than to try risky shots.
What is the difference between paddle tennis and pickleball?
Although both use rackets and a court, padel is played indoors with walls, while pickleball is played outdoors without contact with walls. Furthermore, padel uses small balls similar to tennis balls, while pickleball uses perforated plastic balls.
How does pickleball work?
The game begins with a crosscourt serve, below the waist, and the ball must bounce once on each side before being thrown into the air. Points are scored only by the serving side. The winner is the first to reach 11 points, with a margin of 2.
What is the 10-second rule in pickleball?
This rule states that the server has a maximum of 10 seconds to execute the serve after the umpire or opponent announces the score. If this time is exceeded, the serve is automatically forfeited.
Is it easier to learn pickleball than paddle tennis?
Yes, for most people, pickleball is simpler, as the racket is lightweight, the court is smaller, and the rules are easy to understand. This makes it more accessible, especially for beginners and people of all ages.
What is the let rule in pickleball?
A "let" occurs when the ball touches the net on the serve but still lands within the correct area. Unlike tennis, starting in 2021, the official rule eliminated the let: in this case, play continues normally, without a repeat serve.
What is the double bounce rule in pickleball?
The double-bounce rule dictates that at the start of each point, the ball must bounce once on the receiver's side and once on the server's side before being tossed into the air. This rule ensures more even exchanges.
Source: Ribeiro, C. (2025, September 18). Simple pickleball rules: Everything you need to know to get started - Purple shards. Purple Shards. https://purpleshards.com/en/lp-regras-do-pickleball-86dxt7azc/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23035703017&gbraid=0AAAABATu96TqC8vkKnAfUUWMnZoRV_fID&gclid=CjwKCAjwlt7GBhAvEiwAKal0cgqJdgXFIajmHwGH8pUmhxJ3xwp0LmhJpYrnmprFG19MrsgeNnNxwRoCsUsQAvD_BwE