The Statutes of Pickleball

• Pickleball is played either as doubles (two players per team) or singles; doubles is most common.
• The same size playing area and rules are used for both singles and doubles.

• The server’s arm must be moving in an upward arc when the ball is struck.
• Paddle contact with the ball must not be made above the waist level.
• The head of the paddle must not be above the highest part of the wrist at contact.
• A ‘drop serve’ is also permitted in which case none of the elements above apply.
• Server’s feet may not touch the court or outside imaginary extensions of the sidelines/centerline.
• The serve is made diagonally crosscourt and must land within the confines of the opposite diagonal court.
• Only one serve attempt is allowed per server.

• Both players on a doubles team have the opportunity to serve until they commit a fault.
• The first serve of each side-out is made from the right-hand court.
• If a point is scored, the server switches sides and initiates the next serve from the left-hand court.
• When the first server loses the serve, the partner then serves from their correct side of the court.

The two-bounce rule eliminates the serve and volley advantage and extends rallies.

• Receiving team must let the serve bounce before returning.
• Serving team must let the return bounce before playing it.
• After these two bounces, both teams may either volley or play ground strokes.

• Area within 7 feet on both sides of the net. Volleying is strictly prohibited within this zone.
• It is a fault if a player’s momentum carries them or their clothing into the zone after a volley.
• A player may legally be in the zone any time other than when volleying a ball.