Beginner's Guide: The 5 Rules You Must Know

Pickleball's rules aren't complicated, but a handful of them are unlike anything you've seen in other sports. Get these five locked in before your first real game.

1. The Kitchen Rule. The kitchen is the 7-foot non-volley zone on both sides of the net. You cannot volley — hit the ball in the air — while standing in it. You can step in to hit a ball that bounces, but you need to get out before volleying again. This rule shapes most of what happens at the net.

2. The Two-Bounce Rule. When the point starts, the ball must bounce once on each side before anyone can volley. The server hits, the returner must let it bounce, then the serving team must let the return bounce — after those two bounces, volleying is open. This rule neutralizes the serve-and-volley advantage.

3. Only the Serving Side Scores. Winning a rally as the returner just wins you the serve, not a point. Games typically go to 11, win by 2. In doubles, both players get a chance to serve before the serve switches sides, except at the very start of the game.

4. Serving Rules. The serve must be hit underhand, below the waist, with the paddle head below the wrist at contact. It must land in the diagonal service box. Know whether your group replays lets or calls them faults — it varies.

5. Out Balls Are Out — Don't Hit Them. If the ball is going long or wide, let it go. Hitting an out ball puts it back in play. Learn to read trajectory early — it saves a lot of free points being gifted to opponents.