What Are the Basic Pickleball Rules? A Beginner’s Guide

Pickleball is quickly becoming one of the most popular sports in the world—and it’s no surprise why. It’s easy to learn, fun for all ages, and a great workout. But if you’re just getting started, you might be wondering:
What are the basic rules of pickleball?

In this beginner’s guide, we’ll break down the must-know rules to help you get on the court with confidence. Plus, we’ll introduce a high-performance paddle that can elevate your game: the JOJOLEMON Shark-001.

1. The Basics of the Court and Equipment

Pickleball is played on a court similar in size to a badminton court (20 feet wide by 44 feet long). The net is slightly lower than in tennis, and players use solid paddles and a perforated plastic ball.

You can play singles (1 vs 1) or doubles (2 vs 2), and the rules are nearly the same for both formats.

2. Serving Rules

Underhand Only: The serve must be hit underhand, below waist level.
Diagonal Serve: You must serve the ball diagonally to the opponent’s service area.
Two-Bounce Rule: After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before players can start volleying (hitting it in the air).
One Attempt: You get only one serve attempt (unless it’s a let serve that hits the net and lands in the proper service box).

3. Scoring Rules

Only the Serving Team Scores: You can only score points while serving.
Games Are Played to 11: Win by at least 2 points.
Switch Sides on 6: In doubles, teams switch sides after one side reaches 6 points.

4. The Non-Volley Zone (“Kitchen”)

The kitchen is a 7-foot area on both sides of the net where volleys are not allowed.
You cannot stand in the kitchen or touch the kitchen line when volleying (hitting a ball before it bounces).
You can enter the kitchen only after the ball has bounced.

This rule adds strategy and helps prevent overly aggressive net play.

5. Faults and Violations

You lose a point (or serve) if:

The ball lands out of bounds.
The ball doesn’t clear the net.
You volley the ball from inside the kitchen.
You violate the two-bounce rule.

6. Doubles Play Specifics

In doubles:

Each player on a team gets a chance to serve (except on the first serve of the game).
After a fault, the serve moves to the next teammate, then to the opposing team.
The serving team alternates court sides after each point.

Upgrade Your Game with the JOJOLEMON Shark-001

If you’re serious about improving your game—or simply want to enjoy every match to the fullest—your gear matters. The JOJOLEMON Shark-001 is a top-tier paddle engineered for performance, control, and comfort. Here's why it's perfect for both beginners and seasoned players:

🔥 Key Features of the JOJOLEMON Shark-001:

Optimized Design: Crafted for ideal balance, feel, and performance through advanced frame and perforation engineering.
TEFLON Coating: Boosts durability and spin control, allowing the ball to stay on the paddle longer for precise shot-making.
T700SC Carbon Fiber Construction: Delivers top-tier strength and consistency, perfect for high-speed, high-impact play.
Comfortable Grip: Ergonomically built with a 4.25" grip circumference and 5.2" length, providing a secure hold that minimizes fatigue.
Ultra-Light at 8.0 oz: Designed for fast reaction time and effortless maneuvering on the court.
Silent Performance: The 16mm honeycomb core and 33D foam edge absorb shock and reduce noise, offering a smooth and quiet hitting experience.
Thermoformed Build: Molded under high pressure for seamless construction, improved stability, and unmatched durability.

Whether you're learning the ropes or smashing advanced rallies, the Shark-001 gives you the confidence to play your best.

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Final Thoughts

Pickleball is incredibly beginner-friendly, but mastering the core rules is key to enjoying the game—and staying competitive. Once you understand serving, scoring, the kitchen, and court movement, you’ll be ready for some serious fun.

And with the JOJOLEMON Shark-001 paddle in hand, you’ll not only play by the rules—you’ll play like a pro.

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