Section 1: Introduction
History and Origins
Pickleball was invented in the summer of 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by three fathers — Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum — who sought to create a game the whole family could enjoy. Using a badminton court, a lowered net, handmade plywood paddles, and a perforated plastic ball, they devised a sport that combined elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. The game's name is popularly attributed to the Pritchard family dog, Pickles, who would chase the ball during early matches.
Growth and Popularity
From its backyard origins, pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States and increasingly around the world. The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) has consistently ranked pickleball among the fastest-growing sports in America since 2020, with participation surpassing 48 million players by 2025. The sport's appeal spans all age groups, from youth programs to senior recreational leagues, owing to its accessibility, moderate court size, and quick learning curve.
Governing Body
USA Pickleball (USAP) is the national governing body for the sport of pickleball in the United States. Founded in 1984 as the United States of America Pickleball Association (USAPA), it was rebranded to USA Pickleball in 2020. USAP is responsible for publishing the official rulebook, sanctioning tournaments, maintaining player ratings (UTPR and DUPR), certifying referees, and promoting the growth of the sport at all levels. USAP is also a member of the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP), which coordinates the sport globally.
Objective of the Game
The objective of pickleball is to hit the ball over the net and into the opponent's court in a manner that prevents them from making a successful return. Points are scored when the opposing side commits a fault. Pickleball can be played as singles (one player per side) or doubles (two players per side), with doubles being the most popular format. A game is typically played to 11 points and must be won by a margin of 2 points.
Source Document
All rules referenced herein are based on the USA Pickleball Official Rulebook (2026 Edition), as published and maintained by USA Pickleball. Rule numbers cited (e.g., Rule 2.A, Rule 9.B) correspond to the official USAP numbering system.
Section 2: Equipment
The Paddle (Rule 2.E)
Pickleball paddles must conform to USAP specifications for sanctioned play. Key requirements include:
- The combined length and width of the paddle, including edge guard and butt cap, shall not exceed 24 inches (60.96 cm). The paddle length shall not exceed 17 inches (43.18 cm).
- There is no restriction on paddle weight, though most competitive paddles range between 7.0 and 8.5 ounces.
- The hitting surface must be rigid and made of a smooth, non-compressible material. Common materials include graphite, carbon fiber, fiberglass, and composite polymers.
- The surface must not contain holes, indentations, rough texturing, or any features that allow a player to impart additional spin beyond what a smooth surface provides. Anti-spin coatings and delaminated paddles are prohibited.
- Only USAP-approved paddles appearing on the official Approved Paddle List may be used in sanctioned tournament play.
The Ball (Rule 2.D)
Pickleball uses a unique perforated polymer ball, distinct from any other racquet sport. Specifications include:
- The ball must be a single, uniform color (excluding markings). Common colors are yellow, white, and orange.
- The ball must have between 26 and 40 circular holes drilled through its surface.
- Outdoor balls typically have 40 smaller holes, are harder, and are slightly heavier (approximately 0.9 oz / 25.5 g). Indoor balls typically have 26 larger holes, are softer, and are lighter (approximately 0.8 oz / 22.7 g).
- The ball must be made of a durable molded material with a smooth surface. The diameter must be between 2.874 inches and 2.972 inches (73.0–75.5 mm).
- Balls must appear on the USAP Approved Ball List for sanctioned play.
The Net (Rule 2.C)
- The net shall be at least 21 feet 9 inches (6.63 m) long, extending from one sideline to the other.
- The net height shall be 36 inches (91.44 cm) at the sidelines and 34 inches (86.36 cm) at the center.
- The net must be made of a mesh fabric that does not allow the ball to pass through it. The maximum mesh size is 1 inch square.
- A center strap is used to secure the net at the proper center height of 34 inches.
Section 3: Playing Area
Court Dimensions (Rule 2.A)
The pickleball court is a rectangle measuring 20 feet wide by 44 feet long (6.10 m × 13.41 m), the same dimensions for both singles and doubles play. The court is bisected by the net, resulting in two identical halves of 20 feet × 22 feet.
The Non-Volley Zone — "The Kitchen" (Rule 2.A.3)
The Non-Volley Zone (NVZ), commonly referred to as "the kitchen," is one of pickleball's most distinctive features. It extends 7 feet (2.13 m) from the net on each side, spanning the full 20-foot width of the court. The NVZ is bounded by the non-volley zone line, which is part of the NVZ. Players may not volley (hit the ball out of the air) while standing in the NVZ or while any part of their body or equipment touches the NVZ, including momentum that carries them into the zone after a volley.
Service Areas (Rule 2.A.2)
Behind the NVZ on each side, the court is divided into two equal service areas — the right/even service area and the left/odd service area — by a centerline. Each service area measures 10 feet wide by 15 feet deep (3.05 m × 4.57 m). The baseline runs along the back of each service area.
Court Lines
- Baselines: The lines at the back of the court, parallel to the net, 22 feet from the net.
- Sidelines: The lines running perpendicular to the net along the 44-foot length of the court.
- Centerline: Divides the area behind the NVZ into the right and left service courts.
- Non-Volley Zone Line: Located 7 feet from the net on each side. This line is considered part of the NVZ.
- All lines are 2 inches wide and are typically white. Lines are considered "in" — a ball landing on any line (except the NVZ line on a serve) is in play.
Out-of-Bounds and Surroundings
The minimum recommended playing surface area is 30 feet wide by 60 feet long (9.14 m × 18.29 m) to allow adequate run-off space around the court. For tournament play, USAP recommends a minimum of 10 feet of clearance beyond each baseline and 5 feet beyond each sideline. The playing surface should be flat, smooth, and free of obstructions. Acceptable surfaces include concrete, asphalt, sport tiles, and gymnasium flooring.
Section 4: Players & Officials
Formats of Play
Pickleball is played in two formats:
- Doubles: Two players per side. This is the most popular format and the standard for most recreational and competitive play. Partners share the court and alternate service positions.
- Singles: One player per side. Singles pickleball uses the same court dimensions and rules, with adaptations for serving position based on the server's score (even or odd).
Player Positions — Doubles (Rule 4.B)
In doubles, each team designates a first server and a second server at the start of each service turn. The server must serve from the correct service area based on the serving team's score: when the score is even, the server stands in the right/even court; when odd, in the left/odd court. The receiving team's players must be positioned in their respective service courts and cannot switch until after the ball is served.
Serving Rotation — Doubles
At the beginning of the game, the starting team has only one service turn (the first server serves until a fault is committed). Thereafter, both partners on each team serve before a side-out occurs. The server calls the score in a three-number format: serving team's score, receiving team's score, server number (1 or 2). For example, "4-2-1" means the serving team has 4 points, the receiving team has 2 points, and it is the first server's turn.
Referee and Line Judges (Rules 13–14)
In sanctioned tournament play, matches are officiated by a certified referee. The referee is responsible for calling the score, determining faults, managing the match, and enforcing the rules. Some tournaments also employ line judges to assist with line calls on the baselines and sidelines. In non-officiated recreational play, players are expected to make their own line calls honestly, giving the benefit of the doubt to the opponent on close calls.
Player Conduct (Rule 13.G)
Players are expected to maintain sportsmanlike conduct at all times. Verbal abuse, excessive profanity, intentional distraction, racket abuse, and unsportsmanlike behavior may result in warnings, technical fouls, or match forfeiture at the referee's discretion. Players may not unreasonably delay the game.
Section 5: Rules of Play
The Serve (Rules 4.A–4.L)
The serve must be made underhand. The paddle must contact the ball below the server's waist (navel level). There are two legal serving methods:
- Volley Serve: The server strikes the ball out of the air (without bouncing it). The paddle head must be below the wrist at the point of contact, and the arm must move in an upward arc.
- Drop Serve: The server drops the ball (without propelling it) and strikes it after it bounces. There are no restrictions on paddle position or swing arc when using the drop serve.
The serve must be made diagonally cross-court, clearing the net and landing within the confines of the opposite service area. The serve must clear the NVZ, including the NVZ line. The server must stand behind the baseline and within the imaginary extensions of the sideline and centerline. At least one foot must be on the playing surface behind the baseline at the moment of contact.
The Double-Bounce Rule / Two-Bounce Rule (Rule 7.A)
After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce once before returning it (first bounce). The serving team must then let the return bounce once before playing it (second bounce). After both bounces have occurred, either team may volley or play the ball off the bounce. This rule eliminates the serve-and-volley advantage and promotes longer rallies.
The Non-Volley Zone Rule (Rules 9.A–9.H)
A player may not volley the ball (hit it out of the air) while any part of their body is touching the NVZ or the NVZ line. This includes momentum from a volley that carries the player into the NVZ after the shot — the volley is a fault if the player's momentum causes them to touch the NVZ at any point after the volley. A player may enter the NVZ at any time to play a ball that has bounced. Items such as hats, sunglasses, or paddles that fall into the NVZ during a volley also constitute a fault.
Rally Play
After the two-bounce rule has been satisfied, play continues as a rally. Players may hit the ball out of the air (volley) or after one bounce. The ball must clear the net and land within the boundaries of the opponent's court. A ball striking any part of a court line is considered "in." A rally ends when a fault is committed by either side.
Common Faults (Rule 7)
- The ball is hit into the net or out of bounds.
- A volley is hit from the NVZ or momentum carries the player into the NVZ after a volley.
- The ball bounces twice on one side before being returned.
- The two-bounce rule is violated (a team volleys before both bounces have occurred).
- The ball strikes a player or anything the player is wearing or carrying (except the paddle hand below the wrist).
- A player, their clothing, or paddle touches the net or net post while the ball is in play.
Section 6: Scoring
Scoring Format
Pickleball games are played to 11 points and must be won by 2 points. In tournament play, some matches may be played to 15 or 21 points, as specified by the tournament director. The win-by-2 requirement applies regardless of the target score.
Side-Out Scoring (Traditional)
Under the traditional side-out scoring system, only the serving team can score points. When the serving team wins a rally, they score a point and the server switches service courts. When the serving team commits a fault, the serve passes to the second server (in doubles) or to the opposing team (side-out). In doubles, a side-out occurs after both servers on a team have faulted.
Rally Scoring (MLP/PPA Format)
Rally scoring has been adopted by several professional leagues, including Major League Pickleball (MLP) and the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), and has been approved by USAP for optional use in sanctioned events beginning in 2025. Under rally scoring, a point is awarded on every rally, regardless of which team served. When the receiving team wins the rally, they score a point and gain the serve. Rally scoring games are typically played to 11, 15, or 21 points, win by 2. The format is credited with creating more predictable match durations for broadcast and event scheduling.
Score Calling — Doubles
In doubles side-out scoring, the score is called as three numbers: the serving team's score, the receiving team's score, and the server number (1 or 2). For example, "3-5-2" means the serving team has 3 points, the receiving team has 5 points, and it is the second server's turn. In rally scoring, only two numbers are called: the serving team's score and the receiving team's score.
Score Calling — Singles
In singles, the score is called as two numbers: the server's score and the receiver's score. The server serves from the right court when their score is even and from the left court when their score is odd.
Section 7: Violations & Penalties
Service Faults (Rule 4)
- The serve does not land in the correct diagonal service area.
- The serve contacts the NVZ or NVZ line (a "short" serve).
- The server's foot touches or crosses the baseline or its imaginary extension before the ball is struck.
- On a volley serve, the paddle head is above the wrist at contact or contact is made above the waist.
- The server uses an illegal serving motion (sidearm, overhead, or throwing the ball upward on a drop serve).
- The server fails to call the score before serving, or serves before the receiver is ready.
Non-Volley Zone Violations (Rule 9)
- A player volleys the ball while touching the NVZ or the NVZ line.
- A player's momentum after a volley carries them into the NVZ, including touching any NVZ line.
- A player's paddle, hat, sunglasses, or any other item falls into the NVZ during or after a volley.
- A partner of the volleying player touches the NVZ while in physical contact with the volleying player.
Hindrance Calls (Rule 12)
A hindrance is any action by a player that interferes with the opponent's ability to play the ball. If a referee determines that a hindrance has occurred, the rally is replayed (a "let" is called). Deliberate or repeated hindrances may result in a fault being assessed against the offending player. Common hindrances include distracting noises, hand signals, or visual obstructions.
Technical Fouls and Warnings (Rule 13)
Referees may issue verbal warnings for unsportsmanlike conduct. If the behavior continues, a technical warning is issued. A subsequent offense results in a technical foul, which awards one point to the opponent. Continued misconduct may result in a match forfeiture. Actions warranting technical fouls include profanity directed at officials, throwing equipment in a dangerous manner, deliberate physical contact with an opponent, and excessive delays.
Replay and Dead Ball
A replay (or "let") occurs when a rally is stopped and replayed without any change in score. Situations that result in a replay include a cracked ball discovered during the rally, a ball from another court entering the playing area, a player being physically unable to move due to injury during the rally, or a service let (the ball clips the net and lands in the correct service area — note: in USAP rules, there is no let serve; a ball that clips the net on serve and lands in is a valid serve).
Section 8: Safety Considerations
Eye Protection
USA Pickleball strongly recommends that all players wear protective eyewear during play. The pickleball ball is small, hard, and can travel at speeds exceeding 40 mph in competitive play. Impact-resistant sports glasses or goggles rated ASTM F803 are recommended. Several professional tours have adopted mandatory eyewear policies.
Footwear
Players should wear proper court shoes designed for lateral movement and traction on the playing surface. Running shoes, sandals, and open-toed footwear are inappropriate and increase the risk of ankle injuries, falls, and foot injuries. Shoes with non-marking soles are required for indoor play to protect gymnasium flooring.
Court Surface Safety
Playing surfaces must be free of cracks, debris, standing water, and other hazards. Outdoor courts are subject to weather conditions; play should be suspended during rain, thunderstorms, or when the court surface is wet. Indoor courts should have adequate lighting (a minimum of 30 foot-candles at court level for tournament play) and sufficient ceiling height.
Heat and Hydration Protocols
During outdoor play in hot conditions, tournament directors are encouraged to implement heat protocols. These may include extended rest periods between games, mandatory hydration breaks during games (at 6 points in a game to 11), shaded rest areas, and suspension of play when the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) exceeds safe thresholds. Players are advised to hydrate before, during, and after play and to recognize signs of heat-related illness.
Player Safety on Court
- Players should be aware of their surroundings and the positions of their doubles partner and opponents at all times.
- Players should communicate with their partner on shared shots to avoid collisions.
- Balls from adjacent courts that roll into the playing area should be called out immediately, and play should be stopped.
- Players with medical conditions should inform their opponents and tournament officials before play begins.
- Warm-up exercises before play and cool-down stretching after play are recommended to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.
