At SERV, we recognize that pickleball is quickly gaining attention and becoming one of the most popular sports in America. And why shouldn’t it? It’s a fun, social, and easy-to-learn game that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It’s like playing all these games at the same time. Whether you’re picking up a paddle for the very first time or a veteran looking to join open play, it’s essential to first know about the basic rules to have an enjoyable experience playing.
While playing fairly and respecting everyone’s inclusivity are vital, knowing the pickleball open play rules is more important to ensure all players are on an equal footing. Here we’re sharing a guide on the essential pickleball open play rules that everyone should know. From the rules of serving to the non-volley zone, we’ve covered it all.
Know The Court Layout
Before you jump into a pickleball open play game, it’s necessary first to familiarize yourself with the court itself. It’s almost like a doubles badminton court, with a net in between and several marked areas.
The Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone)
A 7-foot-wide area adjacent to both sides of the court. Players can’t hit the ball unless it has bounced while being in this area.
Service Area
It’s where your service should land. Serve diagonally from behind the baseline to land the ball in the opposite service box.
Baselines & Sidelines
These define the boundaries of the court. Your shot must land within these lines; otherwise, it will be considered out.
Serving Rules: How To Serve Correctly
Serving is often the most vital part of a pickleball game. The information below provides a quick guide on how to serve correctly.
Underhand Serve
You must serve underhand, meaning the paddle must move in an upward motion. The ball must be below your waist at the time of hitting.
Serve Location
Stand behind the baseline and hit diagonally. Hit the ball into the opponent’s service box.
No-Bounce Serve
For this, you don’t let the ball hit the ground and bounce after dropping it—you hit it straightaway.
Only One Serve Attempt
Missing your serve in open play means no chance to serve again. Your partner will get their chance in case you’re playing doubles.
The Double Bounce Rule
The Double Bounce Rule is one of pickleball’s most unique rules, which is essential to understand. This rule encourages players to play a controlled game, ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to hit the ball. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- The receiving team must let the ball bounce at least once before returning it.
- Vice versa, the other team (the serving team) must also let the ball bounce once before hitting it in the air (volley).
Scoring In Pickleball: How To Keep Score
Scoring in pickleball may feel tricky for beginners, but once you’ve gotten used to playing, scoring in open play becomes simple. Besides keeping track of the score, here’s what you need to know about how the scoring system works.
Points
In open play, only the serving team can score points. Upon winning the rally, the receiving team wins the right to serve.
Games
Open play games are played up to 11 points, and a team must win by at least 2 points to win the game. Some tournaments may be based on 15 or 21 points, but the 11-point game is the most prevalent one.
Side Out
Upon losing a point, the serving team ‘sides out,’ meaning the serve goes to the other team. In doubles, the second player on the serving team then gets their turn.
Score Announcement
Before serving, you need to announce the scores. The order in which you announce the score is: server’s score, receiver’s score, and the server number (whether it’s their first or second server).
Volleying And The Non-Volley Zone
No doubt volleying is definitely the most exciting part of pickleball, but before planning to hit it, you need to keep in mind specific rules linked to it, or otherwise, you will commit a fault.
Stay Out Of The Kitchen
You can’t volley while you’re in the non-volley zone (the kitchen). Stay behind the kitchen line before attempting to hit a volley.
Ball Must Bounce First
You can hit a volley while being in the kitchen, but only when it has bounced once on your side first.
Positioning
Try remaining aware of your position in the court. When in the kitchen, try to avoid rushing to hit the ball mid-air.
Rotating Players And Changing Sides
While playing in doubles, you’ll need to know the following information on how to rotate players and when to change sides:
Changing Sides
As a serving team, you will rotate positions if you lose a point. Thereafter, the first server will serve the opposite side.
Switching Court Sides
The play experience can be affected by differences in wind or sun conditions. To ensure fairness, players switch court sides after each game.
Partner Communication
To avoid confusion during rotations in doubles play, it’s essential to communicate with your partner effectively.
General Court Etiquette And Sportsmanship
Like any other sport, pickleball is all about fun, camaraderie, and team spirit. To ensure everyone on the court has a good time playing, follow proper court etiquette.
Respecting Other Players
Be mindful of not yelling, distracting, or disrupting opponents’ concentration.
Good Sportsmanship
Regardless of the results, maintain good sportsmanship. Always shake hands or tap paddles with your opponents after a match. Remember, pickleball is a social and friendly game.
Being Punctual
Respect the open play schedule. Reach the court on time when it’s your time to play. In case of any anomaly, please notify the organizer.
SERV—Your Go-To Place For Pickleball Fun And Friendly Competition
At SERV, we recognize that pickleball has become a popular way for people to stay active while having fun. However, playing the right way ensures you and other players get the same advantage, letting you enjoy the game to the fullest. The above set of rules provides a brief explanation of how to serve correctly, adhere to the non-volley zone, and maintain the spirit of play.
At SERV, we believe in keeping the playing of pickleball the way it’s meant to be played, which is in a fun, safe, and all-inclusive way. You get all this with us at SERV. Players of all skill levels are welcome at our place. Whether you’ve been playing pickleball or going to play it for the very first time, we have excellent pickleball courts ready for you to roll on. Visit us at SERV today to experience pickleball fun like never before.