Pickleball is one of the most popular sports in the world, and it’s easy to see why. It’s fast-paced and fun to play, but there are some rules that you need to remember if you want to have a great time playing pickleball. Here are five basic rules every beginner should know:
1. No Volleys on the First Shot
- Volleys in Pickleball are not allowed on the first shot.
- If you volley on the first shot, you lose the point.
- If you volley on the second shot, you lose the game.
In pickleball, the “No Volleys on the First Shot” rule states that players are not allowed to hit volleys on the first shot of a point, also known as the serve return. This means that players must allow the ball to bounce on their side of the court before hitting it back to the other side.
The “No Volleys on the First Shot” rule is designed to give players time to get into position and prepare for the next shot, and it helps to prevent fast-paced, serve-and-volley play. The rule applies to both singles and doubles play, and it is typically enforced by the umpire or a designated scorekeeper.
There are a few exceptions to the “No Volleys on the First Shot” rule. For example, if the ball bounces and then hits a ceiling or other obstruction before a player can hit it, the player may still hit a volley on the first shot. Additionally, if the ball bounces twice on the same side of the court, players are allowed to hit volleys on the first shot.
2. The Serve Must be Made Behind the Baseline
In pickleball, the serve must be made from behind the baseline on the serving side of the court. This means that the player serving must stand with both feet behind the line and hit the ball into the service box on the opposite side of the court.
If you’re using an unstrung paddle, then just hold the paddle in one hand with no strings attached and draw back like this:
When you are ready to serve, hit the ball toward your opponent’s side of the court. The ball should land inside a 10-foot circle (called “the service box”) and bounce once before hitting the ground again.
The serve is a critical shot in pickleball because it sets the tone for the point and can give the serving team an advantage. The server has the option to serve diagonally or straight ahead, and they can use different types of spin and pace to try to catch the receiver off guard.
The serve must be made with an underhand stroke and the ball must be hit below the waist. The ball must also clear the non-volley zone (also known as the “kitchen”) on the receiving side of the court and land within the boundaries of the service box. If the serve is not made correctly, it is called a “fault” and the serving team loses the point.
3. A Ball in Play Can’t Hit the Ceiling
- A ball in play can’t hit the ceiling.
- The ball has to bounce before you hit it over the net, or else it’ll be out of bounds.
- You have to serve behind the baseline (or at least within 3 feet).
When playing the game, a ball in play is not allowed to hit the ceiling or any other overhead obstruction. If a ball in play hits the ceiling, it is considered a “let” and the point is replayed with no penalty.
The “ceiling rule” is designed to keep the game fair and prevent players from using the ceiling to their advantage. For example, if a player hits a high lob shot that hits the ceiling and then drops back onto the court, it could be very difficult for the other player to hit the ball.
There are a few exceptions to the “ceiling rule.” For example, if the ball hits the ceiling and then bounces on the same side of the court before a player can hit it, the player may still hit the ball. Additionally, if the ball hits the ceiling and then lands out of bounds, the point is awarded to the opposing team.
Overall, the “ceiling rule” is designed to keep the game fair and enjoyable for all players. It is important for players to be aware of this rule and to play within its guidelines.
4. Only One Serve Per Side
In order to keep the game moving, you cannot serve more than one time per side. Each team is allowed only one serve per side per point. This means that the serving team has one opportunity to serve the ball and try to score a point. If the serve is not successful (also known as a “fault”), the serving team loses the point and the opposing team is awarded the serve.
The “one serve per side” rule is designed to keep the game moving and prevent long serving sequences. It also helps to ensure that both teams have an equal number of opportunities to serve and score points.
There are a few exceptions to the “one serve per side” rule. For example, if the ball hits the ceiling or another obstruction before a player can hit it, the serving team is allowed to serve again. Additionally, if the ball bounces twice on the same side of the court, the serving team is allowed to serve again.
Overall, the “one serve per side” rule is an important part of pickleball and helps to keep the game fair and enjoyable for all players.
5. The Drop Serve Rule
the drop serve is a type of serve in which the server hits the ball softly and intentionally lands it short in the service box on the opposite side of the court. The drop serve is typically used as a defensive shot, and it is often used to surprise the receiver and disrupt their positioning.
The drop serve is legal in pickleball as long as it is executed correctly. To be legal, the drop serve must be made with an underhand stroke and the ball must be hit below the waist. The ball must also clear the non-volley zone (also known as the “kitchen”) on the receiving side of the court and land within the boundaries of the service box.
There are a few strategies that players can use when hitting a drop serve. For example, the server can use different types of spin, such as backspin or topspin, to make the ball bounce differently on the receiving side of the court. The server can also vary the pace and placement of the serve to keep the receiver guessing.
Overall, the drop serve is a useful tool for players to have in their arsenal, and it can be an effective way to mix up the pace of the game and keep the opposition on their toes.