Rules
Whether you're new to pickleball or a seasoned player, knowing the rules helps everyone have a great time on the court. Below you'll find our club house rules, the basics of the game, and court etiquette to keep things fun and fair for all.
Club House Rules
These rules help us maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for all players and guests.
- 1
Clean indoor shoes are to be worn on the courts. No exceptions.
- 2
Proper court attire must be worn at all times, including sneakers and appropriate sportswear. Profanity and vulgar graphics on clothes are not permitted.
- 3
Food and beverages are not allowed on the courts.
- 4
Be respectful of others. This includes the language you choose and being aware of the time of your reservation.
- 5
Please alert our team of any concerns.
Game Basics
Pickleball is easy to learn but has a few unique rules that set it apart. Here are the fundamentals every player should know.
The Serve
Serves must be made underhand with the paddle contacting the ball below waist level. The serve is made diagonally crosscourt and must clear the non-volley zone. A drop serve (letting the ball bounce first) is also permitted. The server must have at least one foot behind the baseline when striking the ball.
Two-Bounce Rule
After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce before returning it. The serving team must then also let the return bounce before playing it. After these two bounces, both teams may volley (hit out of the air) or play off a bounce.
The Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone)
The kitchen is the 7-foot area on both sides of the net. You cannot volley the ball (hit it out of the air) while standing in the kitchen or touching the kitchen line. Your momentum after a volley also cannot carry you into the kitchen. You may enter the kitchen to play a ball that has bounced.
Scoring
Games are played to 11 points, win by 2. Only the serving team can score points in traditional (side-out) scoring. In doubles, each team gets two serves (one per player) before the serve passes to the other team. The score is called as three numbers: serving team score, receiving team score, and server number (1 or 2).
Faults
A fault ends the rally. Common faults include hitting the ball out of bounds, hitting the ball into the net, volleying from the kitchen, violating the two-bounce rule, and serving to the wrong court or into the non-volley zone.
Court Etiquette
Good etiquette makes the game better for everyone. These unwritten rules are just as important as the official ones.
Call the Score
Always announce the score clearly before serving. In doubles, call all three numbers: your score, opponent score, and server number.
Ball on Court
If a ball rolls onto your court from an adjacent court, stop play immediately and call "ball on court" loudly so nearby players can hear.
Respect the Rotation
During open play, follow the rotation system. When your game ends, rotate off the court so waiting players can get on. Typically, the winning team stays and splits up.
Line Calls
Make honest line calls. If you are unsure whether a ball was in or out, give the benefit to your opponent. Only call lines on your side of the court.
Good Sportsmanship
Tap paddles with opponents before and after each game. Encourage good shots from both sides. Keep frustration in check and remember that everyone is here to have fun.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Watch for players on adjacent courts. Avoid crossing behind active courts during a rally. Retrieve stray balls safely and return them courteously.
