RULES OF PICKLEBALL
Don't worry - pickleball is quick to learn and you'll be playing within minutes. Below is a simple guide to the basic rules so you can get on court with confidence.
THE BASICS
Pickleball is played on a court similar in size to a badminton court using a paddle and a lightweight plastic ball.
It can be played as singles (one player on each side) or doubles (two players on each side).
The aim is to hit the ball over the net and win points by forcing your opponent to make a mistake.
SERVING
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The serve must be hit underarm.
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The paddle must contact the ball below waist height.
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Both feet must remain behind the baseline when serving.
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The serve must travel diagonally into the opponent's service court.
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Only one serve attempt is allowed (unless the ball clips the net and lands in).
THE DOUBLE BOUNCE RULE
After the serve:
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The receiving team must let the ball bounce before returning it.
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The serving team must also let the return bounce before playing it.
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After these two bounces, players can either volley the ball or let it bounce.
This is known as the double bounce rule.
KITCHEN AREA (NON-VOLLEY ZONE)
The area (pink on our courts) either side of the net is called the kitchen.
Players cannot volley the ball while standing inside the kitchen or touching the kitchen line.
You may enter the kitchen to play a ball that has bounced.
SCORING
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Games are usually played to 11 points.
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A team must win by 2 clear points.
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Only the serving team can score points.
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In doubles, each player gets a chance to serve before the serve passes to the opposing team (except at the very start of the game).
FAULTS
A fault occurs when:
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The ball lands outside the court.
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The ball hits the net and doesn't go over.
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The ball bounces twice before being returned.
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A player volleys from inside the kitchen.
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The serve lands outside the correct service area.
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The double bounce rule isn't followed.
EQUIPMENT
There's no need to bring your own equipment to Saxondale Pickleball, we provide:
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Pickleball paddles
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Pickleballs
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High quality set up Hillsport nets
Simply book your court, turn up and play!
BOOK A COURT
Booking a court is quick and easy through our online booking system. Simply choose your preferred date and time, complete your booking online, and you'll receive everything you need to access the venue. Paddles and balls are available to use, so all you need to do is turn up and enjoy your game.