1.1 - Court and Equipment

Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court (20' × 44') with a tennis-style net modified to hang at 36" on the ends and 34" in the middle.

• • Court surface: Hard court preferred, but may be played on other surfaces
• • Lines: 2" wide, contrasting color to playing surface
• • Net posts: Located 22' from each sideline

1.2 - Players and Paddles

Each player uses a paddle to hit a perforated plastic ball over the net. The game can be played as singles or doubles.

3.1 - Serving Motion

• The serve must be made with an underhand stroke
• Contact with ball must be below waist level
• Paddle head must be below wrist when striking ball
• Upward arc motion is required

3.2 - Service Sequence (Doubles)

In doubles play, both players on a team serve before side out, except at game start:

1. 1. Starting team gets only one serve at game beginning
2. 2. After side out, both teammates serve before next side out
3. 3. Server number (1 or 2) must be announced with score
4. 4. Players switch service courts after scoring

5.1 - Zone Definition

The non-volley zone is the 7-foot area on both sides of the net. Players may not volley (hit the ball in the air) while standing in this zone.

5.2 - Legal NVZ Play

• • Players may enter NVZ to play balls that have bounced
• • Players may stand in NVZ but not volley from there
• • Ball may be volleyed after exiting NVZ completely
• • Partners may help prevent NVZ violations

Approved Balls

Only USA Pickleball approved balls may be used in sanctioned tournaments. Different balls are designed for indoor and outdoor play.