How to Play

Pickleball is a fast-paced paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Here's a quick run down on how to play:

  • Court Setup: Pickleball is typically played on a badminton-sized court with a net lowered to 34 inches at the center. The court is divided into left and right service courts by a centerline and baseline.

  • Equipment: Players use solid paddles made of wood or composite materials and a plastic ball with holes, similar to a wiffle ball but smaller.

  • Serving: The game begins with an underhand serve diagonally cross-court. Each team must play their first shot off of the bounce. That is, the receiving team must let the serve bounce and the serving team must let the return of the serve bounce before playing it.

  • Rally: Once the two bounces have occurred, the ball can either be volleyed or played off the bounce. The ball must clear the net and land within the boundaries of the opponent's court.

  • Scoring: Points are scored by the serving team only. Games are typically played to 11 points, and a team must win by at least two points.

  • Winning: The first team to reach 11 points with a two-point advantage wins the game.

Official Rules of Pickleball 2024

As a registered member of USA Pickleball, we follow and comply with all the rules, regulations, and advisories of the organization.

Click below for a downloadable version of the latest complete official rules. For a quick review of the top 10 rules of pickleball, click here.

Skill Levels

Players typically self-select their appropriate level of play (see skill-Level ratings below.) If you find you’re winning consistently, you should move up. If you’re being outplayed and losing consistently, you should move down. Pickleball is more fun and enjoyable when teams pair off against teams of near-equal abilities. If you want to improve your game against better players, find an experienced partner willing to help you get better through play.

  • Beginner - Players at this level are just starting to learn the basics of Pickleball. They are still working on mastering fundamental skills such as proper grip, basic strokes, positioning, and court awareness.

  • Intermediate - Intermediate players have a solid understanding of pickleball fundamentals and can execute basic shots with consistency. They are comfortable with serving, rallying, and basic strategies. Intermediate players are working on improving their accuracy, placement, and developing more advanced shots, such as dinks and volleys

  • Advanced - Advanced players have a high level of skill and experience. They have mastered all the basic strokes and can execute a variety of shots with precision and control. Advanced players have developed strong strategic awareness, anticipation, and shot selection. They can consistently place shots with accuracy and power, and they are adept at playing both offensively and defensively.

  • Expert/Elite - Expert players are among the best in the sport, with exceptional skill, technique, and experience. They have mastered all aspects of the game and can execute advanced shots with ease. Expert players have a deep understanding of strategy and tactics and can adapt their game to different opponents and situations. They often compete at the highest levels of tournament play and are recognized for their excellence in pickleball.

Skill Level Ratings

USA Pickleball/IFP official rating descriptions for levels 1.0 through 5.0 can be found here.