Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, understanding the rules is essential for an enjoyable game. Here’s are some of the basic rules of Pickleball that every player should know.
Two Bounce Rule
The two-bounce rule in pickleball is a fundamental regulation that ensures fair play and strategic balance. To help understand this rule better, one must know the difference between a “Groundstroke” and a “Volley.” A “Groundstroke” is when you hit the ball after it bounces and a “Volley” is when you hit the ball while its still in the air (before it bounces).
After the ball is served, each side must make one groundstroke (hitting the ball after one bounce) before volleying (hitting the ball in the air) the ball. Here’s how it works:
The Serve: The receiving team must let the ball hit the ground after the serve.
The Return: The serving team must also allow the return of the serve to bounce before hitting it.
Two Bounces: Once the ball has bounced on either side of the net, players from both teams are free to either volley (hit directly in the air before it bounces) or play off the bounce.
Remember, the two-bounce rule ensures that both sides have an equal opportunity to engage in the game, making pickleball an exciting and strategic sport! Rule: Page 2 of Section 1 of the USA Official Rule Book.
Momentum Rule
In pickleball, the momentum rule comes into play during a volley (hitting the ball in the air). A player’s momentum from a volley cannot carry them or anything they are wearing or holding into the non-volley zone (NVZ). If a player’s continued forward movement from hitting a volley causes them, their paddle, clothing, or other equipment to cross into the kitchen line (NVZ), it is considered a fault.
Imagine your opponent hits a shot that bounces beyond the non-volley zone (kitchen). You respond with a groundstroke (hitting the ball after it bounces), but your momentum from the shot carries you into the NVZ. The Momentum Rule does not apply here if the ball bounces first (anywhere), you are safe from the momentum fault. However, if you hit a volley (hitting the ball in the air) and your momentum carries you into the NVZ, that is a fault.
Remember, pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, making it a fun and strategic sport! Rule 3.A.20.
Non-Volley Zone (NVZ) “The Kitchen”
The Non-Volley Zone (NVZ), also affectionately known as “The Kitchen,” is the “no man’s land” on the pickleball court. It extends seven feet from the net on both sides and reaches out to the sidelines.
All volleys (hitting the ball in the air) must be initiated outside of the NVZ and a groundstroke (hitting the ball after it bounces) is allowed in the NVZ only after the ball bounces first.
A fault occurs if:
- Any part of the player (including hands, arms, legs, shoes, paddle, sunglasses, jewelry, or even in-game snacks!) touches the NVZ (yes, that includes the NVZ line).
- If the paddle touches the NVZ during the volley motion (before or after contacting the ball), it’s a fault.
- A player fails to have both feet contacting the playing surface outside the NVZ after touching or standing in the NVZ and hits a volley.
Can I Stand in the NVZ?
Yes, players can enter the NVZ at any time except when volleying. In doubles, a player’s partner can stand in the NVZ if they are not volleying.
Crazy Rule
Finally, don’t forget about the extremely rare rule called “The Two Shall Become One” at the NVZ. During the act of volleying, it is a fault if the volleying player’s momentum causes the player to contact anything that is touching the non-volley zone, including the player’s partner. Meaning, if both players are at the NVZ line and one bumps into the other causing them to enter the NVZ during a volley, that is a fault. Rule 9.C
Just Stay Out!
Think of there being an invisible wall in front of the NVZ and the only time you can step through it, is when the ball bounces in there. Otherwise, best stay out…
Serving up some Rules
- The entire score must be called before the ball is served and should be done in such a manner the receiver can hear it. Not announcing the scores before every serve could result in a fault and loss of service. Rule 4.A.1.
- During a serve, if the ball contacts the receiver or the receiver’s partner prior to bouncing, it is a point for the serving team. Rules 4.A.3 and 4.N.1.
- When serving no part of your foot may touch the court on or inside the baseline. Watch those toes! Rules: 4.A.4.b, 4.L.1, 4.L.2, 4.L.3
- This is not tennis, when serving you must contact the ball below the waist. Rules 4.A.7.c and 4.A.7.b.
