Pickleball Rules & Scoring Guide
Master pickleball rules and scoring with this complete guide. From court layout to serving rules, learn everything you need to play confidently at Boulder's courts.
TL;DR - Core Rules
- Scoring: Games to 11, win by 2, only serving team scores
- Key rules: Two-bounce rule, no kitchen volleying, underhand serves
- Boulder difference: Ball travels faster at altitude
The Pickleball Court
Court Dimensions
- Size: 20 feet wide × 44 feet long (same as badminton)
- Net height: 36 inches at ends, 34 inches at center
- Service courts: 15 feet deep on each side
- Non-volley zone (Kitchen): 7 feet from net on both sides
The Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone)
The most important rule in pickleball: You cannot hit the ball in the air (volley) while standing in the kitchen. You can enter the kitchen to play a ball that has bounced, but you must get both feet out before volleying again.
Scoring System
How Scoring Works
Pickleball uses a unique three-number scoring system:
- First number: Your team's score
- Second number: Opponent's score
- Third number: Which server you are (1 or 2)
Example: "7-5-2" means your team has 7 points, opponents have 5, and you're the second server.
Key Scoring Rules
- Games played to 11 points, must win by 2
- Only the serving team can score points
- Both players on a team get to serve before losing serve (except at start of game)
- Tournament games sometimes played to 15 or 21 points
Serving Rules
Legal Serve Requirements
- Underhand only: Paddle must contact ball below waist level
- Upward motion: Paddle head must be below wrist when hitting
- Behind baseline: Both feet behind the back line when serving
- Diagonal service: Serve cross-court to opponent's service area
Service Sequence
- First server serves until they lose a point
- Second server then serves until they lose a point
- Serve goes to opposing team
- Exception: At game start, first team gets only one server
The Two-Bounce Rule
Most Important Rule for Beginners
After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before either team can volley (hit in the air). This means:
- Served ball must bounce before return
- Return of serve must bounce before next shot
- After these two bounces, players can volley or let it bounce
Common Game Situations
Faults (Loss of Point/Serve)
- Ball hits the net and doesn't go over
- Ball lands outside the court boundaries
- Volleying in the kitchen
- Double bounce on your side
- Hitting ball before it bounces on your side (when required)
Let Serves
If the serve hits the net but lands in the correct service court, it's a "let" - replay the serve. Unlike tennis, there's no limit on let serves.
Basic Strategy Tips
Positioning
- Move to the kitchen line after return of serve
- Stay parallel with your partner
- Cover your side of the court
Shot Selection
- Keep serves and returns deep
- Aim for feet when at the net
- Use soft shots (dinks) in the kitchen area
Practice These Rules in Boulder
Ready to practice? Boulder offers excellent courts for players learning the rules:
For Rule Practice
- North Boulder Recreation Center - Indoor courts, equipment rental
- South Boulder Recreation Center - 6 courts, beginner-friendly
For Casual Practice
- Chautauqua Park - Beautiful setting, relaxed atmosphere
- East Boulder Community Center - Friendly community
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most confusing rule for new players?
The two-bounce rule. After the serve, both the serving and returning teams must let the ball bounce once before volleying. This prevents aggressive net rushing and keeps games strategic.
How does altitude affect pickleball rules in Boulder?
Rules stay the same, but ball behavior changes. At 5,430 feet, balls travel faster and further, so expect longer rallies and adjust your positioning accordingly.
Next Steps
Continue Learning
Now that you know the rules, check out our other guides: