Pickleball Rules Explained: The 2026 Ultimate Guide

It's Not Rocket Science (But It Helps to Read This)

Pickleball is famous for being easy to learn. And it is. You can learn the basics in 5 minutes. But... there are nuances. Have you ever argued about whether a ball was "in" or "out"? Have you ever been called for a "foot fault" and didn't know why? Do you know what the "Nasty Nelson" is?

I'm Coach Mike, and this is the definitive, no-nonsense guide to the rules of pickleball in 2026.

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Part 1: The Golden Rules (The Basics)

If you only read one section, read this. These 4 rules cover 90% of gameplay.

1. The Two-Bounce Rule (The Big One)

This is unique to pickleball.

• The Rule: When the ball is served, the receiving team must let it bounce. Then, when they hit it back, the serving team must let it bounce.
• Plain English: Serve -> Bounce -> Return -> Bounce -> Game On.
• Why? Without this rule, the serving team would just serve and run to the net to smash the return. This rule levels the playing field.

2. The Serve is a "Friendly" Starter

• Underhand Only: Impact must be below the waist.
• Diagonal: You must serve to the box diagonal from you.
• Clearing the Kitchen: The serve cannot land in the kitchen or on the kitchen line.
• No Let Rule (Usually): In most rec play and pro play now, if the ball hits the net and goes over/in, you play it. No "re-do."

3. The Non-Volley Zone ("The Kitchen")

• The Zone: The 7-foot area on both sides of the net.
• The Rule: You cannot hit the ball out of the air (volley) while standing in this zone.
• Momentum Counts: If you jump, hit a volley, and then land in the kitchen, it is a fault. You lose the point.

4. Scoring (To 11, Win by 2)

• Points are only scored by the serving team.
• Games are usually to 11.
• You must win by 2 points (e.g., 11-9 is a win; 11-10 is not).

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Part 2: The "Weird" Stuff (Advanced Rules)

Once you play for a month, you will run into these scenarios.

The "Nasty Nelson"

• What is it? When the server serves the ball and intentionally hits the opposing partner (who is standing at the kitchen line) instead of the service box.
• Is it legal? Yes.
• The Result: If the ball hits the opponent without bouncing, the serving team wins the point.
• Etiquette: It's legal, but rude in casual play. Save it for tournaments.

The "Around the Post" (ATP)

• What is it? Hitting the ball around the net post instead of over the net.
• Is it legal? Yes!
• The Height Rule: It does NOT need to go over the net height. It can be inches off the ground.
• The Challenge: It's incredibly hard to do, but it makes you look like a god.

The "Erne"

• What is it? Jumping over the corner of the kitchen (out of bounds) to smash a ball near the net.
• Is it legal? Yes, as long as you land outside the court lines and never touch the kitchen.

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Part 3: Line Calls (The Code of Ethics)

In pickleball, there are no referees. WE are the referees. Here is the code:

1. 1Your Side, Your Call: You call lines on your side of the court. Do not call lines for your opponents unless they ask.
2. 2When in Doubt, It's IN: If you are not 100% sure the ball was out, you must call it IN. You cannot re-play the point because you "weren't looking."
3. 3The "Out" Signal: Point your finger up or yell "OUT" immediately.
4. 4Spectator Opinions: Spectators should keep their mouths shut unless asked by both teams.

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Part 4: Faults (How to Lose a Point)

You lose the rally if:

1. 1Kitchen Violation: You step in the kitchen while volleying.
2. 2Double Bounce: The ball bounces twice on your side.
3. 3Net Touch: You or your paddle touches the net while the ball is in play.
4. 4The "Carry": You scoop or carry the ball on your paddle instead of hitting it (though this is subjective).

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Part 5: Determining "Who Serves First?"

• Rec Play: Usually, one team spins a paddle.
• Tournament Play: Coin toss. The winner chooses "Serve/Receive" or "Side."

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Part 6: Singles Rules vs. Doubles Rules

95% of the rules are the same, with two exceptions:

1. 1Scoring: There is no "second server." If you lose the point, serve goes to the opponent. Score is just "Server - Receiver" (e.g., "4 - 2").
2. 2Positioning: You serve relative to your score (Right side for even, Left side for odd).

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FAQ

Q: Can I step in the kitchen if the ball bounces?

A: YES! The kitchen is only a "No Volley" zone. If the ball bounces, it's just regular court. You can stand in there all day if you want (but you shouldn't).

Q: What if the ball hits my hand?

A: If the ball hits your hand below the wrist (while holding the paddle), it is considered part of the paddle. It's a legal hit. If it hits your arm? Fault.

Q: What if the ball breaks during a point?

A: Play a let. Replay the point with a new ball.

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Summary Checklist for New Players

1. 1Call the score loudly before serving.
2. 2Watch your feet at the kitchen line.
3. 3Be generous on line calls.
4. 4Have fun. It's just pickleball.

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Next Steps

Now that you know the rules, you need to learn how to actually hit the ball. 👉 Next Read: Best Drills for Beginners