Pickelball Rules and Regulations

Rules and Regulations

• Non-Volley Zones (NVZs): The areas on both sides of the net, extending 7 feet from the net to the sidelines, where players are not allowed to volley the ball.
• Let and Foul: If the ball hits the net and still lands in the opponent's court, it is a "let" and the point is replayed. If the ball hits the net and falls outside the opponent's court, it is a "foul" and the point is awarded to the opposing team.
• Scoring: Points are scored by the team that wins a rally. A game is played to 11 points, with a 2-point advantage (e.g., 11-9).
• Rallies: A sequence of shots hit by both teams, with the ball bouncing on the opponent's side of the court, until one team fails to return the ball or makes an error.

Serve and Return

• Serving: A serve is done with an underhand motion, with the paddle below the waist, and the ball must clear the net and land in the opponent's court. The server stands behind the right service court and serves diagonally to the opponent's court.
• Serve Sequence: Players serve in a sequence, with the first serve coming from the right service court, then the left service court, and so on.
• Return of Serve: The return of serve can be done by either player on the receiving team, and it must be done after the ball has bounced on their side of the court.
• Two-Bounce Rule: The ball can bounce twice on the opponent's side of the court before it must be returned. If the ball bounces twice, it is considered a fault and the point is awarded to the opposing team.