Rules & Scoring8 min read
The Official Rules of Pickleball: A Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about serving, the kitchen, scoring, and common fault violations.
By PickleLobby Rules CommitteeRead
OFFICIAL KNOWLEDGE BASE
Pickleball Academy
The definitive rulebook, rotation guide, equipment science, and courtside host playbooks for serious players and venue organizers.
FEATURED CORNERSTONE·8 min read
The Official Rules of Pickleball: A Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about serving, the kitchen, scoring, and common fault violations.
Key Topics Covered:
All serves must be executed with an underhand motion and upward paddle arc below navel level.
The ball must bounce once on the serve reception and once on the return before volleys are allowed.
Players may never volley the ball while touching the non-volley zone (the kitchen) or its boundary lines.
Games are played to 11 points, win by 2 points. Only the serving team scores points in traditional play.
Rulebook Overview
StandardUSA Pickleball 2026
FormatDoubles & Singles
Target Score11 Win by 2
Kitchen Zone7 Feet Non-Volley
All Academy Articles (8)
Game Modes & Formats10 min read
12 Pickleball Game Modes & Rotation Formats Explained
A comprehensive guide to social mixers, competitive ladders, Americano, and tournament brackets.
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Rules & Scoring6 min read
Pickleball Scoring Explained: Doubles & Singles Made Simple
Understanding the three-number call, side-outs, and the first-server rule.
By PickleLobby Rules CommitteeRead
Rules & Scoring7 min read
The Kitchen Rule Demystified: Non-Volley Zone Mechanics
A deep dive into volleys, momentum violations, the Erne, and legal footwork.
By PickleLobby Rules CommitteeRead
Ratings & Skill7 min read
How Does DUPR Work? The Complete Guide to Pickleball Ratings
A comprehensive guide to DUPR 2.0 to 6.0 scales, match entry, and rating algorithms.
By PickleLobby Ratings & Algorithms DeskRead
Courts & Equipment6 min read
Pickleball Court Dimensions & Layout: Official Measurements
Precise dimensions for lines, net heights, indoor clearance, and court conversions.
By PickleLobby Facilities ArchitectureRead
Organizer Playbooks9 min read
How to Run a Flawless Open Play: The Queue Master Playbook
Player-to-court ratios, avoiding cliques, digital waitlists, and cashless payments.
By PickleLobby Organizer OperationsRead
Courts & Equipment7 min read
Pickleball Paddle & Ball Guide: Core Thickness, Grit & Durability
Choosing between 13mm vs 16mm cores, carbon fiber vs fiberglass, and indoor vs outdoor balls.
By PickleLobby Equipment LabRead
Put These Rules into Practice Courtside
Run Social Shuffle, Americano, or King of the Court open plays with offline queues, automated rotation, and live scoreboards.