Whether you’re brand new to the game or looking to tighten up your understanding, pickleball rules can get confusing—fast. Below are 10 common rules questions (and answers) based on the 2025 Official USA Pickleball Rulebook, complete with rule numbers to back them up.
1. Do the serve and return have to bounce?
Yes. This is called the Two-Bounce Rule: after the serve, both teams must let the ball bounce once before hitting it.
📘 Rule Reference: [Rule 7.A – Fault if serve or return is volleyed]
2. Can I hit a volley from inside the kitchen?
No. Volleys must be hit from outside the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ), commonly known as “the kitchen.” If your body or paddle touches the NVZ during a volley—or even your momentum carries you in—it’s a fault.
📘 Rule Reference: [Rules 9.A–9.C – Non-Volley-Zone Violations]
3. Does the ball have to land in a specific spot on the serve?
Yes. The serve must go diagonally cross-court and land in the opponent’s service court, past the kitchen (NVZ). Landing on the kitchen line is a fault.
📘 Rule Reference: [Rule 4.A.2 and 4.M.3]
(Additional Read: Great Pickleball Shoes to Buy that are Durable)
4. Can I spin the ball with my hand before serving?
No. You’re not allowed to impart spin with your hand or paddle before hitting the serve. You can let the ball drop naturally or roll off the paddle.
📘 Rule Reference: [Rule 4.A.5 – Manipulation or spin prohibited]
5. What’s the difference between a volley serve and a drop serve?
- Volley Serve: Hit out of the air (must follow restrictions: upward swing path at point of contact, contact below waist, paddle below wrist).
- Drop Serve: Ball must bounce first. No restrictions on paddle angle or swing.
📘 Rule References: [4.A.7 – Volley Serve], [4.A.8 – Drop Serve]
6. Can I stand outside the court when serving or receiving?
Yes, as long as you’re behind the baseline when serving. You also can’t be standing outside of the sideline extended or past the appropriate midline extended.
For receiving, there are no specific foot placement restrictions—just be ready!
📘 Rule Reference: [4.A.4 – Server foot placement]
(Additional Read: Tips for Adding a Grip to Your Paddle)
7. What if I call the score wrong?
If anyone notices the wrong score was called, the rally can be stopped and replayed before the return of serve. After the return, the point plays out.
📘 Rule Reference: [Rule 4.K – Wrong Score Called]
8. Can my partner and I stand anywhere during play?
Yes. In doubles, the server must be in the correct box based on the score, but your partner can stand anywhere on your side.
📘 Rule Reference: [Rule 4.B.7 – Partner Positions]
(Additional Read: Needing a Portable Pickleball Net? How to Know Which is Best for You)
9. Can I use any paddle I want?
Only paddles listed on the USA Pickleball Approved Paddle List are allowed in sanctioned events. Paddles must also meet specific specs.
Looking for a tournament approved paddle? I released my own paddle that uses the very popular Raw Carbon Fiber face and is 16mm thick which is useful for having a large sweet spot.
📘 Rule References: [2.E – Paddle Specs], [2.F – Equipment Approval]
10. What happens if the ball hits a permanent object like a light or fence?
If the ball hits a permanent object before bouncing in the court, it’s a fault. If it bounces in and then hits an object, the hitter wins the point.
📘 Rule References: [Rules 7.J, 8.D – Permanent Object Contact]
Final Thoughts
Understanding these essential rules helps keep your game sharp and your matches fair. Whether you’re battling at the local courts or preparing for a tournament, playing by the book matters!
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