How to Play PickleBall
. . .the fastest growing sport in the USA, in part because it has a very short learning curve.
Watch this awesome intro video on How to Play PickleBall.
Then Sign Up to Take Lessons Here
Watch this awesome intro video on How to Play PickleBall.
Then Sign Up to Take Lessons Here
The PICKLEBALL SERVE
The start of a game begins with a serve. The player standing in the right service court is always the first server, whether at the the beginning of a game or on a side-out.
There are 2 Servers in Doubles PickleBall. 1st Server & 2nd Server.
Score Calling Example
Before serving, the server calls out the correct score which includes which server they are - 1st or 2nd.
5 - ZERO - 1
The Serving Team has the 5 - return Team has ZERO and the Server is you - the 1 - 1st Server
The serve must be hit underhanded from behind the baseline cross court into the opposing team’s service court.
The serve must clear the net and not land inside the NVZ / non-volley zone (or most lingo referred as the kitchen.)
If the ball goes into the net or lands in the kitchen or hits the kitchen or NVZ line, it is a FAULT.
Let Serve - Ball tips the Net & still lands in to the returner - This is a playable ball at most venues.
Sometimes the ball will nick the net but still land in the correct serving court.
This is Playable as of 2021 depending on venue.
Serving BOUNCE
The player returning the serve must let the ball bounce in or call it Short, Wide, Out or Deep.
RETURN of Service BOUNCE
An important rule in PickleBall is the Return Bounce rule.
The Return Bounce rule says the serving team must let the Return Serve Bounce.
Sometimes referred to as Bounce Bounce
KITCHEN/NON-VOLLEY ZONE
FAULTS
In PickleBall mistakes are called faults.
The start of a game begins with a serve. The player standing in the right service court is always the first server, whether at the the beginning of a game or on a side-out.
There are 2 Servers in Doubles PickleBall. 1st Server & 2nd Server.
Score Calling Example
Before serving, the server calls out the correct score which includes which server they are - 1st or 2nd.
5 - ZERO - 1
The Serving Team has the 5 - return Team has ZERO and the Server is you - the 1 - 1st Server
The serve must be hit underhanded from behind the baseline cross court into the opposing team’s service court.
The serve must clear the net and not land inside the NVZ / non-volley zone (or most lingo referred as the kitchen.)
If the ball goes into the net or lands in the kitchen or hits the kitchen or NVZ line, it is a FAULT.
Let Serve - Ball tips the Net & still lands in to the returner - This is a playable ball at most venues.
Sometimes the ball will nick the net but still land in the correct serving court.
This is Playable as of 2021 depending on venue.
Serving BOUNCE
The player returning the serve must let the ball bounce in or call it Short, Wide, Out or Deep.
RETURN of Service BOUNCE
An important rule in PickleBall is the Return Bounce rule.
The Return Bounce rule says the serving team must let the Return Serve Bounce.
Sometimes referred to as Bounce Bounce
KITCHEN/NON-VOLLEY ZONE
- A unique but important aspect of PickleBall is the non-volley zone, also known as the Kitchen.
- Players may not hit the ball while standing in the kitchen unless the ball has already bounced on their side.
- Players may not step into the kitchen to volley the PickleBall.
- Players may not enter the kitchen on a volley even if their momentum carries them into the zone.
FAULTS
In PickleBall mistakes are called faults.
- Double-Bounce Rule: Hitting a volley before the ball has bounced at least once on a side at the beginning of a rally.
- The ball can bounce one time on a side before being hit. If the ball bounces more than once, it is a fault.
- Hitting the ball out of bounds is a fault. Where the center of the ball touches the ground determines whether a ball is in or out on a line.
- If the ball is hit into the net, it is a fault. No shit.
- Any plays involving stepping into the kitchen to hit a volley is a fault.
Official USAPA Pickleball Rule Book 2023
| usa-pickleball-official-rulebook-2023-v2.pdf |
62 USA PICKLEBALL Official Rulebook (2023)
13.G.1.i. Actions that are considered minor
unsportsmanlike behavior, including but not
limited to making repeated questionable
‘out’ calls that, upon appeal, are reversed
(overruled) by the referee.
13.G.1.j. Except during time-outs and in-between
games, receiving coaching from anyone
other than a partner.
13.G.2. Technical Fouls - The referee is empowered to call
technical fouls. When a technical foul is called, one
point shall be removed from the score of the
offending player/team unless their score is zero, in
which case, a point shall be added to the score of the
opposing side. Actions or behavior that shall result in
a technical foul (without a technical warning being
issued beforehand):
13.G.2.a. Aggressively or recklessly throwing a paddle
in frustration or anger, with negligent
disregard of the consequences, and does
not strike a person or damage property.
13.G.2.b. A player using extremely objectionable
language, or profanity, regardless of to
whom or what it is directed.
13.G.2.c. Making a threat or challenges of any nature
toward or against any person.
13.G.2.d. Challenging the referee’s decision or ruling
and losing the challenge (e.g., referee’s
ruling was correct) and no time-out is
available. (Verbal Warning not applicable)
13.G.2.e. Any other actions that are considered
extreme unsportsmanlike behavior.
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USA PICKLEBALL Official Rulebook (2023)
13.G.2.f. Requesting a medical time-out without a
valid medical condition, and the team (or
player in a singles match) has no time-outs
remaining. (Verbal Warning not applicable)
13.G.2.g. Deliberately throwing or hitting a ball that is
not in play with negligent disregard of the
consequences which inadvertently hits a
person.
13.G.3. Effect of Technical Fouls and Technical Warnings. The
assessment of a technical warning or technical foul
shall be accompanied by a brief explanation of the
reason.
13.G.3.a. A technical warning shall not result in a loss
of rally or point awarded.
13.G.3.b. Once a technical warning has been issued, a
second technical warning for any reason,
given to the same player/team during the
match, will result in a technical foul being
issued to the player/team.
13.G.3.c. If a referee issues a technical foul, one point
shall be removed from the score of the
offending player/team unless their score is
zero, in which case a point shall be added to
the score of the opposing side. After the
point is removed or awarded, the player or
team losing or awarded the point must
move on their own to the correct position(s)
that reflects their score.
13.G.3.d. A called technical warning or technical foul
shall have no effect on server change or side
out.
64 USA PICKLEBALL Official Rulebook (2023)
13.G.3.e. Verbal warnings, technical warnings and
technical fouls may be assessed any time
the players are at the court, independent of
whether the match is in progress. This
includes during warm-up time. Play shall not
be stopped to assess a warning or foul. The
assessment of the warning or foul shall be
applied after the rally has ended. Behavior
raising to the level of a warning or foul after
the match is over shall be brought to the
attention of the Tournament Director.
13.H. Game Forfeit. The referee will impose a game forfeit when
either of the following occurs:
13.H.1. After one technical warning has been assessed and
the subsequent issuance of a technical foul listed in
Rule 13.G.2.
13.H.2. After one technical foul has been assessed in
accordance with Rule 13.G.3.b. or Rule 13.G.2. and the
subsequent issuance of another technical warning for
any reason.
13.H.3. For a match format that is one game to 15 or 21, a
game forfeit is equivalent to a match forfeit.
13.H.4. For a match format that is two-out-of-three or three-
out-of-five games, a referee may impose a game
forfeit when a player/team fails to report to play 10
minutes after the match has been called to play. A
match forfeit will be imposed when a player/team
fails to report to play 15 minutes after the match has
been called to play. If the match format is a one
game to 15 or 21, the match forfeit occurs when the
player/team fails to report to play 10 minutes after
the match has been called to play. The Tournament
65
USA PICKLEBALL Official Rulebook (2023)
Director may permit a longer delay if circumstances
warrant such a decision.
13.I. Match Forfeit. The referee will impose a match forfeit based
on a combination of Technical Warnings or Technical Fouls
when either of the following occurs:
13.I.1. The combined issuance of two technical warnings
and a technical foul listed in Rule 13.G.2
13.I.2. After one technical foul has been assessed in
accordance with Rule 13.G.3.b or Rule 13.G.2 and the
subsequent issuance of a second technical foul for
any reason.
13.I.3. Behavior that shall result in a match forfeit that is not
due to a combination of Technical Warnings or
Technical Fouls.
13.I.3.a. Making deliberately aggressive physical
contact with an opponent, official or
spectator.
13.I.3.b. Aggressively or recklessly striking or
throwing a ball or paddle out of frustration
or anger that puts an individual or facility
property at risk or in danger.
13.I.4. The Tournament Director may impose a match forfeit
for failure to comply with the tournament or host
facility’s rules while on the premises, or for improper
conduct on the premises between matches, or for
abuse of hospitality, locker room, or failure to comply
with other rules and procedures.
13.J. Challenging Referee Rulings or Decisions. If a player
disagrees with a referee’s ruling or decision, that player may
challenge the referee’s ruling or decision by asking for the
Head Referee, Tournament Director, or the Tournament
66 USA PICKLEBALL Official Rulebook (2023)
Director’s designee. If the referee’s ruling or decision is
determined to be correct, the player or team will lose a time-
out and be given a technical warning (see 13.G.1.g). If no
time-outs are available and the referee’s ruling is correct, the
player/team will be given a technical foul (see 13.G.2.d).
When the referee’s ruling or decision is incorrect, the ruling
will be reversed and, if applicable, the rally will be replayed.
13.K. Removal of a Line Judge. The referee may remove a line
judge for any reasonable cause, based on either the referee's
own observation or that of the players. If the referee decides
to replace a line judge based on their own observation, the
referee's decision is final. The players may also petition the
referee to remove a line judge, providing all players agree. If
the referee does not agree, the referee must consult with the
Tournament Director for a final decision. If a line judge is
removed, the Tournament Director will appoint a
replacement.
13.K.1. Removal of a Referee. If all players agree, they may
petition the Tournament Director for a referee
removal. The Tournament Director retains the final
discretionary authority on the removal of a Referee. If
a Referee is removed, the Tournament Director will
appoint a replacement.
13.L. Non-Officiated Play. Any player may request a referee or
Tournament Director if:
13.L.1. The player reasonably believes that a rule is being
consistently and deliberately violated by their
opponent.
13.L.2. A situation arises where players are not able to
quickly and easily resolve a dispute.
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USA PICKLEBALL Official Rulebook (2023)
13.M. Ejections and Expulsions. The Tournament Director may eject
a player from the tournament for flagrant and particularly
injurious behavior that, in the opinion of the Tournament
Director, impacts the success of the tournament. An ejection
can occur due to actions any time the player is at the
tournament venue and may include, but is not limited to:
13.M.1. Using ethnic, religious, racial, sexist, or homophobic
slurs.
13.M.2. Injury to a player, official, or spectator through an act
of paddle or ball abuse.
13.M.3. Spitting or coughing on a person.
13.M.4. Not exhibiting “best effort”. This includes but is not
limited to, defaulting, forfeiting, or not giving best
efforts in matches, whether for their own benefit or
otherwise.
Note: In addition to an ejection, the Tournament Director also has
the option to expel the player from the tournament venue.
68 USA PICKLEBALL Official Rulebook (2023)
APPENDIX
USA Pickleball Official Rulebook Priorities and Guiding Principles.
Preface
The USA Pickleball Official Rulebook is the organization’s most
important product. It is the foundational document for the sport
of pickleball and should be treated with the respect accorded the
sport’s founders and those who have written and approved rules
over the years.
Writing rules that are objective, clear and concise is difficult work.
Because those involved in writing and/or approving rules come
from different backgrounds and experiences, it is important to
have rule writing priorities and guiding principles that help provide
a measure of consistency from year to year. The following
Rulebook Priorities and Guiding Principles were developed to
guide rule writers and approvers in their important work.
Priorities
The following three priorities should be considered “tests” for any
suggested rule change. Any suggested rule change should satisfy
at least one of these three priorities, listed in order of importance:
1. The first priority is preserving the integrity of the sport, one
that incorporates the elements of fun, cooperation,
courtesy, and competition. This priority pays homage to
those who developed the sport in 1965 and those who
have written and approved rule changes over the years.
2. The second priority is what is collectively best for the
players. This priority examines rule changes for improving
the player experience. It “tests” suggested rule changes
from the standpoint of minimizing player disagreements,
making it easier to learn the sport, teach the sport, and
69
USA PICKLEBALL Official Rulebook (2023)
play the sport, while also allowing for moderate innovation
as player skills and equipment develop and evolve.
3. The third priority is what’s best for officiating. It “tests” rule
changes to make it less likely conflicts will occur between
players as well as between players and officials.
Guiding Principles
The USA Pickleball Official Rulebook covers a wide variety of rules
that cover the court and equipment, recreational and social play as
well as tournament play, officiated and non-officiated. The
following are Guiding Principles for those writing and approving
rules. To the extent possible, rules should:
1. Apply to all levels and categories of players; recreational
and social players, as well as professional and amateur
tournament players (officiated and non-officiated). Specific
rules for a single category of player, for example, the pro
level player, should be approved after careful consideration
and examination of how the rule change might impact the
sport beyond the pro level of competition.
2. Be written with a deterministic focus, i.e., from the
standpoint of “if this occurs, this is what happens”. If
something is not allowed or should not happen, the
consequences (for example: replay, fault, technical warning,
etc.) should be provided as part of the rule.
3. Center on that which should not occur, not on what is
permitted or allowed. Attempts to include rules describing
what is allowed will result in an unnecessarily lengthy
Rulebook.
4. Avoid ambiguity, player discretion, or referee judgment-
related rules. Such rules invite disagreements and
different interpretations. To this end, when a key word is
used to describe when a rule applies, the word should be
70 USA PICKLEBALL Official Rulebook (2023)
defined as either a part of the rule or in the Definition
Section of the Rulebook.
5. Allow equipment manufacturers to innovate, as long as
such innovation does not overwhelm or outpace the
average player’s ability to keep up with the speed and
difficulty of the sport. Equipment-related rule changes
should be given particularly close scrutiny because of their
precedent-setting potential.
6. Have an element of precedent accorded to them. Change
for change sake should be avoided to avoid frustration
among or a loss of confidence by players.
7. Allow for an appropriate degree of player innovation. Such
innovation should maintain a healthy balance between
historical rules that have been instrumental to the sport’s
growth and appeal.
8. Preserve the unique features and rules of the sport
involving the Non-Volley Zone and the two-bounce rule
and prevent one shot or type of play from dominating the
sport.
9. Address a known issue or anticipate trends and needs of
the sport before it becomes necessary.
10. Be subjected to reviews and comments by domestic and
international stakeholders.
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USA PICKLEBALL Official Rulebook (2023)
INDEX
10 second rule 4.E
Additional Balls 7.N
Apparel 2.G
violation 2.G.4
Around the post (ATP) shot
11.M; 11.L.3
Ball specifications 2.D
cracked/broken 11.E
color 2.D.3
Calling the score 4.D
singles matches 4.I
doubles matches 4.J
wrong score called 4.K
Carry 3.A.1
deliberate carry 7.L
Change of ends 5.B
Coaching
defined 3.A.2
13.G.1.j
11.P
Court 3.A.3
baseline 2.B.1
centerline 2.B.5
court specifications 2.A
cross court 3.A.4
items on court 11.H
left/odd court 3.A.17; 2.B.7
lines and areas 2.B
net (see net)
non-volley zone 2.B.3
right/even court 3.A.32; 2.B.6
service court 3.A.37; 2.B.4
side lines 2.B.2
Dead ball
definition 3.A.5
rules Section 8
Distractions
definition 3.A.6
rule 11.J
Double bounce 3.A.7
Wheelchair play 1
(see also two-bounce rule)
Double hit
definition 3.A.8
allowed 11.A
End selection rules 5.A.1
Ejection 3.A.9
scoring guidelines 12.F.6
from tournament 13.M
Equipment prob. (player)
11.G
item on court 11.H
Expel 3.A.10; 13.M
from tournament 13.A.4
Fault rules 7
definition 3.A.11
double bounce 7.E
non-volley zone 9.B to 9.D
plane of net 7.K; 11.I
receiver faults 4.N
service faults 4.M
striking permanent object 7.J
touching live ball 7.H; 7.I
touching net system or post 7.G
two-bounce rule 7.A
Forfeit
13.G.1.i. Actions that are considered minor
unsportsmanlike behavior, including but not
limited to making repeated questionable
‘out’ calls that, upon appeal, are reversed
(overruled) by the referee.
13.G.1.j. Except during time-outs and in-between
games, receiving coaching from anyone
other than a partner.
13.G.2. Technical Fouls - The referee is empowered to call
technical fouls. When a technical foul is called, one
point shall be removed from the score of the
offending player/team unless their score is zero, in
which case, a point shall be added to the score of the
opposing side. Actions or behavior that shall result in
a technical foul (without a technical warning being
issued beforehand):
13.G.2.a. Aggressively or recklessly throwing a paddle
in frustration or anger, with negligent
disregard of the consequences, and does
not strike a person or damage property.
13.G.2.b. A player using extremely objectionable
language, or profanity, regardless of to
whom or what it is directed.
13.G.2.c. Making a threat or challenges of any nature
toward or against any person.
13.G.2.d. Challenging the referee’s decision or ruling
and losing the challenge (e.g., referee’s
ruling was correct) and no time-out is
available. (Verbal Warning not applicable)
13.G.2.e. Any other actions that are considered
extreme unsportsmanlike behavior.
63
USA PICKLEBALL Official Rulebook (2023)
13.G.2.f. Requesting a medical time-out without a
valid medical condition, and the team (or
player in a singles match) has no time-outs
remaining. (Verbal Warning not applicable)
13.G.2.g. Deliberately throwing or hitting a ball that is
not in play with negligent disregard of the
consequences which inadvertently hits a
person.
13.G.3. Effect of Technical Fouls and Technical Warnings. The
assessment of a technical warning or technical foul
shall be accompanied by a brief explanation of the
reason.
13.G.3.a. A technical warning shall not result in a loss
of rally or point awarded.
13.G.3.b. Once a technical warning has been issued, a
second technical warning for any reason,
given to the same player/team during the
match, will result in a technical foul being
issued to the player/team.
13.G.3.c. If a referee issues a technical foul, one point
shall be removed from the score of the
offending player/team unless their score is
zero, in which case a point shall be added to
the score of the opposing side. After the
point is removed or awarded, the player or
team losing or awarded the point must
move on their own to the correct position(s)
that reflects their score.
13.G.3.d. A called technical warning or technical foul
shall have no effect on server change or side
out.
64 USA PICKLEBALL Official Rulebook (2023)
13.G.3.e. Verbal warnings, technical warnings and
technical fouls may be assessed any time
the players are at the court, independent of
whether the match is in progress. This
includes during warm-up time. Play shall not
be stopped to assess a warning or foul. The
assessment of the warning or foul shall be
applied after the rally has ended. Behavior
raising to the level of a warning or foul after
the match is over shall be brought to the
attention of the Tournament Director.
13.H. Game Forfeit. The referee will impose a game forfeit when
either of the following occurs:
13.H.1. After one technical warning has been assessed and
the subsequent issuance of a technical foul listed in
Rule 13.G.2.
13.H.2. After one technical foul has been assessed in
accordance with Rule 13.G.3.b. or Rule 13.G.2. and the
subsequent issuance of another technical warning for
any reason.
13.H.3. For a match format that is one game to 15 or 21, a
game forfeit is equivalent to a match forfeit.
13.H.4. For a match format that is two-out-of-three or three-
out-of-five games, a referee may impose a game
forfeit when a player/team fails to report to play 10
minutes after the match has been called to play. A
match forfeit will be imposed when a player/team
fails to report to play 15 minutes after the match has
been called to play. If the match format is a one
game to 15 or 21, the match forfeit occurs when the
player/team fails to report to play 10 minutes after
the match has been called to play. The Tournament
65
USA PICKLEBALL Official Rulebook (2023)
Director may permit a longer delay if circumstances
warrant such a decision.
13.I. Match Forfeit. The referee will impose a match forfeit based
on a combination of Technical Warnings or Technical Fouls
when either of the following occurs:
13.I.1. The combined issuance of two technical warnings
and a technical foul listed in Rule 13.G.2
13.I.2. After one technical foul has been assessed in
accordance with Rule 13.G.3.b or Rule 13.G.2 and the
subsequent issuance of a second technical foul for
any reason.
13.I.3. Behavior that shall result in a match forfeit that is not
due to a combination of Technical Warnings or
Technical Fouls.
13.I.3.a. Making deliberately aggressive physical
contact with an opponent, official or
spectator.
13.I.3.b. Aggressively or recklessly striking or
throwing a ball or paddle out of frustration
or anger that puts an individual or facility
property at risk or in danger.
13.I.4. The Tournament Director may impose a match forfeit
for failure to comply with the tournament or host
facility’s rules while on the premises, or for improper
conduct on the premises between matches, or for
abuse of hospitality, locker room, or failure to comply
with other rules and procedures.
13.J. Challenging Referee Rulings or Decisions. If a player
disagrees with a referee’s ruling or decision, that player may
challenge the referee’s ruling or decision by asking for the
Head Referee, Tournament Director, or the Tournament
66 USA PICKLEBALL Official Rulebook (2023)
Director’s designee. If the referee’s ruling or decision is
determined to be correct, the player or team will lose a time-
out and be given a technical warning (see 13.G.1.g). If no
time-outs are available and the referee’s ruling is correct, the
player/team will be given a technical foul (see 13.G.2.d).
When the referee’s ruling or decision is incorrect, the ruling
will be reversed and, if applicable, the rally will be replayed.
13.K. Removal of a Line Judge. The referee may remove a line
judge for any reasonable cause, based on either the referee's
own observation or that of the players. If the referee decides
to replace a line judge based on their own observation, the
referee's decision is final. The players may also petition the
referee to remove a line judge, providing all players agree. If
the referee does not agree, the referee must consult with the
Tournament Director for a final decision. If a line judge is
removed, the Tournament Director will appoint a
replacement.
13.K.1. Removal of a Referee. If all players agree, they may
petition the Tournament Director for a referee
removal. The Tournament Director retains the final
discretionary authority on the removal of a Referee. If
a Referee is removed, the Tournament Director will
appoint a replacement.
13.L. Non-Officiated Play. Any player may request a referee or
Tournament Director if:
13.L.1. The player reasonably believes that a rule is being
consistently and deliberately violated by their
opponent.
13.L.2. A situation arises where players are not able to
quickly and easily resolve a dispute.
67
USA PICKLEBALL Official Rulebook (2023)
13.M. Ejections and Expulsions. The Tournament Director may eject
a player from the tournament for flagrant and particularly
injurious behavior that, in the opinion of the Tournament
Director, impacts the success of the tournament. An ejection
can occur due to actions any time the player is at the
tournament venue and may include, but is not limited to:
13.M.1. Using ethnic, religious, racial, sexist, or homophobic
slurs.
13.M.2. Injury to a player, official, or spectator through an act
of paddle or ball abuse.
13.M.3. Spitting or coughing on a person.
13.M.4. Not exhibiting “best effort”. This includes but is not
limited to, defaulting, forfeiting, or not giving best
efforts in matches, whether for their own benefit or
otherwise.
Note: In addition to an ejection, the Tournament Director also has
the option to expel the player from the tournament venue.
68 USA PICKLEBALL Official Rulebook (2023)
APPENDIX
USA Pickleball Official Rulebook Priorities and Guiding Principles.
Preface
The USA Pickleball Official Rulebook is the organization’s most
important product. It is the foundational document for the sport
of pickleball and should be treated with the respect accorded the
sport’s founders and those who have written and approved rules
over the years.
Writing rules that are objective, clear and concise is difficult work.
Because those involved in writing and/or approving rules come
from different backgrounds and experiences, it is important to
have rule writing priorities and guiding principles that help provide
a measure of consistency from year to year. The following
Rulebook Priorities and Guiding Principles were developed to
guide rule writers and approvers in their important work.
Priorities
The following three priorities should be considered “tests” for any
suggested rule change. Any suggested rule change should satisfy
at least one of these three priorities, listed in order of importance:
1. The first priority is preserving the integrity of the sport, one
that incorporates the elements of fun, cooperation,
courtesy, and competition. This priority pays homage to
those who developed the sport in 1965 and those who
have written and approved rule changes over the years.
2. The second priority is what is collectively best for the
players. This priority examines rule changes for improving
the player experience. It “tests” suggested rule changes
from the standpoint of minimizing player disagreements,
making it easier to learn the sport, teach the sport, and
69
USA PICKLEBALL Official Rulebook (2023)
play the sport, while also allowing for moderate innovation
as player skills and equipment develop and evolve.
3. The third priority is what’s best for officiating. It “tests” rule
changes to make it less likely conflicts will occur between
players as well as between players and officials.
Guiding Principles
The USA Pickleball Official Rulebook covers a wide variety of rules
that cover the court and equipment, recreational and social play as
well as tournament play, officiated and non-officiated. The
following are Guiding Principles for those writing and approving
rules. To the extent possible, rules should:
1. Apply to all levels and categories of players; recreational
and social players, as well as professional and amateur
tournament players (officiated and non-officiated). Specific
rules for a single category of player, for example, the pro
level player, should be approved after careful consideration
and examination of how the rule change might impact the
sport beyond the pro level of competition.
2. Be written with a deterministic focus, i.e., from the
standpoint of “if this occurs, this is what happens”. If
something is not allowed or should not happen, the
consequences (for example: replay, fault, technical warning,
etc.) should be provided as part of the rule.
3. Center on that which should not occur, not on what is
permitted or allowed. Attempts to include rules describing
what is allowed will result in an unnecessarily lengthy
Rulebook.
4. Avoid ambiguity, player discretion, or referee judgment-
related rules. Such rules invite disagreements and
different interpretations. To this end, when a key word is
used to describe when a rule applies, the word should be
70 USA PICKLEBALL Official Rulebook (2023)
defined as either a part of the rule or in the Definition
Section of the Rulebook.
5. Allow equipment manufacturers to innovate, as long as
such innovation does not overwhelm or outpace the
average player’s ability to keep up with the speed and
difficulty of the sport. Equipment-related rule changes
should be given particularly close scrutiny because of their
precedent-setting potential.
6. Have an element of precedent accorded to them. Change
for change sake should be avoided to avoid frustration
among or a loss of confidence by players.
7. Allow for an appropriate degree of player innovation. Such
innovation should maintain a healthy balance between
historical rules that have been instrumental to the sport’s
growth and appeal.
8. Preserve the unique features and rules of the sport
involving the Non-Volley Zone and the two-bounce rule
and prevent one shot or type of play from dominating the
sport.
9. Address a known issue or anticipate trends and needs of
the sport before it becomes necessary.
10. Be subjected to reviews and comments by domestic and
international stakeholders.
71
USA PICKLEBALL Official Rulebook (2023)
INDEX
10 second rule 4.E
Additional Balls 7.N
Apparel 2.G
violation 2.G.4
Around the post (ATP) shot
11.M; 11.L.3
Ball specifications 2.D
cracked/broken 11.E
color 2.D.3
Calling the score 4.D
singles matches 4.I
doubles matches 4.J
wrong score called 4.K
Carry 3.A.1
deliberate carry 7.L
Change of ends 5.B
Coaching
defined 3.A.2
13.G.1.j
11.P
Court 3.A.3
baseline 2.B.1
centerline 2.B.5
court specifications 2.A
cross court 3.A.4
items on court 11.H
left/odd court 3.A.17; 2.B.7
lines and areas 2.B
net (see net)
non-volley zone 2.B.3
right/even court 3.A.32; 2.B.6
service court 3.A.37; 2.B.4
side lines 2.B.2
Dead ball
definition 3.A.5
rules Section 8
Distractions
definition 3.A.6
rule 11.J
Double bounce 3.A.7
Wheelchair play 1
(see also two-bounce rule)
Double hit
definition 3.A.8
allowed 11.A
End selection rules 5.A.1
Ejection 3.A.9
scoring guidelines 12.F.6
from tournament 13.M
Equipment prob. (player)
11.G
item on court 11.H
Expel 3.A.10; 13.M
from tournament 13.A.4
Fault rules 7
definition 3.A.11
double bounce 7.E
non-volley zone 9.B to 9.D
plane of net 7.K; 11.I
receiver faults 4.N
service faults 4.M
striking permanent object 7.J
touching live ball 7.H; 7.I
touching net system or post 7.G
two-bounce rule 7.A
Forfeit
