Rules

Rules & Regulations

Clear, no-fluff breakdowns of every pickleball rule - from the kitchen and non-volley zone to scoring, faults, and everything in between.

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Why Does Pickleball Start With 0-0-2?
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Why Does Pickleball Start With 0-0-2?

The score call "0-0-2" confuses almost every new player. Learn what each number means and why doubles games start with the second server instead of the first.

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2026 Pickleball Rule Changes Every Player Should Know
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2026 Pickleball Rule Changes Every Player Should Know

The 2026 USA Pickleball rule changes are now in effect. Some are small. Some will catch you off guard. Here is what changed and what it means for your game.

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Confusing Pickleball Rules Part 1: The Kitchen Fault That Happens After the Rally
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Confusing Pickleball Rules Part 1: The Kitchen Fault That Happens After the Rally

One of the most misunderstood rules in pickleball has nothing to do with where the ball lands. It has everything to do with where your body goes after you hit it.

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The 10-Second Rule in Pickleball
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The 10-Second Rule in Pickleball

Most players have no idea there is a serving time limit in pickleball. There is. And once you know about it, you can actually use it to your advantage in tournaments.

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Why Does Only the Serving Team Score in Pickleball?
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Why Does Only the Serving Team Score in Pickleball?

New players always ask this question. Why can the receiving team win a rally and still not score? The answer comes down to one built-in disadvantage that the serving team always starts with.

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What Happens If You Touch the Net in Pickleball?
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What Happens If You Touch the Net in Pickleball?

Accidentally touch the net during a rally in pickleball? That is a fault and you lose the rally. Here is exactly what counts and what does not.

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What Happens If You Miss the Ball on Your Serve in Pickleball?
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What Happens If You Miss the Ball on Your Serve in Pickleball?

Swing and miss on your serve in pickleball? It is not a fault. Here is what the rule actually says and what you can do when it happens.

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The Double Hit Rule in Pickleball
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The Double Hit Rule in Pickleball

Can you hit the ball twice in pickleball? The answer depends on how it happens. Learn when a double hit is completely legal and when it is a fault.

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3 Serve Rules Every Pickleball Beginner Needs to Know
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3 Serve Rules Every Pickleball Beginner Needs to Know

You can hit a great serve and still lose the point if you break one of these three rules. Most beginners do not even know they exist.

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Hinder vs Distraction in Pickleball: What Is the Difference?
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Hinder vs Distraction in Pickleball: What Is the Difference?

Most players have never heard of a hinder and confuse distractions with normal gameplay. Here is the difference between the two and what happens when each one is called.

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How Timeouts Work in Pickleball
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How Timeouts Work in Pickleball

Most recreational players never think about timeouts until they are in a tournament and do not know the rules. Here is how they work so you are never caught off guard.

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Can You Blow on the Ball in Pickleball?
Rules Members

Can You Blow on the Ball in Pickleball?

If a ball lands with enough backspin to roll back toward the net, you are actually allowed to blow on it in pickleball. Here is why that is completely legal.

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