BASIC OVERVIEW
The ball is served diagonally (starting with the right-hand service square), and points can only be scored by the side that serves.
Players on each side must let the ball bounce once before volleys are allowed. The server continues to serve, alternating service courts, until they fault. You play until 11 points; win by: 2. You can play singles or doubles.
HOW TO VOLLEY
To volley means to hit a ball in the air without first letting it bounce. This can only be done when the player’s feet are behind the non-volley zone (kitchen) line (seven feet behind the net). It is a fault if the player steps over the line on their volley follow-through.
HOW TO SERVE
Serves are to be made diagonally, starting with the right-hand service square and alternating each serve. The serve must clear the seven-foot non-volley zone in front of the net and land in the diagonal service court.
Serves should always be done underhand with the paddle below the waist, and the server must keep both feet behind the back line when serving. You may drop the ball or take it out of the air. If the ball touches the net but still lands within the appropriate service court, the serve may be taken over. Only 1 service attempt per server. At the start of the game, you start on the 2nd server. When starting a new service rotation, the player on the right-hand side starts.
HOW TO SCORE
A team shall score a point only when serving. A player who is serving shall continue to do so until a fault is made by his/her team.
If playing doubles, each player on a team shall keep serving until their team makes a fault, then the serve moves to the opposing team – this is called a Side Out. The game is played to 11 points, however a team must win by 2 points.
DOUBLE BOUNCE RULE
Each team must play its first shot off the bounce. That is, the receiving team must let the serve bounce and the serving team must let the return of the serve bounce before playing it. Once these two bounces have occured, the ball can either be volleyed or played off the bounce.
WHAT ARE THE FAULTS?
- If it touches any part of the non-volley zone on the serve (including the line).
- If it is hit out of bounds.
- If it does not clear the net.
- If it is volleyed from the non-volley zone.
- If it is volleyed before a bounce has occured on each side.
ETIQUETTE
- Good sportsmanship! Respect all players.
- Introduce yourself at the start of each game.
- If the ball is “out” on your side, call it. If it is close, give the benefit of the doubt to your opponent.
- If you step into the non-volley zone, call the fault on yourself. Be cautious about calling it on others.
- If you’re spectating, make sure your comments aren’t loud, disruptive,
- argumentative or hostile. We encourage all players to play with all
- ability levels and respect one another.
COURT SAFTEY POLICIES
- Make sure you are wearing appropriate clothing and footwear to play pickleball. Wear non-marking shoes.
- No open containers are allowed on the court. Only water and sports drinks are allowed.
- Be aware of your surroundings! We are in close quarters. Keep your balls on your court, and your belongings off to the side so no one trips.
- Wait for play to stop before you step onto the court.
- Call ball on if your ball goes to another court, to signal for them to stop play.
- HAVE FUN!
Ahmedabad Pickleball Arena, Sur no. 647/2, Beside Chase Box Cricket,
Nr. Zaveri Circle, Mamutpura, Ahmedabad-380051