A sport that's simply fun

Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the world – and this is mainly due to the simplicity of the rules. You don't need a coach, no long preparation – just grab a racket, hit the ball over the net and off you go.

To help you get started right away, we have summarized the most important rules for you here in a short and easy-to-understand way.

The playing field

The pickleball court is 13.41 meters long and 6.10 meters wide – about the same size as a badminton court. The net is 86 cm high in the middle and 91 cm high at the sides.

Important: In front of the net, on both sides, is the so-called non-volley zone (often called "kitchen"). You are not allowed to hit the ball out of the air in this zone.

The serve

• The serve is made from below and diagonally over the net.
• The ball must bounce once before it is hit back.
• The server stands behind the baseline and hits the ball from the right or left service zone.
• There are no second serves – a mistake results in a change of serve.

Points count

• Only the serving team can score points.
• A game usually goes to 11 points – you have to win by 2 points .
• So, at 10:10, play continues until one team is ahead by 2 points.

The scoring is always done in the following order: server points – opponent points – serving position (e.g. “5-3-1”).

Mistakes and rallies

• The ball lands outside the lines .
• The ball touches the net during the serve.
• The ball is played out of the air in the non-volley zone .
• The ball bounces twice before it is played.

In case of a mistake, the right to serve changes – first within the team, then to the opponent.

Game variations

Pickleball can be played as singles or doubles . The rules are largely identical – in doubles, the players alternate between serving and receiving.

Many clubs in Europe are starting with doubles because it is more social, dynamic and easier to play .

Conclusion

Pickleball is appealing because the rules are simple, fair, and quick to learn . Within minutes you're in the game – and you'll experience the dynamics that make the sport so popular worldwide.

So: Reserve a court, invite your friends and get started – with MyCityPB you're ready for your first match.