Pickleball Rules: The Basics

Learn The Basic Rules of How to Play Pickleball

Pickleball is a fun and engaging sport that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong and is suitable for players of all ages and skill levels. If you’re new to the game, this article will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the basic rules of pickleball.

Court and Equipment:

Court Size: Pickleball is typically played on a rectangular shaped court that measures 20 feet wide by 44 feet long. The net that divides the court stands at 36 inches at the posts and 34 inches high in the middle.

Paddles: Pickleball paddles are solid, rectangular-shaped, and made of various materials, including wood, composite, or graphite. They must not have any perforations or holes.

Ball: Pickleballs are perforated plastic balls that come in various colors. The most commonly used ball has 40 round holes and weighs approximately 0.9 ounces.

Gameplay is typically a doubles sport but can be played as a singles match as well. The playing area and rules are the same for either doubles or single pickleball games.

Gameplay Rules:

Starting the Game: The game begins with one team serving the ball diagonally across the net to the opposing team.

Serving: When serving, the team must serve from behind the baseline with an underhand swing. The server keeps one foot behind the baseline and contacts the ball below the waist. The serve must clear the net and land in the diagonal service court on the opposite side. Serving always starts on the right side of the court by whichever player is currently in that position.

Only one serve is allowed if the server faults. One exception is if the serve touches the net and goes over into the correct service court, it is a “let” and is replayed without penalty.

Servers continue to serve until a fault is committed by their team. During the opening serve of the game, only one player serves, switching sides between serves if no faults are committed by their team. Once a fault is committed, the serve switches to the opposing team.

After the opening serve of the game, however, both players of a team will be allowed to serve during their team’s turn. The player on the right side serves first regardless of who served the previous turn. Since players switch sides between serves, either player may end up on the right side depending on when the other team gained control of serving.

Double Bounce Rule: After the serve, the opposing team must let the ball bounce once, then the returning team (originally served) must also let the ball bounce before contact.

Non-Volley Zone, also called “Kitchen”: The non-volley zone is a 7-foot area on either side of the net, and players are not allowed to step in this zone to volley (hit the ball without letting it bounce). However, players can enter the non-volley zone to play a ball that has bounced.

pickleball court diagram

Faults: A fault is a mistake that results in the loss of the point. Common faults include failing to serve the ball over the net, stepping into the non-volley zone (often called the “kitchen”) during a volley, and hitting the ball out of bounds.

Out of Bounds: A ball that lands outside the court’s boundary lines is considered out. If the ball lands on the boundary line, it is considered in. Players are responsible for making their own line calls. If there’s a dispute, it’s common to replay the point.

Scoring: Traditionally, points are only scored on the serve. However, some players prefer to use rally scoring, meaning that a point can be won by either the serving or receiving team upon winning a rally. Games are typically played to 11, 15, or 21 points, and you must win by at least two points. 

Pickleball is a fantastic way to exercise and enjoy friendly competition. These are just the basics and official rules can be found at USA Pickleball.

If you are considering adding a Pickleball Court to your home or property, contact Flex Court of New York for a quote!

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Mastering Half-Court Basketball: Big3 Rules and Why It’s a Game-Changer

Are you ready to elevate your half-court basketball game with a twist? The Big3 basketball league has transformed the sport we love, injecting it with a dose of adrenaline and creating a unique version known as Fireball3. Let’s dive deep into the world of half-court basketball and explore the official rules that govern this high-paced and action-packed game. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting, understanding these rules can take your game to a whole new level.

Half-Court Basketball Game
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Why You Should Install In-Home Gym Flooring

Green and blue, in-home basketball court with a fence and brick wall. The right type of flooring is essential for a safe and efficient in-home gym experience. Your in-home gym will become a visual centerpiece that will offer the ultimate surface for your sports needs and purposes so it’s crucial that you choose the most suitable floor. If you’re looking for durability, safety, aesthetics, maintenance, and performance, then Flex Court Athletics has the perfect in-home gym flooring solution for you! There are so many benefits to our unique and outstanding flooring, and we’d like to share just a few with you.
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5 Benefits of Owning a Home Practice Court

A boy and father playing basketball outside

There are so many reasons to invest in a home basketball court or a home practice court of any kind. If you’ve been thinking of installing a home practice court but don’t have a reason to justify the purchase, read on! You can thank us later.
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Our Favorite Ways to Customize Your Game Court Installation

Outdoor basketball court in the backyard of a home on Long Island

Athletic courts come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Whether you opt for a regulation-size court or want something a little more customized, Flex Courts New York has experience designing all types of courts with unique features to accommodate just about any configuration. Our courts can be sport-specific or multipurpose to accommodate everything from basketball to tennis, racquetball, and more. With so many options, it’s no wonder Long Island residents want to add their own unique flair to each game court installation. Here are just a few ways you can customize your very own!
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How to Care for your Indoor Gym Flooring

Gymnasium flooring at school in Long Island

Flex Court Athletics is a leading gym floor installation company, and it’s no secret why: our athletic flooring is the most versatile and durable on the market. Long Island homeowners and gymnasium managers can rely on Flex Court gym floors to perform time after time, even after an intense game or practice session. While our floors stand up well to heavy use, it’s important that you properly care for them to prolong their life and protect your investment. Follow our tips to care for floor and maintain its appearance for years to come.
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Why You Should Install an Indoor Basketball Court

A custom indoor basketball court is the most convenient way to get in some practice, blow off steam or entertain family and friends. Flex Court Athletics New York installs indoor courts throughout Long Island. Homeowners love how easy it is to get a quick game in, not to mention how easy our athletic flooring is to care for! Our expert team can get your home court up and running in no time, so you’ll soon be enjoying the many benefits of an indoor Flex Court system.
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Reviving the Game of Tennis in Long Island One Flex Court at a Time

Low-maintenance backyard tennis courtFlex Court Athletics is on a mission – a mission to remind Long Island and New York state residents about the game of tennis by transforming courts with modular systems. Dating back to the mid-1800s, tennis is a beloved sport for many and even has its competitive space in the Olympics. No matter your age, tennis is a sport the whole family can enjoy. Play as singles or doubles, but be careful to not make a moonball play so you don’t put your opponent in a bad mood. Continue reading

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Top 7 Types of Home Practice Courts for New York Sports

Practice time is more convenient for kids with practice courts at home

From elementary school years to adulthood, sports are a favorite hobby for many. For some, it’s the building blocks to a career in athletics. No matter how frequently you play, durable practice courts are crucial for every sport.

Children who are in athletic extracurricular activities get to practice right at school. Physical Education (P.E.) classes are great for conditioning and practice because students get to play on professional-grade courts specifically designed for high-impact activities. Most often, these are at schools or indoor gym facilities.

In New York State, outdoor temperatures are harsh during the majority of the school year, making practice more difficult. That is when coaches turn to indoor sports facilities during the cooler months. When the temperatures are favorable, it is more advantageous to practice in outdoor facilities and sports fields.

No matter what your age, it’s inevitable that sports practice needs to be done at home to excel during gameplay. Here are the top seven types of sports practice courts you can build right at home: Continue reading

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Benefits of a Basketball Court Installation in Long Island, NY

Benefits of a Basketball Court Installation in Long Island, NY

Improved health at your home or work with custom basketball court installations

Between the television, video games and social media, it can be difficult to convince children to go outside and play – especially if there isn’t a park or sports complex nearby. However, one activity is known to pull kids away from their devices and into the fresh air: basketball. From group pick-up games to endless matches of H.O.R.S.E., a basketball court has a certain appeal that brings people of all ages together to bask in the sunshine and shoot hoops. For most Long Island families, a basketball court installation could be just the thing to bring the whole family together and encourage healthier, more active lifestyles. Here are three of the biggest benefits of a residential basketball court installation.

Encourages Exercise

A home basketball court is convenient for group get-togethers and solo practice sessions alike. Kids have no excuse to forgo exercising, but they probably won’t want to skip exercising with a basketball court of their own so close by. Adjustable goals make it easy for parents to challenge their children as they grow, turning a recreational addition to your home into an investment that will last for generations. And, as an added benefit, a home court is a safe environment for everyone to hang out and play—no more worrying about when your child and their friends will return from the public courts.

Less Expensive Than an Indoor Gym

Want to get in shape without leaving the house? An in-home gym can be expensive and take a long time to develop. Plus, it takes up space you could be using for something else. A basketball court installation is fast, convenient, and offers the potential for much more interesting workouts. It can also be custom-designed to your exact specifications, even down to the color of the floors.

Incredibly Versatile

Although basketball courts are naturally used for basketball, they can be used for many other sports, as well. Games like badminton and volleyball are so much better on a real court surface. Sports turf court installations are able to teach kids how to work together as a team in many different types of sports, how to make new friends and improve their interpersonal skills, and how to play at a competitive level.

Our long-lasting residential basketball court installations are perfect for families or groups of friends who want to encourage their kids to stay active while getting more exercise themselves. If you would like to learn more, please call Flex Court’s home or backyard sports court installation specialists at 631-753-0003 for a FREE design consultation, or contact us online to talk to one of our knowledgeable installers today!

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