Learn Pickleball
If you are new to pickleball and want to learn the game we highly suggest starting with a a beginner’s class where court layout, scoring, court position , rules, and general pickleball lingo are taught … all while getting “hands on” practice on the court!
There is beginner’s session almost every Tuesday evening at 6:00pm at East Heights Baptist Church. Check dates and sign up via playtimescheduler.com. You’ll be addicted in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions, Facts, & Rules
ZERO-ZERO-START
In doubles, the first number is the server’s score; the second, the receiving teams score; and the third is whether it is the first or second serve.
THE SERVER CALLS THE SCORE TO BEGIN PLAY
In singles, serve from the right if your score is even, the left if your score is odd.
SERVES ARE ALWAYS UNDERHAND
The paddle has to hit the ball below the server’s waist and the ball has to land diagonally cross court past the kitchen line.
TWO-BOUNCE RULE BEFORE VOLLEYING
Each serve, the ball must bounce once in each court before volleys are allowed. Also known as Double Bounce rule.
THE KITCHEN= NVZ (No Volley Zone)
It is commonly referred to as “the kitchen”, but it’s true name is the “No Volley Zone”! Don’t serve into it. Don’t step in it while volleying.
STAY OUT OF THE KITCHEN
In the non-volley zone players cannot volley the ball (hitting the ball without it bouncing on their side of the court). Serves can also not land in the non-volley zone.
KITCHEN MOMENTUM
Players momentum into the kitchen after volleying is a fault.
DON’T LET THE BALL TOUCH YOU
If the ball hits you, your clothing, or anything you’re carrying, it’s a fault!
IN OR OUT?
It is the opponent’s decision whether you or your partner’s ball are out of bounds. Likewise, it is your tem’s decision on your opponets!
FIRST TO 11 WITH A 2 POINT LEAD WINS
When a player reaches 11 points, if their opponent has 9 points or fewer, they win the game. If they do not lead by 2 points, play continues until the 2-point lead is achieved by a side.
ONE BOUNCE – ONE HIT
Don’t let the ball bounce twice on your side. Send it to your opponent in one hit.
SCORE POINTS ONLY ON SERVES
The receiving team/player does not earn points. When the server faults, roles switch and the receiving player becomes the server.
ALTERNATE POSITIONS UPON SCORING
Serving team rotate positions only upon scoring a point.
BIG HOLES & LITTLE HOLES
You will use balls which are lighter and have larger holes if playing inside. Outside balls have smaller holes and are of sturdier plastic.