Rules of the Game

Bihar Pickleball Association

Pickleball is a delightful and social sport that is perfect for beginners. Understanding the rules and regulations is essential for playing pickleball effectively, and selecting the right equipment—such as paddles, balls, and footwear—is key to enhancing your game.

Basic Rules

  • The Serve: The serve must be executed underhand, and each team must play the first shot off the bounce.
  • Bouncing and Volleying: After the ball has bounced once on each side, both teams can either volley the ball in the air or play it off the bounce. To volley means to hit the ball before it touches the ground.
  • Non-Volley Zone: No volleying is permitted within the 7-foot non-volley zone, which prevents players from executing smashes from within this area on both sides of the net.
  • Scoring Points: Both players on the serving team are allowed to serve, and a team can only score points while serving. A game is played to 11 points, and a team must win by at least 2 points.
  • Losing Points: Points are lost by hitting the ball out of bounds, hitting the net, stepping into the non-volley zone and volleying the ball, or by volleying the ball before it has bounced on each side of the net.

Specific Rules

  • Serving Position: Players must keep both feet behind the back line when serving. The serve is made underhand.
  • Paddle Position: The paddle must pass below the waist. The server must hit the ball in the air on the serve; bouncing the ball before hitting it is not allowed. The serve must be made diagonally across the court and must clear the non-volley zone. Only one serve attempt is permitted, except in the event of a “let.”
  • First Serving Team: At the start of each new game, the first serving team is allowed only one fault before relinquishing the ball to their opponents.
  • Losing Points: Points are lost by hitting the ball out of bounds, hitting the net, stepping into the non-volley zone and volleying the ball, or by volleying the ball before it has bounced on each side of the net.

Double Bounce Rule

Each team must play its first shot off the bounce. The receiving team must allow the serve to bounce, and the serving team must let the return of the serve bounce before playing it. After these two bounces have occurred, the ball can be either volleyed or played off the bounce.

Double Play

  • If the receiving team faults, the serving team scores a point.
  • When the serving team makes its first fault, players remain in the same court, and the second partner will then serve.
  • When the serving team wins a point, the players will switch courts, and the same player will continue to serve.
  • If the serving team makes its second fault, it will remain in the same court and turn the ball over to the other team.
  • Players switch courts only after scoring. A ball landing on any line is considered in play.

The All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) adheres to the official rules as established by the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP), ensuring a consistent and fair playing experience for all participants. Embrace the joy of pickleball and enjoy the camaraderie it fosters!