Here at the Indianapolis Pickleball Club (IPC), we’re passionate about making sure everyone can jump in and enjoy this game to the fullest. Learning the rules and scoring may seem a little daunting, but once you’re familiar, you’ll be out there having a blast.
Scoring Basics: Keep It Simple 🎯
Pickleball uses a unique “side-out” scoring system—meaning only the serving team can score points. Here’s how it goes:
Games are typically played to 11 points, and you need to win by 2 points. For longer matches, you might play to 15 or even 21 points.
Doubles: The score is announced with three numbers (e.g., 3-2-1), indicating the server’s team score, the receiving team’s score, and whether it’s the first or second server’s turn.
Singles: Only two numbers are called out—your score and your opponent’s. Just remember, in singles, you switch serving sides based on whether your score is even (right side) or odd (left side).
The Serve: Starting Strong 🔄
The serve is crucial in pickleball, setting the tone for each rally. Here are the essentials:
Serve underhand with the paddle below your waist.
Serve diagonally to the opposite service box without touching the non-volley zone (also known as the “kitchen”).
Only one serve attempt is allowed (no second tries), but if the ball touches the net and lands in the correct service box, it’s a “let,” and you get a redo.
In doubles, both teammates serve before handing it over to the other side. This rotation keeps the game dynamic and fair, so everyone gets a chance to score.
The Kitchen: No Volley Zone 🍲
One unique rule in pickleball is the “kitchen,” a 7-foot area next to the net. Here’s the lowdown:
You can’t volley (hit the ball without a bounce) while standing in the kitchen. This keeps players from over-dominating at the net and keeps the game balanced.
If you want to step into the kitchen, you can, but only to play a ball that’s already bounced.
This rule brings strategy into the game—encouraging softer “dinks” rather than constant power shots, so there’s room for finesse and precision!
Common Faults to Avoid 🚫
Like any sport, pickleball has some basic faults:
Foot faults: If you step into the kitchen during a volley, it’s a fault.
Double-Bounce Rule: After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side of the net before any volleys.
Out of Bounds: Shots that land outside the court boundaries are out.
These are the basics to keep the game fair, challenging, and a lot of fun.
Start Strong with Our Free Pickleball 101 Clinics 🎉
We offer free Pickleball 101 clinics at IPC to help beginners get comfortable on the court. Join us, meet other newcomers, and learn all the fundamentals—from scoring to serving, all the way to those tricky kitchen shots. Our sessions are designed to make learning easy and enjoyable so that you can focus on the fun of the game.
At IPC, we’re all about helping you find your rhythm on the court. Join us soon for a clinic, and let’s make your first step into pickleball an awesome one!
תגובות