The serve must be made underhand, contacting the ball below waist level. The server must have both feet behind the baseline, serving diagonally crosscourt.
In doubles, both team members serve before the serve passes to the opponents. The first serve of each side-out is made from the right-hand court.
Games are played to 11 points, win by 2. Points are scored only by the serving team when the opponent commits a fault.
Each team must play its first shot off the bounce. The receiving team must let the serve bounce, and the serving team must let the return of serve bounce before playing it.
Players cannot volley the ball while standing in the non-volley zone or when their momentum carries them into it after a volley. The zone extends 7 feet from the net on both sides.
Faults occur when the ball is hit out of bounds, doesn't clear the net, is volleyed from the non-volley zone, or is volleyed before a bounce on each side.
A ball contacting any part of any line, except the non-volley zone line on a serve, is considered in. Players are responsible for calling the lines on their side of the court.
Players are expected to maintain proper etiquette, avoiding profanity and disruptive behavior. Good sportsmanship is encouraged.
Each team is allowed two time-outs per game. Time-outs last up to one minute and can be called when the ball is not in play.
Paddles must meet size and material specifications. The ball must be a USAPA-approved plastic pickleball, uniform in color.
The court is 20 feet by 44 feet for both singles and doubles. The net height is 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center.
As of 2021, the drop serve is allowed. The server may drop the ball (no force or bounce) and hit it after the bounce. The ball may bounce multiple times before being struck.