Pickleball is a fast-paced, smile-inducing workout that has hooked players of all ages, from kids to seniors. Whether you’ve never played or are a seasoned paddle pro, there’s always something new to learn about pickleball singles rules. And if you thought pickleball was just for doubles, think again!
Singles pickleball entails quick movements, sharp angles, and clever shot-making. It’s all about outsmarting your opponent while covering the entire court. Why give singles a shot? It’s the ultimate test of skill, strategy, and stamina. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get your heart pumping while improving your game. Keep reading to learn all the must-know pickleball singles rules, tips, and tricks for dominating your next one-on-one match.
Where in the World Did Pickleball Come From?
Pickleball has quite a quirky origin story: it started on a summer day in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Three dads—Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum—wanted to entertain their bored kids. Armed with a badminton court, a few ping-pong paddles, and a Wiffle ball, they created what we now know as pickleball.
Since then, pickleball has taken off like a rocket, becoming one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S. and beyond. While doubles is the most popular way to play, singles pickleball is quickly gaining fans. Singles is like a chess game—fast-paced, strategic, and demanding just the right mix of finesse and power. It’s perfect for those looking to up their cardio while sharpening their skills.
What Are the Pickleball Single Rules
The Court
A pickleball court is 20 feet wide by 44 feet long, the same dimensions as a badminton court. Whether you’re playing singles or doubles, the court size remains the same, which means you’ll need some quick footwork to cover all that ground when playing solo.
The court is divided by a net that stands 36 inches high at the sidelines and dips to 34 inches in the center. Each side of the court is split into two service boxes, separated by a centerline, and features a 7-foot non-volley zone (also known as the kitchen) near the net. The compact size of the court makes for fast-paced rallies and lots of action, requiring players to be quick on their feet and sharp with their shot placement.
Serving Pickleball Singles Rules
The server starts from the right-hand court for the first serve and each side out. The server then alternates sides based on their score, serving from the right when their score is even and the left when it’s odd. The serve is underhand and must be hit below waist level, with the paddle swinging in an upward motion.
Unlike doubles, where each team gets two chances to serve, you only get one shot in singles. If you miss, the serve sides out, meaning your opponent gets their turn. There’s no second server to back you up here, so make that serve count! The goal is to keep your opponent on their toes right from the start, so aim for deep, powerful serves to keep them at the baseline. A strong serve can give you the upper hand, so practice it until you’ve got it down to a science.
Scoring System for Singles Pickleball
The traditional scoring system is used in singles pickleball—only the server can score points. Here’s how it works: if you’re serving and win the rally, you earn a point and continue serving from the opposite service court on your side of the court. If your opponent wins the rally, no point is awarded, and the serve sides out. The game continues in this back-and-forth fashion, with players switching sides of the court after each point scored by the server.
The first player to reach 11 points wins the game, but you must win by at least two points—so if the score is 10-10, you’ll need to keep playing until someone pulls ahead by two. Games can also be played to 15 or 21 points for a longer match, but the same win-by-two rule applies. This scoring system adds a layer of strategy, as the pressure is on to hold your serve and maximize every scoring opportunity.
Faults and Let Serves
In singles pickleball, a fault is any mistake that ends a rally in favor of your opponent. There are several ways you can commit a fault:
- Hitting the ball out of bounds.
- Not clearing the net.
- Stepping into the non-volley zone to volley a shot.
- Letting the ball bounce more than once on your side.
- Failing to execute a proper serve.
Essentially, any move that breaks the official pickleball singles rules results in a fault, and when that happens, the serve switches to your opponent. So, keep those shots clean and within the lines.
If your serve hits the net but still lands in the correct service box, the ball is live and should be played. But if the serve hits the net and lands in the kitchen or out of bounds, that’s a fault, and the serve goes to your opponent. So, aim for a solid, clean serve to keep the game rolling smoothly!
Singles Pickleball Game Format
Pickleball matches can be played in a few different formats to keep things fresh and exciting. The most common setup is the classic best-of-three-games to 11-points format. Each game is played to 11 points in this setup, but remember—you have to win by at least two points. So if the score is tied at 10-10, it’s time to dig deep and fight for those extra points! Win two out of three games, and you’ve clinched the match.
Strategies for Singles Play
Unlike doubles, where an emphasis on communication and teamwork rule the game, singles are all about covering the court, powerful drives, and deep returns. Aim your shots toward your opponent’s weaker side and push them to the baseline, keeping them on the defensive. Mix up your shots with surprise drop shots, forcing them to sprint up to the net—it’s a great way to tire them out! Speaking of which, stamina is your secret weapon in singles. You’ll be covering a lot more ground, so ensure you have the energy to keep up.
Wrap-Up: Pickleball Singles Rules
And there you have it—singles pickleball in all its fast-paced, strategic glory! From nailing those serves to mastering clever shot placements and staying nimble, you’re now armed with the know-how to hit the court. Who knows, you might become the next singles pickleball champ in your neighborhood. Now get out there and show that pickleball who’s boss!
Have you played singles pickleball? Comment below about your experience.
FAQ: Pickleball Singles Rules
What are the different rules for singles vs doubles play in pickleball?
In pickleball, singles and doubles play have distinct rules. In singles, one player covers the entire court, focusing on individual strategy and stamina. Scoring is simpler, with only two numbers announced (server’s score and receiver’s score). In doubles, two players per team share court coverage, emphasizing teamwork and communication. The serve can be less aggressive, with players often targeting specific areas to set up their partner. Both formats require different strategies and physical demands.
How do you score points in singles pickleball?
Points in singles pickleball can only be scored by the serving player. A player wins a point when their opponent fails to return the ball or commits a fault. The game is typically played to 11 points, requiring a two-point lead to win.
What is the double bounce rule in pickleball singles rules?
The double bounce rule states that after the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before players can hit it out of the air (volley). This means the server must let their serve bounce before returning it, and vice versa for the receiver.
Are there any specific pickleball singles rules for serving?
Yes, in singles pickleball, the serve must be made underhand and must land beyond the non-volley zone (kitchen) line. Players only get one serve attempt, and they must switch sides after scoring a point, serving diagonally from their current position.