This guide uses standard side-out scoring
This introduction follows the 2026 USA Pickleball standard rules for standing doubles. In side-out scoring, only the serving team scores; a typical game is to 11, win by two. Some sessions and competitions use rally scoring or other formats. Ask which rules apply before playing.
Serve diagonally, beyond the kitchen
Serve into the opposite diagonal service court. A serve landing in the kitchen or on its boundary line is a fault. Volley serves have requirements for the upward arm movement, contact height and paddle position. A drop serve is another option: let the ball fall naturally and hit it after the bounce. Foot-position rules still apply; at contact, at least one foot must be on the ground behind the baseline. Ask an instructor to check your action.
One bounce on each side, not two on yours
The receiver must let the serve bounce before returning it. The serving team must also let that return bounce. After those two shots, players may volley while respecting the non-volley-zone rules. The rule does not allow the ball to bounce twice on one side.
You may enter the kitchen to play a bounced ball
The non-volley zone, or kitchen, extends 7 feet (about 2.13 metres) from each side of the net. You cannot volley while touching the zone or its lines. It is also a fault if momentum from a volley carries you into it. You may enter to play a bounced ball; establish both feet outside the zone before volleying again.
Call the score before serving
In doubles, call the serving team’s score, the receiving team’s score, then the server number. A standard game begins at 0–0–2. Only one player serves on the opening possession; after that, both partners normally take a turn before the serve passes to the opponents. Ask an experienced player to help keep track at first.
Sources
Sources checked on 12 October 2026. Rules may differ by organiser; check the latest official information.
