What Are the Rules for Singles Pickleball?

Pickleball is a fun and engaging sport that can be played individually or in pairs. In this article, we will explore the rules for singles pickleball, including serving, gameplay, and court positioning. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to play a game of singles pickleball.

What is Singles Pickleball?

Singles pickleball is a version of the popular sport that is played with only one player on each side of the court. The same size playing area and rules are used for both singles and doubles, but there are some differences in the gameplay, serving, and positioning on the court.

In singles pickleball, players are required to cover more ground and be more aggressive in their play. This makes it a more challenging and physically demanding game than doubles pickleball. However, it can also be a lot of fun and provide a great workout.

Serving in Singles Pickleball

The serve in singles pickleball is one of the most important aspects of the game. The server must start the point by hitting the ball diagonally across the net to the receiver, who must let the ball bounce once before returning it.

The server’s arm must be moving in an upward arc when the ball is struck. The ball must be served underhand, and the paddle must contact the ball below the server’s waist. If the server makes contact with the ball above the waist or fails to hit the ball into the diagonal service court, it is considered a fault and the receiver gets a point.

Gameplay in Singles Pickleball

In singles pickleball, the game is played until one player reaches 11 points and is ahead by at least 2 points. If the score is tied at 10-10, the game continues until one player takes a 2-point lead.

The receiver must let the serve bounce once before returning it. After the first shot, both players can hit the ball out of the air or after it has bounced once. The ball must be hit back and forth over the net until one player fails to return it or hits it out of bounds.

Scoring in Singles Pickleball

In singles pickleball, points are scored when the opponent fails to return the ball, hits it out of bounds, or commits a fault. The server continues to serve until they commit a fault, at which point the opponent becomes the server.

Positioning on the Court in Singles Pickleball

The correct side of the pickleball court is dictated by the score of the pickleball game: If the server’s score is even (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, etc.), then the serve must be from the even/right-hand side of the pickleball court and served to the receiver’s even/right-hand side of the pickleball court. If the server’s score is odd (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, etc.), then the serve must be from the odd/left-hand side of the pickleball court and served to the receiver’s odd/left-hand side of the pickleball court. This rule applies to both singles and doubles pickleball.

During the game, players are allowed to move anywhere on their side of the court. However, they must stay out of the non-volley zone, also known as the kitchen. The kitchen is the area on both sides of the net that extends 7 feet from the net. Players cannot step into the kitchen and hit the ball out of the air unless the ball bounces in the kitchen first.

Faults and Out-of-Bounds in Singles Pickleball

In singles pickleball, players are not allowed to touch the net or the opponent’s court with any part of their body or their paddle. If a player touches the net or the opponent’s court, it is considered a fault, and the opponent gets a point.

If the ball lands outside the court or touches the non-volley zone line, it is considered out of bounds, and the opponent gets a point. If the ball hits the net and lands in the proper service court, it is considered a let, and the serve is replayed.

The First Serve of the Game in Singles Pickleball

The first serve of the game in singles pickleball is determined by a coin toss or another random method. The winner of the toss can choose to serve or receive. After the first serve, the serve goes to the player who did not serve the previous point.

Deciding Who Serves First in Singles Pickleball

There are multiple ways to decide which player serves first in singles pickleball. Some recreational groups designate one side of the court as the “serving side,” and the player on that side serves first. In tournaments, players usually spin a paddle or coin, and the player whose side the paddle or coin lands on gets to choose to serve or receive.

The Golden Rule of Singles Pickleball

The golden rule of singles pickleball is to keep the ball in play. The longer the ball stays in play, the more opportunities there are for both players to make a mistake. By keeping the ball in play, players can increase their chances of winning the point.

Common Singles Pickleball Strategies

Some common strategies in singles pickleball include hitting the ball deep to the corners of the court, attacking the opponent’s backhand, and using drop shots to catch the opponent off guard. Players can also use lobs to force the opponent back and then hit a hard shot to a different area of the court.

Singles Pickleball vs. Doubles Pickleball

While the rules for singles and doubles pickleball are similar, there are some key differences between the two versions of the sport. In doubles pickleball, players are allowed to hit the ball out of the air while in the non-volley zone, and the serving order is determined at the beginning of the game. Doubles pickleball also requires more teamwork and communication between partners.

Pickleball Equipment Standards

The USA Pickleball Equipment Standards Manual contains equipment rules, specifications, and testing details that had previously been contained within the USA Pickleball Official Rulebook. This new document was created in an effort to make the USA Pickleball Official Rulebook more user-friendly while providing a stand-alone document that focuses solely on equipment standards.

How to Improve Your Singles Pickleball Skills

There are many ways to improve your singles pickleball skills, including practicing your serves, improving your footwork, and playing against players who are better than you. It’s also important to stay in good physical condition and to warm up properly before playing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, singles pickleball is a challenging and fun version of the popular sport that requires players to be more aggressive and cover more ground. The rules for singles pickleball are similar to those for doubles pickleball, but there are some key differences in serving, gameplay, and positioning on the court. By following these rules and practicing your skills, you can become a skilled singles pickleball player and enjoy all the benefits of this engaging and exciting sport.

FAQs

How is serving different in singles pickleball compared to doubles pickleball?

In singles pickleball, the server serves from the even/right-hand side of the court if their score is even and from the odd/left-hand side if their score is odd. In doubles pickleball, the serving order is determined at the beginning of the game.

Can you hit the ball out of the air while in the non-volley zone in singles pickleball?

No, players are not allowed to hit the ball out of the air while in the non-volley zone in singles pickleball. They must let the ball bounce before hitting it.

How do you determine who serves first in singles pickleball?

There are multiple ways to determine who serves first in singles pickleball. Some recreational groups designate one side of the court as the “serving side,” and the player on that side serves first. In tournaments, players usually spin a paddle or coin, and the player whose side the paddle or coin lands on gets to choose to serve or receive.

What is the golden rule of singles pickleball?

The golden rule of singles pickleball is to keep the ball in play. By keeping the ball in play, players can increase their chances of winning the point.

How can you improve your singles pickleball skills?

You can improve your singles pickleball skills by practicing your serves, improving your footwork, playing against players who are better than you, and staying in good physical condition.

Reference Links

1. The Pickler: https://thepickler.com/blogs/pickleball-blog/pickleball-rules-singles
2. USA Pickleball: https://usapickleball.org/what-is-pickleball/official-rules/rules-summary/
3. USA Pickleball: https://usapickleball.org/what-is-pickleball/official-rules/
4. Pickleball Union: https://pickleballunion.com/pickleball-rules-singles/
5. Paddletek: https://www.paddletek.com/blogs/news/singles-pickleball-rules