Pickleball is fast emerging as one of the most exciting sports in India, and the capital city is at the forefront of this growth. From beginners discovering the game to seasoned players sharpening their skills, the demand for quality pickleball venues in Delhi has grown rapidly. For newcomers, however, understanding the rules of the sport is essential to enjoying the game and making the most out of court time. Let’s explore the key rules of pickleball and how they are applied at the top venues across Delhi.

The Basics of Pickleball

Pickleball is played with a paddle and a perforated plastic ball, combining elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. The game can be played in singles or doubles formats, with the aim being to score points by making the ball land within the opponent’s court. What makes it appealing at popular pickleball venues is its simplicity and inclusiveness—people of all ages and skill levels can learn the rules within minutes and start playing competitively.

Court Dimensions and Setup

The pickleball court is the same size for both singles and doubles: 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. The net is 36 inches high at the sidelines and at the center, 34 inches. Each side of the court is divided into right and left service courts, with a seven-foot “non-volley zone” near the net, commonly known as the kitchen. Most pickleball venues in Delhi have adopted international standards for court size and layout to ensure consistent gameplay.

Serving Rules

The serve is the starting point of every rally, and there are some strict rules to follow:

• The serve must be underhand, and the paddle should make contact below the server’s waist.
• The serve must land in the diagonal service box opposite to the server.
• Only one serve attempt is allowed, except in the case of a “let,” where the ball touches the net but still lands in the correct service box.

At professional pickleball venues in Delhi, players are often guided through these serving rules to avoid common mistakes like serving above the waist or stepping into the court before hitting the ball.

The Two-Bounce Rule

One of the unique aspects of pickleball is the two-bounce rule. After the serve, the serve receiving team must let the ball bounce once before returning it. Similarly, the serving team must also allow the ball to bounce once before hitting it back. Only after these two bounces can volleys (hitting the ball before it bounces) be played. This rule keeps the game fair and extends rallies, making it enjoyable for players at all skill levels.

The Kitchen Rule

The “kitchen” or non-volley zone is a seven-foot area on both sides of the net. Players cannot and should not volley the ball while standing inside this zone. They may, however, step into the kitchen to play a ball after it has bounced. This rule prevents players from crowding the net and ensures that rallies are more strategic and skill-based. At pickleball venues in Delhi, beginners are often reminded of the kitchen rule, as it’s one of the most frequently violated rules in early stages of play.