Pickleball Rules Doubles: Quick Guide for Fun Matchups
Pickleball doubles is a fun and fast-paced game that’s easy to learn but tricky to master. If you’re new to the sport or just need a refresher, understanding the rules is key to enjoying your time on the court.
In pickleball doubles, only the serving team can score points. The score is called out as three numbers: the serving team’s score, the receiving team’s score, and the server number (1 or 2). This unique scoring system keeps the game exciting and fair for all players.
You’ll also need to know about the non-volley zone, often called “the kitchen.” This area near the net has special rules that add strategy to the game.
By learning these basics and a few other key rules, you’ll be ready to jump into a doubles match and have a blast with your friends.
The Basics of Doubles Play
Pickleball doubles involves two teams of two players each. The game follows specific rules for serving, scoring, and player positioning that are crucial to understand before stepping onto the court.
Starting the Game
To begin a doubles pickleball match, teams decide who serves first. The first server starts on the right side of their court. They must hit the ball diagonally across the net to the opposite court. The receiving team can’t hit the ball until it bounces once.
Both teams must stay behind the non-volley zone line, also called the kitchen line. This area extends 7 feet from the net on both sides.
Remember, only the serving team can score points. If they win the rally, they get a point and continue serving. If they lose, the serve passes to the other team.
Scoring System
In pickleball doubles, scores are announced using three numbers:
- Serving team’s score
- Receiving team’s score
- Server number (1 or 2)
For example, a score might be called as “4-2-1”. This means the serving team has 4 points, the receiving team has 2 points, and it’s the first server‘s turn.
Games are typically played to 11 points, and you must win by 2. Some tournaments play to 15 or 21 points instead.
Serving Sequence
The serving sequence in doubles pickleball is unique. Here’s how it works:
- The first server on the starting team serves until they lose a rally.
- Then, the serve passes to the second player on that team.
- When they lose a rally, the serve goes to the other team.
- Both players on the second team serve before the serve returns to the first team.
This pattern continues throughout the game. Each player alternates between the right and left sides of their court when serving, depending on their team’s score. If your score is even, serve from the right. If it’s odd, serve from the left.
Court Specifications
Pickleball courts have specific measurements and features you need to know. Let’s look at the court size and how the net is set up.
Dimensions and Markings
A pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. This size works for both singles and doubles games.
The court has a few key areas:
- Non-volley zone: 7 feet from the net on each side
- Baseline: The back line of the court
- Sidelines: The lines on the left and right sides
You’ll see the court divided into right and left service areas. These are important for serving.
The total playing area is often 30 feet wide and 60 feet long. This extra space lets you chase balls that bounce inside but fly outside the lines.
Net Height and Position
The net is a key part of the court. It sits in the middle, dividing the court in half.
Here’s what you need to know about the net:
- Height: 36 inches at the sidelines
- Middle height: 34 inches at center
- Width: Spans the entire 20-foot width of the court
The net should be tight. It shouldn’t sag in the middle. A tight net keeps the game fair for both sides.
Remember, the net is the center of action. Many exciting shots happen near it. Make sure you know where you can and can’t hit when you’re close to the net.
Rules of Play
Pickleball doubles has some key rules you need to know. These cover how to serve, what counts as a fault, and how to handle the non-volley zone. Let’s break down each of these important areas.
Service Rules
When serving in pickleball doubles, you must stand behind the baseline. Hit the ball underhand and aim diagonally across the court. Your serve must clear the non-volley zone.
Only the serving team can score points. The score is called out before each serve. It includes three numbers: your team’s score, the other team’s score, and the server number (1 or 2).
If you’re the first server and lose the point, your partner serves next. After that, it’s the other team’s turn to serve. This pattern continues throughout the game.
Faults and Dead Balls
A fault in pickleball means you lose the rally. Here are some common faults:
- Hitting the ball into the net
- Hitting the ball out of bounds
- Stepping into the non-volley zone to hit a volley
- Not letting the ball bounce once on each side after the serve
A dead ball stops play. This can happen if a ball from another court rolls onto yours. When this happens, you replay the point.
If you’re not sure if a ball is in or out, call it in. It’s good sportsmanship to give your opponents the benefit of the doubt.
Non-Volley Zone
The non-volley zone, also called the “kitchen”, is a 7-foot area on both sides of the net. You can’t volley (hit the ball before it bounces) while standing in this zone.
You can step into the kitchen to hit a bounced ball. But be careful! You must be out of the zone before your paddle touches the ball for a volley.
If you volley and your momentum carries you into the kitchen, it’s a fault. Your feet, clothes, or paddle can’t touch the kitchen line during a volley.
Equipment Regulations
Proper gear is key for pickleball doubles. You need the right paddle and ball to play by the rules. Let’s look at what’s allowed on the court.
Paddle Specifications
Your paddle must meet certain standards. The length plus width can’t be more than 24 inches. There’s no rule for paddle shape, so you can pick what feels best.
Paddle faces can’t have reflecting surfaces. This stops you from distracting other players. You also can’t use any rough textures that could add extra spin to the ball.
The paddle’s core and surface must be approved materials. No lead or other stuff that could change the paddle’s power. If you’re not sure, check the USA Pickleball approved paddle list.
Ball Types
Pickleball uses a special ball. It’s plastic with holes, kind of like a wiffle ball. The ball must be 2.874 to 2.972 inches in diameter. It should weigh between 0.78 and 0.935 ounces.
There are two main types of balls:
- Indoor balls: Lighter with smaller holes
- Outdoor balls: Heavier with larger holes
Pick the right ball for where you’re playing. Indoor balls work better in gyms without wind. Outdoor balls stand up to breezes on open courts.
Official pickleball balls must be a solid color. Yellow is common, but you might see orange or white too. The ball can’t have any textures or coatings that change how it moves.
Player Conduct
Good sportsmanship and safety are key in pickleball doubles. You need to follow certain rules to keep the game fun and fair for everyone. Breaking these rules can lead to penalties.
Etiquette and Safety
You should always be respectful to your opponents and partners. Call the score loudly before each serve. Don’t argue about calls – if you’re not sure, give your opponents the benefit of the doubt.
Stay safe by wearing proper shoes with good traction. Don’t chase balls into other courts. Wait for play to stop before crossing another court.
Keep your paddle secure. Don’t throw it in frustration. Be aware of your surroundings to avoid hitting others.
Penalties for Rule Violations
If you break the rules, you might face penalties. These can range from warnings to point deductions or even forfeiting the game.
Serving faults result in losing your serve. Foot faults, hitting the ball into the net, or serving from the wrong area are examples.
Repeated violations or unsportsmanlike conduct can lead to harsher penalties. The referee can give you a technical foul, which means your opponents get a point and the serve.
In extreme cases, you might be disqualified from the match. Always play fair and follow the rules to avoid these consequences.
Line Calls and Disputes
In pickleball doubles, making accurate line calls is crucial. You and your partner need to work together to make fair decisions.
When the ball lands close to a line, you need to call it in or out. If you can’t tell for sure, you should consider the ball in. This rule gives the benefit of the doubt to your opponents.
If you and your partner disagree on a call, the ball is automatically ruled in. This promotes fairness and keeps the game moving.
What if you’re playing with line judges? In that case, you only call the centerline on serves. The judges handle all other line calls.
Sometimes, disputes happen. If you’re not sure about a call, don’t be afraid to ask your opponents what they saw. Open communication can often resolve issues quickly.
Remember, sportsmanship is key in pickleball. If you’re not 100% sure a ball was out, call it in. It’s better to give up a point than to make an unfair call.
Here are some quick tips for line calls:
- Call the lines on your side of the court
- Make calls promptly and clearly
- If you didn’t see it, you can’t call it out
- Be honest and fair in your calls
By following these guidelines, you’ll help keep the game fun and fair for everyone on the court.
Match and Tournament Structures
In pickleball doubles tournaments, matches are typically best two out of three games to 11 points. This means you need to win two games to claim victory in the match.
Each game is played to 11 points, and you must win by 2 points. So if the score is 10-10, you’ll keep playing until one team has a two-point lead.
Sometimes, tournaments use different formats. You might encounter:
- One game to 15 points
- One game to 21 points
- Best three out of five games to 11 points
In all these formats, you still need to win by 2 points.
During each game, only the serving team can score points. The score is announced as three numbers:
- Serving team’s score
- Receiving team’s score
- Server number (1 or 2)
For example, you might hear “6-3-2”. This means the serving team has 6 points, the receiving team has 3 points, and it’s the second server’s turn.
In doubles, both players on a team get to serve before the serve passes to the other team. This rule keeps the game fair and exciting!
