Rules & how to play
Know the game.Own the court.
New to pickleball or new to Pickleplex? Here are the house rules that keep our courts friendly, plus a quick primer to get first-timers rallying with confidence.
House rules
Play nice, play often.
A short list that keeps every court safe, fair, and welcoming — the kind of place you want to come back to.
On the court
- Non-marking indoor court shoes only — street soles scuff the surface and can be dangerously slick.
- Warm up off the court and keep the playing area clear of bags, drinks, and phones.
- Call your own lines honestly and keep it friendly. We play hard and stay kind.
- Clear your trash and stray balls when you finish so the next group walks onto a clean court.
Booking & court time
- Arrive a few minutes early and start on time so the schedule stays fair for everyone.
- Wrap up promptly when your slot ends — the next players are already paddle-up and waiting.
- A reserved court belongs to whoever booked it; check the schedule before you step on.
- Plans changed? Cancel from My Bookings — see the FAQ for the cancellation window.
Open play etiquette
- Rotate in and out fairly — add your paddle to the queue and wait your turn.
- Mix up partners and welcome newcomers. Open play is how this community grows.
- Join the session that matches your level so everyone gets good, safe games.
Power Lanes & rentals
- Power Lanes run automatic ball machines — ask staff for a quick walkthrough on your first session.
- Reset the machine and collect the balls when you finish so the lane is ready for the next player.
- Loaner paddles and ball-machine time are available at the front desk — see Pricing for rates.
Safety & community
- Tell staff right away about spills, injuries, or equipment that needs attention.
- Guests and younger players are welcome — check in at the front desk so we can get them set up.
- Respect the staff, your fellow players, and the space. It's everyone's home court.
How to play
New to pickleball? Start here.
The whole game in seven quick steps. Read it once and you'll walk onto the court knowing exactly what's going on.
The court & the kitchen
- Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court with a low net — singles or doubles, with doubles by far the most common.
- The seven-foot zone on each side of the net is the non-volley zone, or "kitchen." You can't hit the ball out of the air while standing in it.
Serving
- Serve underhand, striking the ball below your waist, with both feet behind the baseline.
- The serve travels diagonally into the opposite service court and must clear the kitchen and its line.
- Only the serving side can score a point.
The two-bounce rule
- After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before anyone may volley it.
- So the returning team lets the serve bounce, the serving team lets the return bounce, and then play opens up.
Scoring
- Games are played to 11 points, win by 2.
- You only score on your own serve. In doubles the score is called as three numbers: your score, their score, and which server you are — 1 or 2.
Faults
- It's a fault if the ball lands out, fails to clear the net, is volleyed from inside the kitchen, or breaks the two-bounce rule.
- A fault by the serving side ends their serve; a fault by the receiving side gives the servers a point.
Doubles basics
- Both partners get to serve before the serve passes to the other team — except the very first service turn of the game, when only one player serves.
- After serving, move up to the kitchen line. That front position is where you control the rally.
Your first session
- You don't need your own gear — grab a loaner paddle at the front desk.
- Come to open play, tell the group you're new, and you'll be rallying within minutes.
- Skim the house rules above so you know the etiquette before you step on.
Now get out there.
You know the rules and you know the game. Book a court or jump into open play — the best way to learn is to rally.
Got a question? Check the FAQ