Pickleball Guide

Pickleball Singles Rules

In pickleball singles, players compete one-on-one in a fast-paced and strategic game. The serve alternates based on the score, starting from the right for even numbers and the left for odd.

Here are the essential rules of singles play, including serving, scoring, and court strategies. Whether you're following a beginner's guide to singles pickleball or sharpening your skills, mastering these basics will improve your game.

3 min. read

Written by

Carter Clark

Published

May 4th 2025

What is Singles Pickleball?

In pickleball, you can choose between singles or doubles play. Singles involve a one-on-one game where each player covers their entire side of the court, similar to tennis.

This format demands a high level of physical effort due to the need for quick movements and sprints across the court, as pickleball features lower bounces and requires softer touches. While the rules of singles are straightforward, the game is physically challenging, making it both demanding and exciting.

Pickleball Court Rules for Singles

Players

A standard pickleball court measures 20 feet wide by 44 feet long, divided by a net 36 inches high at the sides and 34 inches in the middle. The entire court width is used in singles play, challenging players with ample space to maneuver.

Key areas of the court include:

  • Baseline:

    The line at each end of the court where services are initiated.

  • Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen):

    A seven-foot area from the net where players cannot volley the ball.

  • Service Courts:Areas on either side of the centerline where the ball must land during serves, demanding accuracy and strategic placement.

Pickleball Singles Serving Rules

In singles pickleball, serving always begins on the right-hand side of the court, with the starting server determined by a coin toss. According to pickleball serve rules singles serves must be underhand, with the paddle contacting the ball below waist level, and they must land diagonally in the opponent’s service box.

If the server wins the rally, they continue serving, switching to the right for even scores and the left for odd. If a fault occurs, the serve is lost in a side-out, transferring the service to the opponent.

Their first serve always starts from the right side, following the same even-odd pattern throughout the game. Knowing pickleball rules for one-on-one play helps you serve with more control and confidence.

Mastering the essential rules of pickleball singles improves accuracy and gives you a competitive edge..

How to Score in Singles Pickleball

The pickleball singles scoring system follows a simple structure. Games are typically played to 11 points, and a player must lead by at least 2 points to win..

Only the server can score, meaning if you win a rally while your opponent serves, you don’t earn a point—you just gain the serve. The server’s score determines the serving side: even scores mean serving from the right, while odd scores require serving from the left.

This pattern helps keep track of points and ensures fair play. Serving from the wrong side results in a fault, handing the serve to your opponent.

Understanding how to score in singles pickleball is key to managing the game effectively. Staying aware of the pickleball rules for one-on-one play will help you maintain focus, track your points, and confidently play.

Pickleball Faults: 5 Mistakes Beginners Make

As you've probably picked up by now, players can fault pickleball in many ways. The list of potential faults is extensive, but to make it manageable, especially for newcomers, we've narrowed it down to the five errors most commonly made by beginners:

  • Non-Volley Zone Faults:

    Any service landing in the kitchen or its line is a fault. Remember, you can only hit the ball in this zone if it bounces first.

  • Two-Bounce Rule Violations:

    After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before allowing volleys. Avoid hitting it out of the air too soon.

  • Serve Errors:

    Your serve must clear the net and land within the opponent's service box. Make sure it doesn't go out of bounds.

  • Improper Serve Technique:

    Serve underhand with the paddle

    contacting the ball below waist level. Avoid volleying the serve.

  • Foot Faults:

    Keep your feet behind the baseline when serving. Stepping over can invalidate your serve.

Strategies for Success in Singles Pickleball

Succeeding in singles pickleball requires both strategic play and stamina. Here are effective tactics to enhance your game:

  • Serve Smartly:

    Serve from near the middle T of the baseline to quickly position yourself for the next shot and limit your opponent's return angles.

  • Deep Serves:

    Keep your serves deep to push your opponent back and extend their return distance, but avoid hitting out of bounds.

  • Adequate Returns:

    Aim for deep, arcing returns when receiving to buy time for advancing towards the kitchen line.

  • Central Positioning:

    After your shot, move to the center of the court. This minimizes space for your opponent's targets and improves your court coverage.

  • Target Weaknesses:

    Focus on your opponent's weaker side, usually the backhand. Exploit their momentum by hitting the ball in the opposite direction they are moving.

Bottom Line

Pickleball singles play offers a fantastic mix of strategy, physical activity, and fun. Understanding the rules and strategies outlined here will help you enjoy and succeed in the game.

Whether playing for fun or competition, the skills you develop in singles can significantly enhance your overall pickleball game. Are you equipped with the right gear to hit the pickleball courts?

Check out Crew Pickleball for top-quality paddles, balls, and more to help you play your best game.

Carter Clark

@Carter Clark