Pickleball Rules for Singles: A Complete Guide

Pickleball is known for its exciting gameplay and unique scoring system, but playing singles introduces a different level of strategy and skill. Whether you're new to the game or looking to refine your technique, understanding the official pickleball rules for singles is essential for competitive play.

Pickleball Court Setup for Singles

The pickleball court dimensions remain the same for both singles and doubles:

• Court Size: 20 feet wide × 44 feet long
• Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen): Extends 7 feet from the net on both sides
• Net Height: 36 inches at the sidelines, 34 inches at the center

Unlike doubles, where players cover half the court, singles players are responsible for the entire side, making shot placement and endurance crucial.

Pickleball Singles Serving Rules

• The server must start from the right-hand side and serve diagonally into the opponent's service box.
• Serves must be underhand with the paddle below the waist at contact.
• If the server wins the rally, they switch sides and continue serving.
• A server loses their turn after committing a fault (hitting out, missing the serve, or stepping into the kitchen on a volley).

Pickleball Rules for Singles Scoring

• Singles games are typically played to 11 points, and a player must win by 2.
• Only the serving player can score points.
• The server announces the score as "their score first, then the opponent’s score" before serving.

Key Strategies for Winning Singles Pickleball

Since singles requires more movement and court coverage, top players focus on:

• Deep Serves & Returns: Keeping shots deep forces opponents into defensive positions.
• Kitchen Control: Avoiding the non-volley zone while using drop shots to slow down aggressive rallies.
• Angle & Placement: Targeting sidelines and corners to create space and keep opponents running.

Common Singles Pickleball Rule Questions

Can you serve overhand in pickleball?
No, serves must be underhand with the paddle below waist level at contact.

Is the kitchen rule the same in singles?
Yes, players cannot volley while standing inside the non-volley zone.

How is singles different from doubles?
In pickleball singles vs. doubles, there is no partner, meaning players must cover more court, rely on precise shot placement, and adjust strategy accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Mastering pickleball rules for singles helps players develop strong fundamentals and competitive strategies. Whether you're playing recreationally or in tournaments, understanding the official pickleball singles rules will take your game to the next level.