Are you new to the world of pickleball? Have you heard about double pickleball but find its rules confusing? Don’t worry, in this comprehensive guide, we will break down all the double pickleball rules. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, this guide will help to demystify the double pickleball rules and enhance your gameplay. Let’s dive in!
Guide to Double Pickleball Rules
Double pickleball is a variation of the popular racquet sport played on a smaller court with four players instead of two. It adds an extra layer of excitement and teamwork to the game as players compete as teams of two against another team of two. The objective remains the same, which is to score points by hitting the ball over the net and into the opponent’s court without them being able to return it. The Double Pickleball Rules are as follows:
Court Size and Dimensions
The dimensions of a double pickleball court are slightly different from a singles court. The court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, with a center net dividing the two sides. The net height should be 34 inches at the sidelines and 36 inches in the center. The non-volley zone, also known as the kitchen, is a seven-foot area from the net on both sides where players are not allowed to enter unless the ball bounces inside it.
Serving
In double pickleball, the serving team always stands on the right side of the court, serving diagonally to the opponent’s right-side court. The serve must be made underhand and below the waist. The server must keep both feet behind the back line and within the imaginary extension of the sidelines. The ball must land within the opponent’s service court, clearing the non-volley zone line to be a legal serve. Each team gets only one serve attempt.
Scoring
The scoring system in double pickleball follows a rally scoring format. Only the serving team has the chance to score points. If they win the rally, they earn a point, and the serving team’s player will switch sides while the receiving team stays in the same position. If the receiving team wins the rally, they gain the right to serve.
Faults and Let Serves
Just like in singles pickleball, double pickleball also has specific faults. If the server fails to hit the ball into the proper service court, it results in a fault. Other faults include stepping on the baseline during a serve, failing to hit the ball below the waist, or violating the non-volley zone line. A let serve happens when the served ball touches the net but lands in the proper service court. In this case, the server gets another chance to serve without any penalties.
Rotation and In/Out Rule
Rotation is an important aspect of double pickleball. After each successful serve, the serving team players will switch sides. However, if the serving team wins the rally and retains the serve, only the server switches sides and the partner stays in the same position. When a fault occurs during the serve, the server rotates out, and the partner becomes the new server.
The in/out rule is applied when determining if a ball is considered in or out of play. If the ball hits any part of the boundary lines, it is considered in. If the ball lands outside the lines, it is deemed out. The call is made by the players themselves, and if there is any disagreement, it is recommended to play the point again.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, according to double pickleball rules, both the serve and the return must land in the opponent’s service court and bounce before being returned.
Yes, volleys, which are hitting the ball in the air before it bounces, are allowed in double pickleball, except within the non-volley zone (the kitchen) which extends 7 feet from the net.
There is no limit to the number of shots a player can take before entering the non-volley zone. However, players should be aware of their positioning and avoid entering or hitting the ball within this zone during a volley.
Yes, the server must stand behind the baseline and serve diagonally across the court to the opponent’s cross-court service court. The server must also keep both feet behind the baseline until the ball is struck.
Conclusion
Double pickleball is an exciting and fast-paced game that requires teamwork and strategy. By understanding and following the double pickleball rules outlined in this comprehensive guide, you are now equipped to participate in double pickleball matches with confidence and enjoy the game to its fullest. Remember to practice regularly, communicate with your partner, and have fun as you explore the world of double pickleball!