Pickleball is a popular racquet sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It can be played in singles or doubles format. In this blog, we are going to discuss double pickleball rules, where two teams of two players each face each other on a court divided by a net.
What Are the Pickleball Rules Doubles?
Double pickleball is a format of the game where two teams, each consisting of two players, compete against each other. The objective of double pickleball is similar to other racquet sports – to outscore your opponents by hitting the ball over the net in a way that the opposing team cannot return it successfully. The game is usually played until one team reaches 11 or 15 points (as agreed upon prior to the match), with a winning margin of at least two points. Let’s discuss the double pickleball rules, which are given below:
Service Rules
At the beginning of the game, a player from one team will serve diagonally to the opposing team’s service court. The serve must be hit underhand and below the waist. The served ball must clear the net and land in the diagonal court of the opposing team. If the server fails to hit the ball into the right court or commits a fault, the serve switches to the opposing team.
After the initial serve, the receiving team will take turns serving until they commit a fault. Only the serving team has a scoring opportunity. If the serving team wins a rally, they score a point and continue serving, alternating service courts after each point.
Non-Volley Zone Rules
The non-volley zone, commonly known as the “kitchen,” is a seven feet area on either side of the net where players are not allowed to volley the ball. A volley is when a player hits the ball before it bounces. To legally return the ball in this zone, players must let it bounce first.
However, players are permitted to enter the kitchen zone if the ball has already bounced in it. They can return the ball from there, but must then immediately exit the kitchen to avoid a fault. Stepping into the kitchen before the ball has bounced or during a volley will result in the loss of the rally.
Scoring Rules
Points are awarded in double pickleball only to the team that serves. If the serving team commits a fault, loses a rally, or fails to return the opponent’s shot properly, the serve passes to the other team. Points are only awarded when the serving team wins a rally. The receiving team can score points only when they become the serving team.
Another interesting rule in double pickleball is that if the serving team commits a fault, the serving order changes, and the partner who didn’t serve the previous time will serve next. This rule ensures that both players from each team get an equal chance to serve and keeps the game fair and more balanced.
Conclusion
Double pickleball is an exciting and fast-paced sport that requires strategy, teamwork, and skill. By understanding and following the double pickleball rules, players can enjoy a fair and competitive game. Ensure that you familiarize yourself with the pickleball rules doubles like service rules, non-volley zone regulations, and scoring system to have an enjoyable experience on the court. So grab your paddles, find a partner, and get ready to have a blast playing double pickleball!
FAQs: Double Pickleball Rules
Double pickleball is a variation of the popular paddle sport that involves four players instead of two. It is played on the same court as regular pickleball, but with two players on each side.
The scoring system in double pickleball is the same as in regular pickleball. The serving team can only score points, and a point is awarded when the opposing team fails to return the ball within the boundaries of the court.
Yes, communication and teamwork are crucial when playing double pickleball. Players need to coordinate their movements, anticipate each other’s shots, and communicate effectively to maximize their chances of winning. Good teamwork can lead to a more enjoyable and successful game.
Yes, players can switch positions during a game, but only during a serving team’s turn. This allows for strategic positioning based on each player’s strengths and weaknesses.
Yes, there are specific rules for double pickleball. In double pickleball, two teams of two players each compete against each other. The service must be underhand, below the waist, and diagonally to the opposing team’s service court. The non-volley zone, also known as the “kitchen,” imposes restrictions on volleys, requiring players to let the ball bounce before hitting it within this area. Points are only scored by the serving team, and if they commit a fault, the serve passes to the other team. Additionally, there is a rule that changes the serving order within a team after a fault, ensuring equal opportunities for both players.