Pickleball Singles Rules: The Complete Guide to Scoring, Serving, and Smart Singles Play

The surge of interest in pickleball has brought more players to singles than ever before. But if you’re used to doubles—or you’re brand new to the sport—some details can feel fuzzy at first. This walkthrough breaks down pickleball singles rules in plain language, so you can step onto the court confident about scoring, serving, positions, and the unique strategies that make singles fast, physical, and fun.

We’ll also point you to helpful resources, including official rule references, and show you how to find evenly matched games and events with UTR Sports.

Singles vs. Doubles: What Actually Changes?

At a glance, the dimensions and basic framework are the same in both formats. You play on a 20-by-44-foot court with a 36-inch net at the posts and 34 inches at the center. Serves are underhand, the non-volley zone (NVZ)—often called the Kitchen—still applies, and many recreational games are played to 11 points, win by two. But singles introduces some important differences.

• Serving is simpler in singles: there’s only one server, one receiver, and no teammate to rotate with.
• Scoring calls are shorter: you only announce two numbers (your score, then your opponent’s).
• Court coverage demands are higher: expect more groundstrokes, more open-court patterns, and lots of change of direction.

If you need a quick refresher on court size and layout, check the official measurements and diagrams in our in-depth guide to court setup: Pickleball Court Dimensions.

The Essentials of Pickleball Singles Rules

1) The Serve: Underhand, Diagonal, and Behind the Baseline

Every point in singles starts with an underhand serve hit below the waist, with at least one foot behind the baseline at contact. The ball must travel diagonally into the opponent’s service box, clearing the net and avoiding the Kitchen (including the Kitchen line).

• Footwork checklist: At contact, your feet must be behind the baseline; you may not step on the baseline or into the court.
• Contact point: The highest part of the paddle must be below your wrist at contact; this keeps the serve underhand.
• Target: Serve cross-court into the opponent’s service area.

Want a deeper dive into mechanics? Explore toss height, contact point, and variations in this handy overview: Pickleball Kitchen Rules (with serve examples and faults near the NVZ).

2) The Two-Bounce Rule Still Applies

Just like in doubles, each rally begins with a mandatory bounce on both sides before volleying is allowed. The receiver must let the serve bounce; the server must also let the return bounce. After those two bounces, volleys are permitted as long as you respect the Kitchen rules.

• First bounce: on the receiver’s side (they must let the serve bounce).
• Second bounce: on the server’s side (they must let the return bounce).
• After that: either player can volley, unless they’re standing in the Kitchen.

3) Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone) Rules Don’t Change in Singles

The seven-foot NVZ on each side of the net restricts volleys. You cannot volley while touching the Kitchen or the Kitchen line, and you can’t carry momentum into it after a volley. Groundstrokes from inside the Kitchen are fine. Many singles points are decided by depth and placement rather than soft dinks, but the NVZ still plays a key role when you move forward to finish points.

For a clean, visual refresher on the NVZ, see: Pickleball Kitchen Rules: Clear Guide, Examples, and Pro Tips.

4) Scoring in Singles: Call Two Numbers

Games are commonly played to 11 points (win by two), though you’ll also see formats to 15 or 21 in tournaments and league play. Only the server scores. If the server wins the rally, they earn a point and serve again. If the server loses the rally, serve passes to the opponent and no point is awarded to the non-server.

• Score call: Announce the score before serving—call your score first, then your opponent’s.
• Serving side: At 0, start serving from the right. After every point you score, switch sides to serve again.
• Side logic: When your score is even, serve from the right; when odd, serve from the left.

Example: If the score is 6–3 and you’re serving, you’ll serve from the right (6 is even). If you win the point, it becomes 7–3 and you’ll serve the next point from the left.

5) Faults that End a Rally

Faults are the same as in doubles. The most common singles faults include:

• Serve lands out, hits the net and fails to land in the correct box, or lands in the Kitchen
• Volleying from inside the Kitchen or stepping into the Kitchen after a volley
• Hitting the ball out or into the net
• Volleying before the two-bounce rule is satisfied
• Foot faults on the serve (stepping on/over the baseline at contact)

For official definitions and updates, consult the governing body’s rules: USA Pickleball Official Rulebook.

How to Keep Score in Pickleball Singles (Step by Step)

1. Begin at 0–0. The server starts on the right side.
2. Announce the score as “0–0.” There is no third number in singles.
3. If the server wins the rally, the score becomes 1–0 and the server moves to the left to serve.
4. If the server loses the rally, the score stays the same and serve goes to the opponent. The opponent serves from the right if their score is even, left if odd.
5. Continue until a player reaches the target (e.g., 11 points) and leads by two.

Note: Tournament formats may vary (best two of three games to 11, or one game to 15). Always confirm the format before you start.

Singles Tactics That Fit the Rules

Understanding pickleball singles rules is the foundation; applying them to earn points is where the fun begins. Because the court is the same size as doubles—but you’re covering it solo—smart patterns, fitness, and depth control matter.

Serve With a Purpose

In singles, the serve is a real weapon. A deep, accurate serve that pins the receiver near the baseline makes the second shot much easier. Aim for corners to open space on the next ball. Consider mixing speeds and placements—deep to the body, wide to the sideline, or teasing the backhand. Just remember the key constraints: underhand, below the waist, and behind the baseline.

Build Around the Second Shot

Because of the two-bounce rule, servers must hit a groundstroke after the return. Use that second ball to seize positional advantage—drive behind your opponent as they recover or roll a heavy topspin ball deep to push them back and set up a short ball. If the return is short, step in quickly and take time away.

Own the Middle, Then Create Angles

In neutral rallies, avoid getting stranded in the alleys. Recover to a balanced position just off center—far enough to cover the down-the-line reply, close enough to reach crosscourt. Once you’re in control, change direction with a firm drive into the open court or a sharp angle that pulls your opponent off the court.

Approach With Care Near the Kitchen

When you draw a short ball, move forward—but respect NVZ rules. You can’t volley from inside the Kitchen, so either:

• Take the approach shot out of the air from outside the NVZ, or
• Let it bounce and hit a controlled groundstroke, then close the net for the next ball.

Finishing points cleanly often comes down to footwork discipline near the line.

Conditioning and Footwork Win Matches

Singles asks for repeated sprints, quick recovery steps, and explosive changes of direction. Integrate short shuffles, crossover steps, and split-step timing into your practice. If you’re building a tennis background into pickleball, your lateral movement and split-step habits will serve you well.

For movement ideas you can adapt to the pickleball court, check out: Tennis Footwork Drills: Proven Routines to Move Faster and Win.

Common Singles Questions, Answered

Do doubles stacking rules matter in singles?

No. Stacking is a doubles tactic used to keep players on preferred sides. In singles, there is only one server and one receiver, so stacking doesn’t apply.

Can a serve clip the net and still count?

Yes—if the served ball clears the net, lands in the correct service box, and does not touch the Kitchen (including the line), the serve is in. If it hits the net and lands short, out, or in the NVZ, it’s a fault. Always verify current language in the official rules: USA Pickleball Official Rulebook.

What score do we call before the serve?

Just two numbers: your score first, then your opponent’s. For example, say “5–3.” There’s no server number in singles.

Is the non-volley zone used differently in singles?

The same. You cannot volley while touching the NVZ or its line, or let your momentum carry you into it after a volley. Groundstrokes inside the Kitchen are allowed, which can be useful when you’re finishing a short ball.

How to Practice Singles Smarter

Serve + First Ball Patterns

Practice baskets of serves to each corner, followed by a scripted second shot into the open court. Alternate inside-out forehands and crosscourt backhands to learn how each one opens different spaces.

Corner-to-Corner Conditioning

Feed or self-feed deep balls alternately to each corner and require yourself to recover to a balanced central position after each shot. Build endurance and clean footwork under fatigue.

Short Ball Conversion

Set cones just outside the Kitchen line. Feed short balls and rehearse closing in under control—either volleying from outside the NVZ or letting the ball bounce and driving the approach. Focus on keeping your weight forward and recovering for the next ball if it comes back.

Return Depth Challenge

Place targets three feet from the baseline and practice firm, deep returns. A heavy return is a singles superpower—it pins the server, buys time, and reduces angles.

Equipment Notes for Singles Specialists

Singles emphasizes court coverage and consistent ball-striking. Look for a paddle that offers a blend of control and put-away power, and shoes with lateral stability for hard cuts and sprints. If you’re shopping for paddles, start here: Best Pickleball Paddles. If you’re crossing over from tennis or play both sports, you may appreciate a shoe with supportive uppers and durable outsoles; see our footwear guidance tailored to pickleball: Best Shoes for Pickleball.

Singles Scoring Formats You’ll See

Recreational play often uses games to 11, win by two. League and tournament options can vary—best two out of three games to 11, or single games to 15 or 21. Event organizers choose formats based on court time and draw size.

To get a feel for different competitive formats and find events near you, UTR Sports hosts event listings and leagues that prioritize competitive balance. You can browse and register when you’re ready to test your singles game.

Stay Current: Official Sources and Helpful Guides

• Apple Heart and Movement Study: Racket Sports Insights – Research exploring participation and health-related trends in racket sports.

For friendly, in-depth primers from UTR Sports, explore:

• What Is Pickleball? A Deep Dive
• Pickleball vs. Tennis: Why Pickleball Is Taking Over
• Pickleball Rating Systems: UTR-P, DUPR, and Verification
• Pickleball Singles Strategy: Tactics, Drills, and Match Plans

Your Quick Reference: Pickleball Singles Rules

• Serve underhand, below the waist, diagonally across the court, with at least one foot behind the baseline at contact.
• The two-bounce rule applies at the start of every rally: serve must bounce, return must bounce.
• You cannot volley while touching the Kitchen or its line, or step into the Kitchen from momentum after a volley.
• Only the server can score. If the server wins a rally, they score a point and switch sides to serve again.
• When your score is even, serve from the right; when odd, serve from the left.
• Games are commonly to 11, win by two, but formats vary; confirm before you start.

Putting It All Together on Court

Mastering pickleball singles rules lets you focus on the chess match—how to move your opponent, when to change direction, and how to press your advantage near the Kitchen without committing a volley fault. Serve deep and varied, drive the second ball into space, and recover to neutral after every shot. With a few purposeful practice routines, you’ll quickly feel the rhythm of singles: the cadence of serve, return, drive, recover, and finish.

As you gain experience, keep challenging yourself with stronger opponents. That’s where a reliable rating and a trusted playing community come in.

Track Your Progress and Find Level-Based Play with UTR Sports

UTR Sports makes it easy to find competitive singles matches and events at your level. Create a free account, build your match history, and watch your UTR Pickleball Rating (UTR-P) reflect your improvement over time. The platform is designed for players who want fair, fun, and meaningful matches—singles included.

• Discover events and leagues that group players by level so every match is competitive.
• See how your performance trends across time and against different opponents.
• Connect with a local community of players who love the game as much as you do.

Ready to jump in? Sign up free at https://app.utrsports.net/join and start building your singles schedule. If you want a refresher on pickleball fundamentals as you go, revisit our guides on what pickleball is, the court dimensions, and Kitchen rules. Then, layer in targeted training from our singles strategy guide and head to your next match with confidence.

The game is growing, the community is welcoming, and your next breakthrough is a few focused practice sessions away. Learn the rules, embrace the grind, and enjoy the clarity that great singles brings to the sport.

Final Word: Why Singles Is Worth Your Time

Pickleball singles rewards clarity. The rules are straightforward, the scoring is simple, and the court never lies—if you place the ball well, move your feet, and respect the Kitchen, you’ll earn your chances. Understanding pickleball singles rules gives you the structure; UTR Sports gives you the pathway to play more, measure your progress, and find matches that make you better.

Join the UTR Sports community today and see how far your singles game can go: https://app.utrsports.net/join.