Rules and know-how
Learn
The rules that decide what gear you can use, and how the game is played, explained in plain English. Each guide links straight to the official USA Pickleball source.
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Quick answer
New players should start with the serving rules and the kitchen rule, the two rules every new player needs before a first game. If you play USA Pickleball sanctioned events, check that your paddle is on the approved list and passes the spin test that started on October 1, 2026: is my paddle legal? explains how in two minutes.
Where to start
- You just started playingServing rules first, then the kitchen rule. Together they cover how a rally starts and where you are allowed to volley.Serving rules
- You play tournamentsCheck your paddle’s USA Pickleball approval and the 2,100 RPM spin limit before your next event.Check my paddle
- You’re setting up a courtCourt size, kitchen depth and net height in one table: 20 by 44 feet, a 7-foot kitchen, a 34-inch net in the middle.Court dimensions
- How we research
Pickleball rules and gear guides
- Is my paddle legal? USA Pickleball approval and the 2026 spin testLiveHow to check any paddle in two minutes.
- Indoor vs outdoor pickleball ballsLiveWhich ball to use, and why it matters.
- How we research pickleball gearLiveOur sources, scoring and confidence levels.
- Pickleball serving rules explained (2026)LiveVolley serve, drop serve, the new spin rule and the faults that cost points.
- The kitchen rule explainedLiveWhat you can and can’t do in the non-volley zone, including momentum.
- Paddle durability trackerComing soonOwner-reported problems for popular paddles, in one table.