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.
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.