Top 5 Pickleball Rules You’re Getting Wrong (and How to Fix Them)

Pickleball may seem straightforward, but some rules trip up even seasoned players. From calling the ball out to navigating the kitchen line, these common mistakes lead to frustration on the court. One major confusion revolves around calling a ball “out”—players must see a clear space between the ball and the line. Serving rules also baffle players, especially regarding height and the kitchen line. Understanding these rules not only keeps games fair but also helps build confidence when dealing with disputes.

When calling a ball out, you need to see a visible gap between the ball and the line to ensure accuracy. Misunderstandings often occur when viewing the ball from a distance or certain angles, especially near the baseline. For serves, many don’t realize that the kitchen line is considered out—so if the ball touches the line, it’s a fault. On volley serves, contact with the ball must be made below the waist; otherwise, the serve is illegal.

The kitchen rules continue to stump players, especially when it comes to momentum. Even if you hit a volley from outside the kitchen, if your motion carries you into the zone, it’s a fault. Ensuring both feet are grounded outside the kitchen before volleying is essential to staying within the rules. And let’s not forget about scoring—properly calling the third number (representing serves) is vital to avoid confusion and maintain fairness.