Pickleball 101
Learn The Rules of The Game Including Game Etiquette
RULES
Learn the Basic Rules
CODE OF CONDUCT
Ensuring A Fun & Safe Environment
RESERVATIONS
SIP Policies
PICKLEBALL RULES
SERVING
There are 2 ways to serve, the volley or drop serve. Both serves must be hit underhand. The volley serve is when the play drops the ball down and proceeds to hit the ball underhand below their waist.
The drop serve permits the player to drop the ball on the court and hit it on the bounce underhead. With both serves you must have your feet behind the baseline. With both serves you are not permitted to drop the ball causing a spin.
RETURN SERVE
After the serve bounces in the serving box, the return serve must also bounce on the court prior to the third shot. After that the ball can be hit on the bounce or in the air.
THE KITCHEN
Players must allow the ball to bounce if they are in the kitchen. This sets up the primary aspect of a pickleball game. This allows for dinking.
PICKLEBALL SKILLS & EQUIPMENT
1.0 to 2.0 Skill Rating
A beginner player, with minimal understanding of the rules.
2.5 Skill Rating
A player with minimal experience, can maintain a rally with like player. Basic understanding of score.
3.0 Skill Rating
A player who understands the fundamentals, proper court positioning, can play in tournaments.
3.5 Skill Rating
A player who can play in multiple playing styles (hard and soft), understands court stacking, can sustain short rallies, and plays in tournaments.
4.0 Skill Rating
A player beginning to seek out more competitive play, understands partner positioning, and moderate unforced errors.
4.5 and Above Skill Rating
A player who is focused on competitive play, enhanced partner communication, good footwork, and minimal unforced errors. Higher levels demonstate mastery over skils, and has a solid win-loss records in tournaments.
CODE OF CONDUCT / RULES
Sportsmanship
- Whether a player or a specator always exhibit good sportmanship
- Do not yell or scream at another player
- Refrain from improper language
- Do not throw your paddle
- Be respecful of all levels of players
In The Game
- The side of the ball determines who calls the ball in or out
- If in doubt, the ball is called in
- If the another ball travels into the court of play, stop the game and replay the point
- Never go into another court of play to retrieve your ball
Other Items On Conduct
- Where proper court shoes and apparel. Clothing attire and racket should not match the color of the ball.
- Do not play the game if you are under the influence.
- Keep the court clean for safe play.
Reservation Rules
- Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your reservation.
- Utilize your passcode to enter the building.
- No food on the court.
Open Play Rules
- Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your reservation.
- Rotate with the players assigned to your court
- Winners stay after a game, but must split.
- After 2 consecutive wins, allow others waiting to play.
- If others are waiting, games are played to straight 9.
DOWNLOAD THE COURTRESERVE APP TODAY
Once you download the app press Join An Organization and input Syracuse Indoor Pickleball. You can create your account, reserve courts, join a clinic, book a lesson, or join an open play with a Non-Member Drop In.
You can also take advantage of our 30 Day Trial with unlimited access* for $29 within the app by selecting the SIP 30 Day Unlimited Trial.
*excludes leagues
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SCORING
Games are played to 11, win by 2 in the traditional setting. The first team gets 1 serve to start, when that player loses the serve the other team takes the serve. From there out the each member of the serving team gets to serve until they lose the point.
Scoring is a series of 3 numbers: serving team score, receiving team score, server #1 or #2. An example is 5-3-1 which means serving team has 5 points, receiving team has 3 points, and it is the first server.