Want to play pickleball one-on-one but confused about the rules? You’re not alone. Singles pickleball is exciting, fast-paced, and a fantastic way to improve your skills. But there’s one big difference between singles and doubles: you are responsible for the entire court.

That means every serve, return, and shot depends on your movement, timing, and strategy.

The good news? Singles pickleball rules are easy to understand once you know how serving, scoring, court positions, and the kitchen work.

Whether you’re picking up a paddle for the first time or switching from doubles to singles, this guide covers everything you need to play confidently. We’ll explain the rules in simple language, highlight common mistakes, and share practical tips to help you win more rallies.

Let’s get started!

What Is Singles Pickleball?

Singles pickleball is a one-on-one version of pickleball. Instead of playing with two players on each team, you compete directly against one opponent.

Both players use the same court, paddles, and ball as doubles pickleball. The main difference is that each player must cover their entire side of the court without help from a partner.

Here’s what makes singles different:

• One player per side: It’s a direct competition between two players.
• Full-court coverage: You must move quickly to defend both sides.
• Individual scoring: Your score determines which side you serve from.
• More physical activity: Expect more running, positioning, and strategic shot placement.

The objective is simple: score points, force your opponent into mistakes, and reach the winning score before they do.

Singles Pickleball Court Dimensions

One common misconception is that singles pickleball uses a smaller court than doubles. That’s not true under standard USA Pickleball rules.

Both formats use the same court dimensions:

Court Feature	Official Measurement
Court length	44 feet
Court width	20 feet
Non-volley zone (kitchen)	7 feet
Net height at sidelines	36 inches
Net height at center	34 inches

The court includes:

• Baseline: The boundary at the back of each player’s side.
• Sidelines: The lines marking the left and right boundaries.
• Centerline: Divides the service area into two sections.
• Non-volley zone: The 7-foot area on both sides of the net, commonly called the kitchen.

Remember, singles players use the full 20-by-44-foot court. You don’t need special singles court markings.

Singles Pickleball Serving Rules

Serving is one of the most important parts of singles pickleball. Unlike doubles, where players follow a two-server rotation, singles has only one server on each side.

Here are the essential rules.

Serve diagonally

You must serve diagonally into the opponent’s opposite service court. The ball must clear the kitchen and its line.

Keep your feet behind the baseline

At the moment of serving, at least one foot must be on the playing surface behind the baseline. Neither foot can touch the baseline or the court inside it.

Follow the correct serving motion

For a traditional volley serve:

• Your arm must move in an upward arc.
• Paddle contact must be below waist level.
• The paddle head must not be above the highest part of your wrist at contact.

You can also use a drop serve. With a drop serve, you release the ball naturally, let it bounce, and then hit it. The traditional volley-serve motion restrictions don’t apply to the drop serve.

Only one serve attempt

A player gets one serve attempt. If the serve is faulty, the opponent gains the serve.

Serve from the correct side

This is the rule that beginners should remember most:

• Even score: Serve from the right side.
• Odd score: Serve from the left side.

For example, if your score is 0, 2, or 6, you serve from the right. If your score is 1, 3, or 5, you serve from the left.

This simple scoring system determines your serving position throughout the game. USA Pickleball+1

Singles Pickleball Scoring Rules

Scoring in singles is easier than doubles because there are no partners or server numbers to remember.

Under traditional side-out scoring, only the serving player can earn a point.

Here’s how it works:

• Win a rally while serving: You earn one point.
• Lose a rally while serving: Your opponent gets the serve.
• Win a rally while receiving: You don’t score, but you continue receiving.
• Lose a rally while receiving: Your opponent keeps serving.

How many points do you need to win?

A standard singles game is played to 11 points, and you must win by at least two points.

For example:

Score	Result
11–8	Player 1 wins
11–10	Game continues
12–10	Player 1 wins
13–11	Player 1 wins

Some tournaments use games to 15 or 21 points, also requiring a two-point winning margin.

Always check the tournament’s scoring format before playing.

How Does Serving Position Work in Singles Pickleball?

This is probably the easiest way to get confused when learning singles pickleball rules.

The important thing to remember is that your own score determines your court position.

Let’s look at an example:

Example: Your serving positions

0

Even score

Right side

1

Odd score

Left side

Your score	Serving position
0	Right
1	Left
2	Right
3	Left
4	Right
5	Left
6	Right

The same even/odd positioning principle applies to both players’ correct positions.

What happens when you score a point?

Suppose you’re serving at 2–1. Since your score is even, you serve from the right side.

You win the rally and your score becomes 3–1. Now you switch to the left side for your next serve.

If you lose the next rally, your opponent gets the serve. They determine their serving position using their own score.

That’s it! No complicated doubles rotation.

The Two-Bounce Rule in Singles Pickleball

The two-bounce rule is one of the most important rules in pickleball.

It requires the ball to bounce once on each side before either player can hit it out of the air.

Here’s how it works:

• Player A serves diagonally to Player B.
• Player B must let the ball bounce before returning it.
• Player A must let the return bounce before hitting it.
• After these two required bounces, both players can volley or hit groundstrokes.

Can you volley immediately after the two bounces?

Yes! Once the serve and return have each bounced, you can hit the ball before it touches the ground again.

This rule prevents players from rushing straight to the net and smashing the return of serve.

Kitchen Rules in Singles Pickleball

The kitchen, officially called the non-volley zone (NVZ), is a 7-foot area on both sides of the net.

It’s one of the most misunderstood parts of pickleball, especially for beginners.

Here are the main kitchen rules:

• You cannot volley the ball while standing inside the kitchen.
• Stepping on the kitchen line while volleying is a fault.
• You can enter the kitchen to hit a ball that has already bounced.
• You can stand inside the kitchen as long as you aren’t volleying.
• After volleying, you cannot let your momentum carry you into the kitchen.

Can you step into the kitchen during a rally?

Absolutely! You can enter the kitchen whenever you need to play a bouncing ball. Just remember that you cannot hit the ball out of the air while touching the kitchen or its boundary line.

The kitchen rule applies equally to singles and doubles. USA Pickleball+1

What Counts as a Fault in Singles Pickleball?

A fault happens when a player breaks a rule, causing the rally to end.

Knowing common faults can help you avoid unnecessary mistakes.

Here are the most common examples:

Fault	What Happens
Serve out of bounds	Loss of serve
Serve into the kitchen	Loss of serve
Ball hits the net and doesn’t cross	Fault
Ball lands outside the court	Fault
Volleying inside the kitchen	Fault
Hitting the ball after two bounces	Fault
Violating the serving rules	Fault
Touching the net during a live rally	Fault
Ball hits your body or clothing	Fault

Under traditional scoring, a fault by the server means the opponent gets the serve. A fault by the receiver gives the server a point.

One important tip: Always watch the ball carefully. A shot that lands on a boundary line is generally considered in, except when a serve lands on the kitchen line. USA Pickleball

Singles vs. Doubles Pickleball: What’s the Difference?

Not sure whether you should play singles or doubles? Both formats use the same basic rules, but the playing experience is quite different.

Feature	Singles	Doubles
Players	1 vs. 1	2 vs. 2
Court size	20 × 44 feet	20 × 44 feet
Serving players	One per side	Two-server rotation, except at the start of a game
Physical demand	Higher	Generally lower
Court coverage	Individual	Shared
Communication	Not required with a partner	Important
Strategy	Speed and placement	Teamwork and positioning

Which format is better for beginners?

Doubles is often easier for beginners because you have a partner to help cover the court.

However, singles is excellent for developing footwork, endurance, shot accuracy, and overall confidence.

If you want to improve your individual game, playing singles regularly can be a great choice.

Best Strategies to Win Singles Pickleball Games

Knowing the rules helps you play legally, but winning requires smart decisions.

Here are some practical strategies you can use in your next match.

Aim for your opponent’s weaker side

Pay attention to whether your opponent struggles with forehand or backhand shots. Directing the ball toward their weaker side can create opportunities.

Move back to the center

After hitting a shot, recover toward the middle of your court. This position helps you reach your opponent’s next shot more efficiently.

Use deep serves

A deep serve can push your opponent toward the baseline and make their return more difficult to attack.

Don’t rush every shot

Power isn’t everything. A well-placed soft shot can be more effective than a hard hit directly toward your opponent.

Watch your opponent’s movement

If your opponent moves toward one side, consider targeting the open space on the other side.

Manage your energy

Singles requires more movement than doubles. Avoid unnecessary sprinting and use controlled shots to keep rallies manageable.

The best singles players don’t simply hit harder. They move intelligently, stay balanced, and make their opponents work for every point.

Common Singles Pickleball Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid

Even experienced players occasionally make simple mistakes. If you’re new to singles, watch out for these:

• Serving from the wrong side of the court.
• Forgetting that your score determines your serving position.
• Volleying before the two-bounce rule is satisfied.
• Stepping into the kitchen while volleying.
• Hitting every shot too hard.
• Standing too close to one sideline.
• Forgetting to recover toward the center.
• Trying to reach every ball with poor balance.

A simple way to improve is to practice serving, returning, and moving between the left and right sides before playing competitive games.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are quick answers to the questions beginners commonly ask.

How many players are in singles pickleball?

Singles pickleball has two players, with one player on each side of the net.

Is singles pickleball played on a smaller court?

No. Standard singles and doubles pickleball use the same 20-by-44-foot court.

How many points do you need to win singles pickleball?

A standard game is played to 11 points, and you must win by two points. Some tournaments use 15- or 21-point games.

Do you switch sides after every point in singles?

No. You switch serving sides when your score changes from even to odd or odd to even. Your position is determined by your own score.

Can you serve overhand in singles pickleball?

A traditional volley serve must follow the underhand service requirements. However, a legal drop serve is also permitted.

Is the kitchen rule different in singles?

No. The same non-volley zone rules apply to singles and doubles.

Who gets a point when the receiver wins a rally?

Under traditional side-out scoring, the receiver doesn’t earn a point. Instead, the receiver becomes the server.

Can you hit the ball before it bounces?

Yes. After the two-bounce rule has been satisfied, you can volley the ball from outside the kitchen.

Do singles players have a second server?

No. Each player has only one service turn at a time. When the server commits a fault, the opponent gets the serve.

Is singles pickleball harder than doubles?

Generally, yes. Singles requires more running, individual court coverage, and physical endurance because you don’t have a partner to help defend your side.

Final Thoughts

Singles pickleball is more than just hitting a ball across a net. It’s a combination of movement, smart positioning, accurate shots, and quick decisions.

The most important rules to remember are simple: serve diagonally, follow the even-and-odd scoring system, respect the two-bounce rule, and never volley from inside the kitchen.

Once you understand these basics, you’ll spend less time worrying about mistakes and more time enjoying the game.

So grab your paddle, find an opponent, and get on the court. Your next great pickleball match starts with one serve!