Know the game
The rules,
in plain English.
You only need about five minutes of rules to play your first game well. Here's everything that actually comes up on court.
The serve
- ▸Serve underarm, contacting the ball below your waist with an upward swing.
- ▸At least one foot behind the baseline, both feet behind the line at contact.
- ▸Serve diagonally into the opposite service court — it must clear the kitchen line.
- ▸One serve attempt only (no second serve). A let off the net is played, not replayed.
- ▸A drop serve is legal: bounce the ball and hit it after it lands, no height restrictions on the drop.
Scoring
- ▸Only the serving side can score a point.
- ▸Games are usually to 11, win by 2. Tournament games can be 15 or 21.
- ▸In doubles the score is called as three numbers: your score, their score, server number (1 or 2).
- ▸Both partners serve before the ball goes to the other team — except the very first service turn of the game, which is a single server (starts at 0-0-2).
The kitchen (non-volley zone)
- ▸The kitchen is the 7-foot zone either side of the net, including the line.
- ▸You may not volley (hit out of the air) while standing in the kitchen or touching its line.
- ▸Momentum counts: if your follow-through carries you into the kitchen after a volley, it's a fault.
- ▸You can stand in the kitchen anytime — just not to volley. Step in for a bounced ball, then get out.
The two-bounce rule
- ▸The serve must bounce before the returner hits it.
- ▸The return must bounce before the serving team hits it.
- ▸After those two bounces, either team may volley.
Faults
- ▸Hitting the ball out of bounds or into the net.
- ▸Volleying from inside the kitchen (or touching the line).
- ▸Breaking the two-bounce rule.
- ▸The ball touching you or your clothing.
- ▸Touching the net, post or opponent's court while the ball is live.
Doubles positioning
- ▸The server starts on the right when their score is even, left when it's odd.
- ▸Partners swap sides only after scoring a point.
- ▸Return of serve: get to the kitchen line as fast as you safely can, together.
- ▸Move as a pair — if your partner goes wide, you shift with them.
Avoid these
Beginner mistakes.
- Standing back at the baseline all game instead of moving up to the kitchen line.
- Trying to smash every ball instead of using a soft third shot drop.
- Calling the score wrong — always call all three numbers before serving.
- Stepping in to volley without checking your feet in the kitchen.
- Serving too hard and missing — depth beats power.
Common questions
FAQ.
Can I hit the ball two-handed?
Yes. Two-handed backhands are completely legal and increasingly common.
What happens if the ball hits the line?
It's in — except for the kitchen line on a serve, where a serve landing on the kitchen line is a fault.
Can I switch hands?
Yes, you may switch the paddle between hands at any time.
Do I need my own paddle to start?
No. Most sessions have loan paddles — turn up in court shoes and we'll sort the rest.
Now go and play.
Rules are easy. Reps are what make you good. Find a beginner-friendly session or book a foundation lesson with Zoe.