Pickleball SINGLES Rules Breakdown

While most people play pickleball doubles, pickleball singles is nearly as much fun, very exciting, and has a similar set of rules. In today's video, we explain how to play pickleball singles.
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[@thatpickleballguy]

Hope you enjoyed this video! To go a step further, challenge yourself & take ThatPickleball IQ Test to see how well you really know the game. VERY FEW get 10/10. I dare you to try: 😊 thatpickleballtest.typeform.com/to/YuHaz4N6

[@michaelbehrens3167]

That test wanted an email, so no thanks.

[@thatpickleballguy]

@@michaelbehrens3167 or say yes please :)

[@josephhauge1290]

At 4:40 Zach stepped into the kitchen

[@sonsoftheedelweiss72]

My favorite sport just behind bowling and darts. I’m actually starting to feel like an athlete. I’m 62 with 2 back surgeries and started beating a number of 17-21 year olds.

[@fririceyumm3306]

i’ll sleep you old man

[@Markomyt1]

That is fun! BOOM BABY!

[@fririceyumm3306]

@@Markomyt1 i’ll sleep you as well

[@pkmsd8291]

Plot twist: they got disqualified for going too hard 😂

[@zedone8253]

I’m sure they weren’t good lol

[@joshdaley1447]

Most efficient video I have seen to cover the fundamentals. After watching this video a few times and spending a day at the court my wife and I are now not hesitant to play with other people.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad it was helpful! Have fun out there!

[@drewwilley5971]

By far the most clear explanation of singles rules I’ve seen. Makes it perfectly clear while being funny. Yall rock.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mama-cita]

This is the 3rd video I watched trying to understand the rules. Your video is the easiest to understand. Thank you for the actual game play footage instead of showing random game play.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Youre welcome :) glad it helped

[@green7449]

The one thing that blew my mind is that if the ball hits you, even if you are outside of the court. It’s a fault on you, even if the ball was clearly gonna be out. One thing my buddies and I have clarified though is when it comes to public courts. If the ball is out and going towards another court, we catch it even if it hasn’t bounced. Which I know is a fault to who ever catches it, but we don’t want our bad hits to mess up other peoples games.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Fair enough! In that setting that is a fair point as long as established prior to the game so you don't disrupt other games!

[@ApolloUltra]

Absolutely the best video on singles play that I have watched. Single rules explained and demonstrated perfectly. I have watched several videos on the breakdown of the singles rules and this one is top-shelf! Thanks.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Fantastic! Glad it helped!

[@HiiipowerDanni]

I completely agree!

[@Hazey4420]

Thank you so much. My kiddo is playing after school in a club. Her aunt sent her a set of paddles, balls, and all sorts of stuff. I have never played. Have no clue how. I also have never played tennis. Unless Wii counts. Now we are going to the pickleball court by our house tomorrow.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Awesome! I hope you both have a great time!

[@Trephining]

Never looked into what pickleball was until I did a search on YTube just a few minutes ago. And this video did a pretty great and clear explanation.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Fantastic! Glad it was helpful!

[@GraysonCastaneda]

4:32 "Zack, you need to get a stop baby." Zack: and I took that personally.

[@PickleballWill]

Best breakdown videos on the internet 🙏 honored to be in it

[@thatpickleballguy]

Thanks dude!!

[@Lets_Go_Somewhere26]

Your explanation and demonstration are super clear, organized and easy to follow for someone with zero knowledge on pickle ball 👍👍👍. I remember and understand the rules in your video without trying. Many thanks for such a high quality and solid video!!!

[@andrewaulner4759]

Thank you for this excellent video tutorial. You explained everything clearly and concisely, and the gameplay illustrated the rules in a fun and engaging way.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Thanks! Glad it helped!

[@uniquexglamllc3022]

Great video. Can you explain win by 2 after 11 points. So is the winner the person who scores 12 or 13?

[@KurlyDdotcom]

​@@thatpickleballguyif you hit the net while serving and it goes over, is that a foul?

[@TulsaDude]

A couple of years ago I played for fun (just rallying) with my family on vacation and it was fun. Fast forward 2 years and my family finally wanted to play "for real". Well this video and the ultimate guide video taught us 99.9% of everything pickleball. Appreciate it so much

[@thatpickleballguy]

That’s awesome! It's a great game to share with family.

[@marvincool3744]

Thank you! My primary sport of choice is competitive endurance running but I’m looking for something to compliment it/change things up a little.

[@flip110119]

Quick and easy to follow break down of the rules! Thank you for sharing…

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@melaniedequardo1071]

Best video I’ve seen. Super helpful

[@henriettamcdaniel3783]

Hi am a Senior just started playing Pickle ball thank for the tips. Great 🎥?👍👍👍

[@thatpickleballguy]

Thanks for watching! have fun out there!

[@nakeciafuller290]

You describe it so well. I had to come back and watch the video again before I played after my second time playing for months.

[@thatpickleballguy]

thank you :)

[@HeavyAndLow]

Excellent video! Quick, easy to understand, and most importantly accurate.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@beezletrip6]

Straight to the point! I like it. Subbed !

[@krizzleschizzle8500]

Thanks for breaking this down so easy! Very nice!

[@thatpickleballguy]

You're welcome :)

[@ArizonaGunsDave]

Thanks for this. My wife and I are now empty nesters and are looking for another hobby besides going to the range and shooting. The way you explain the rules and then get into detail really helps out a whole lot. Great video, new subscriber.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Awesome!! This game is awesome! Thanks for the kind words

[@edwardmsmith6219]

Love all sports!!! My favorites in order are Golf, Tennis, Table Tennis (Ping Pong), Learning how to play Pickleball at this time.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Love it! If you love Tennis and Table Tennis then you'll enjoy Pickleball since it is a combo of the two!

[@ecupirateswag]

Outstanding video, very helpful for this new player!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad you think so!

[@jtinney1116]

This is so helpful! My son and I are going to play for the first time today and this is an excellent and concise video. Thank you!

[@thatpickleballguy]

So glad its helpful :)

[@ashtonso6662]

Thanks for the clear explanation and demos of the single game. Now I'm ready to dip my toes into the singles world...and I am single. Lol.

[@michaelmarino1420]

Great vid, enjoyed the real time play, a lot of rule videos just explain but seeing how they work within a game was very helpful.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@coolvideoinvitations]

This is the best explainer I’ve seen well done.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Thanks!!

[@moe3297]

This was so helpful, thanks!

[@TheDive25]

This looks way more competitive and athletic then doubles. Avid tennis player for over 30 years but had to give it up from shoulder injuries. I've been so reluctant to try this game after mostly seeing doubles play. Might give it a go now. Thanks

[@thatpickleballguy]

Give it a try! Pickleball is awesome!

[@MichaelKada]

No fluffy stuff straight to the point! Love it ❤

[@thatpickleballguy]

can't have the fluff! Just right to the goods.

[@GreenAsCanBe32]

This tutorial is great, thank you so much!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Youre welcome!!

[@glogirl78]

Great video for beginners! The best I've seen out there. Nice editing too... with the colored highlighting of the areas of the court and such. Brings home your points well. Thanks!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@justarandom3865]

been trying to figure out about serving into the net for the longest time this for this video👍👍

[@thenoodlehunter6828]

The kitchen rules helped a lot! There was that one thing someone asked me where if you hit the ball before your foot lands in the kitchen in a volley. Doesn't count. Thanks!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@KaijuKim]

My husband and I have been wanting to try pickleball. This video is perfect for us to get started! Thank you!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Youre welcome!

[@Glozboy22]

I finally understand how it works! Thank you!

[@thatpickleballguy]

You're welcome! Glad it helped!

[@joefarella7483]

New to pickleball and this explained things well and easy, thank you

[@thatpickleballguy]

Fantastic! Glad it helped

[@bizlawusa]

This was a good educational video, I am ready to play today.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Good luck! Thanks for watching.

[@JS-824]

Got a few buddies that are really into pickle ball. I see it’s in relation to a big table tennis 🏓. With some rules that differ. Ohhh these guys at work don’t know what beast is sleeping right now. Played table tennis for about 6 yrs everyday straight. This is gonna be fun.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Lets go!!

[@donnalavin9977]

I really enjoy these videos. Great teacher

[@thatpickleballguy]

Thank you!! Glad its helpful

[@hannahb2186]

This video has been the best explanation, thank you sm

[@thatpickleballguy]

Absolutely!

[@joenelson5819]

What about if I miss my first serve? Do I go to the other side and get one more serve?

[@deanwieber883]

Nice job. It seems you should note that the serve is always to the diagonal court. I've seen some folks try to serve straight on. That is server on the RH side and the opponent on the LH side for example.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Great point!

[@mthomas73]

Great explaination

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@g.crusor-price7032]

Thanks so much for this - we are older and looking for exercise that is fun - looking forward to playing now :)

[@thatpickleballguy]

You're welcome! Enjoy :)

[@sllamlaanan5192]

أريد لوازم اللعبة.غير موجودة في المغرب.شمال افريقيا

[@hoking93]

I'm starting to play the pickleball in South Korea! I'm a little confused to understand the rules comparing with tennis. Thanks a lot for your great video!!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Absolutely!

[@VickyMartin-d3l]

Great video! Very well explained! Thank you!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Youre welcome!

[@SEOJAECHANG-q2d]

I have a question. when it was 3:1 and lost server on left box and change the server, why the other server started serving on same left box? why not on right box? wasn't it supposed to change the box?

[@JoVo1111]

I still dont remember anything past ‘must be behind the line to serve’. 😂 Hubby and I will just play like it’s giant ping pong. Still burning calories. Winning! Maybe after we play for awhile, we’ll be more interested in the nuance of real rules. Thanks man.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Thanks for watching! Enjoy!

[@kukuJack]

Thank you for the explanation

[@thatpickleballguy]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching :)

[@surfing.4ever]

the best video so far. very well done mr

[@thatpickleballguy]

O wow thanks for the encouragement!

[@sneezer00]

Best video to explain the rules!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@markp3383]

Great stuff - thanks! Any recommendation for a beginner's paddle? I hear many say it is a good idea to spend a little more for a good one in the beginning because if you like it you will always upgrade from a cheaper one.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Here’s the paddle I use. It’s the “power air” www.selkirk.com/products/vanguard-air-s2?variant=40179483344998 Note, I specifically use the “prestige color.” I haven’t run a test on this, but I think it has a little more spin than the other power airs. :) If you’re looking for a less expensive option, I’d go with this one - www.selkirk.com/products/slk-halo?variant=39964829188198 And, I prefer the “power” version. It still has very good touch, in my opinion, but has a little extra pop :) If you go with either of these use my code, “ADV-thatpickleballguy” and you’ll get a digital gift card toward a future purchase.

[@esmesantiago1622]

Great video! Just started playing yesterday for fun! This has helped a lot ready for today!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad to hear it! Enjoy!

[@thelittlepikmin]

Thank you, man. This is so good.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@paulsiskin5824]

Nice video! Very, to the point.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@katemcalpin6606]

Short and sweet, very helpful

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad it was helpful :)

[@GregCoplen-pm4xr]

Great video for a new pickle ball player. Thank you. One question: Can you only say "boom!" after winning a point or can you throw a "c'mon!" or "let's go!" in there as well?

[@thatpickleballguy]

Your call :)

[@k9feces]

Finally a thorough explanation

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@melvinmyers7314]

Just started playing pickle ball with my wife and this video helped a lot thanks

[@thatpickleballguy]

Awesome! Glad it helped!

[@innermostbeing]

What happens if your opponent's score is zero and you are at 6? Does the game end because your opponent's score is zero or do you continue the game point 11? Thanks for your video as it helped me to understand the game better.

[@OldMovieRob]

Those were good and clear instructions. Thank you!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Youre welcome!

[@Okaywills]

I notice that you both don’t enter the court until the player serves. Do you have to stand behind that back white line until the ball is served or can the receiving player be in that back area? (Hope that question makes sense lol)

[@charlesperdulla]

Thank you!

[@thatpickleballguy]

You're welcome!

[@JasonDotsch]

Great vid!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Thank you!

[@user-jv9qz2bu1r]

nice tennis strokes Kyle haha - I have a hard tine with the nose the pock pock pock pock drives me crazy so I may dabble in PB tennis is still King

[@PanickingPat]

Great breakdown! Thank you so much for making this easy to understand but can you touch up on the "let" rule when you serve and it hits the net but goes over the kitchen. Do you keep playing or is it a let and you redo? How many redo are you allowed when you serve and it hits the net but goes over the kitchen? Thanks for your time!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Absolutely!

[@KellerBi3r]

Thank you!

[@billhudson2196]

Great video. Thanks for this.

[@thatpickleballguy]

For Sure!

[@thuantran610]

Great explanation. Thanks

[@thatpickleballguy]

You are welcome!

[@Jay-777-p4p]

Honestly best content and tutorial video.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Thanks!!

[@debbievanderburgh7723]

Great video, very informative and rather funny!! Thx.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@emmawalzer1568]

this helped SO much, love this👏👏

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad it helped!

[@Connor_Dempsey]

Great tutorial

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad you think so!

[@lisajako]

Very good and clear video!🤗

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Nachtigall.831]

I am playing later tonight so I needed tutorials and stuff so I know what I am doing 🤪

[@thatpickleballguy]

Nice!!!

[@Nachtigall.831]

@@thatpickleballguy I am very excited! :D

[@Nachtigall.831]

@@thatpickleballguy Are these rules possibly out of date? are there new rules I need to know about? 🤔

[@olegyamleq7796]

great video !! Thanks!!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad you liked it!

[@kerryphillips2394]

Great video thanks

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tbig96]

Such a helpful video man. Thank you!

[@destinywise1317]

This videos was the best I’ve seen

[@thatpickleballguy]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheMonaghan25]

This was fantastic. Thank you.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jasonvaliant5746]

Thank you for the tips. Let me know if your ever in Palm Coast Florida

[@thatpickleballguy]

You're welcome!

[@writingteacher2161]

when you return a serve, do you have to return it diagonally or cross court as well?

[@thatpickleballguy]

Can return it anywhere

[@writingteacher2161]

@@thatpickleballguy thanks! I saw another one of ur vids where I picked up on that. Speedy comment nonetheless! Thanks again!

[@kamdabossy4696]

I have a question. Do both players have to start outside of the playing area when the person is serving. Does the other person have to be outside too?

[@thatpickleballguy]

Official Rule 4.B.7. is below: Partner Positions. In doubles, with the exception of the server (see 4.A.4) there is no restriction on the position of any player, as long as all players are on their respective team’s side of the net. They can be positioned on or off the court. The correct server must serve from the correct service court, and the correct receiver must receive the serve.

[@ellie.alfonso]

What if they don’t serve it in the correct side of the court? or can you serve it anywhere besides the kitchen? would they reserve or would it be a side out?

[@thatpickleballguy]

It would be a fault. You have to serve it diagonal across the court.

[@pinoyh1536]

Best explanation!!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tommyboy7820]

Thanks for sharing

[@thatpickleballguy]

You're welcome!

[@crBudgetWatches]

If I am starting out and trying to learn the rules and miss some will I get the stinky eye from bystanders at the pickle ball court?

[@thatpickleballguy]

No! The pickleball community is awesome! Go out there and have fun!

[@billsmith3182]

If the serve hits the net but goes in the box is it a let and do over?

[@thatpickleballguy]

Correct

[@billsmith3182]

@@thatpickleballguy thank you

[@ShaMoneyMOB]

Got my T-Mobile pickleball paddles ready to bout these bad boys to work tmro💪 lol

[@thatpickleballguy]

Lets go!!

[@lilynewton7346]

Awesome video. Thank you!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad you liked it!

[@mkmcdowell4648]

I know the serve has to bounce beyond the kitchen, but what about the return of serve? Can it bounce in the kitchen?

[@thatpickleballguy]

Yep, it sure can.

[@ragde858]

does the second ball (service return) need to bounce beyond the kitchen?

[@thatpickleballguy]

It doesn't need to bounce in the kitchen but it can. Hitting the return deep gives you a chance to get up to the kitchen line with your partner

[@savannahmancuso2965]

This breakdown is PERFECT!!!! Thank you so much!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad it helped!!

[@Guyonline20]

In the video you say the ball has to go back and forth from server to opponent but in your demonstration you serve the ball to your opponent once and you play from that

[@aarondrossart6026]

this may be a silly question.... can a serve return bounce in the kitchen and still be in play? I know that the general strategy is to return deep and advance to the net, but my wife and I were questioning this when playing the other day... Thanks in advance :)

[@thatpickleballguy]

yep, the serve return can land in the kitchen :)

[@marilynsoto8523]

Great video!!

[@vanessablanco2609]

What about if your opponent doesn’t follow the two bounce rule? Also, what happens if I hit the ball twice with my paddle ie. it rolls on my paddle but makes it to the other side?

[@thatpickleballguy]

The two bounce rule is a standard rule. Do they just not consider it dead if the ball hits twice and keep playing? And for ball hitting twice there is a specific double hit rule, and it states, “Balls can be hit twice, but this must occur during an unintentional, continuous, single-direction stroke, by one player.”

[@Coach_13]

This is AMAZING! Great work guys!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Thanks! glad it helped!