Pickleball Singles Rules: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide

Pickleball singles is a one-on-one format where each player is responsible for the entire court. It demands sharp footwork, quick reflexes, and accurate shot placement. Many newcomers mistakenly assume singles follow the same rules as doubles, only to face confusion once play begins. 

Serving rules, court boundaries, and scoring have subtle but important differences that directly affect performance. Missing these details can lead to unnecessary mistakes and frustration. If you’re stepping into singles play for the first time, knowing how it truly works matters. What follows breaks down the core rules and mechanics of pickleball singles—so you can step onto the court prepared, focused, and ready to compete.

What is Pickleball Singles?

Pickleball singles is a one-on-one format where players compete individually, covering the entire court by themselves. The fundamentals are similar to doubles, but the strategies and movements differ significantly. Singles places greater emphasis on shot placement, speed, and endurance.

If you already know basic pickleball rules, transitioning to singles is straightforward. But there are some rule adjustments and gameplay tips worth knowing.

Pickleball Singles Court Size

The good news: the court size for singles is exactly the same as doubles. The pickleball singles court size measures 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, including the non-volley zones (or “kitchen”) on each side of the net.

Measurement	Distance
Baseline to Baseline	44 feet
Sideline to Sideline	20 feet
Non-Volley Zone (each side)	7 feet from the net

There’s no need for special lines or extra measurements if you’re setting up for singles versus doubles play.

Pickleball Singles Rules vs Doubles: Main Differences

Aspect	Singles	Doubles
Court Size	Same (20×44 feet)	Same (20×44 feet)
Players	1 per side	2 per side
Serving Rotation	No partner rotation; player serves alone	Partners alternate serving after faults
Movement	Full-court coverage individually	Shared court coverage
Strategy Focus	Speed, fitness, angles	Teamwork, positioning, and communication
Serve Changes After Fault	Immediate turnover to the opponent	The teammate gets a second chance before the turnover

Pickleball Singles Rules: Serve and Return

Diagonal Service: Players must serve diagonally, into the opponent’s service court.

One Serve Attempt: Unlike tennis, you only get one serve attempt per point (unless a let occurs).

Underhand Serve: The serve must be made underhand, with the paddle contacting the ball below waist level.

Starting Side: The server starts on the right side (even court) at 0-0 and serves to the opposite diagonal court.

Switch Sides After Points: If you win the point, you switch sides and continue serving. You serve from the right when your score is even and from the left when your score is odd.

Pickleball singles game tips for serving:

• Use deep, fast serves to push your opponent back.
• Mix up your serve speed and placement to keep them guessing.

The Two-Bounce Rule

The Pickleball rules for singles still include the famous two-bounce rule. It encourages longer rallies and neutralises big serving advantages.

• After the serve, the receiving player must let the ball bounce before hitting it.
• After that return, the server must let the ball bounce before playing their next shot.
• Once two bounces (one on each side) occur, players may volley or groundstroke.

Scoring in Singles: How to Keep Score

Scoring in singles also differs from that for doubles.

• Only the server can score points.
• Games are usually played to 11 points and win by 2.
• The server’s score determines which side they serve from:
  • Even score: Serve from the right.
  • Odd score: Serve from the left.

If the server loses a rally, they lose the serve, but no point is awarded to the opponent. The opponent then gets a chance to serve and score.

Pickleball Singles Game Tips for Beginners

Singles play demands more than just good hand-eye coordination. Especially, beginners must learn useful tips and internalise them to learn the game faster.

Stay Centred: After each shot, return to a central court position to cover more ground.

Keep Opponents Moving: Place shots deep into corners to stretch their coverage.

Use Drop Shots Wisely: A well-placed drop shot into the non-volley zone can shift the rhythm in your favour.

Conserve Energy: Avoid chasing low-percentage shots. Singles matches require stamina.

Serve Deep: Force your opponent into defensive returns right from the start.

Common Singles Mistakes to Avoid

Even skilled players make errors when shifting to singles. Keep an eye out for these common pitfalls:

• Overcommitting: Don’t sprint too far for one shot and leave the court wide open for the next.
• Ignoring the Middle: The centre line is your friend—many opponents miss easy shots down the middle.
• Poor Serve Placement: Lazy serves make it easy for opponents to attack. Place serves with purpose.
• Skipping Recovery: After each shot, return quickly to a neutral position. Don’t stand and admire your last shot.

Why Play Singles Pickleball?

Besides offering a faster workout and intense gameplay, singles pickleball builds your footwork, fitness, and mental toughness. It’s ideal for players looking to test themselves individually and sharpen their all-around game.

Plus, playing singles can make you a better doubles player by improving your shot-making under pressure.

Closure

Singles pickleball also sharpens your mental discipline. Unlike doubles, there’s no teammate to rely on, making focus and decision-making central. Learning how to stay composed under pressure can greatly improve your performance across all areas of life, not only in sports. As you practice, pay attention to how your concentration, shot selection, and court awareness grow. Mastering singles can open a deeper appreciation for strategy and self-reliance in pickleball.

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