Pickleball Rules Quiz – Practice Test

Page 1 USA Pickleball Rule Book

Section 1 The Game Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of badminton, table tennis, and tennis.

USA Pickleball Rule Book Page 1

Section 1 The Game Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of badminton, table tennis, and tennis. It is played using a special perforated ball on a 20-foot by 44-foot court with a tennis type net.

The pickleball doubles court and the pickleball singles court, unlike in tennis, are played on the same 20′ wide by 44′ long pickleball court.

USA Pickleball Rule Book Page 1

Typically, the first player or team scoring 11 points and leading by at least a 2-point margin wins the game.

USA Pickleball Rule Book Page 1

Rally scoring has been provisionally approved as an option (Rule 14.A), wherein a point is scored by the team that wins each rally.

USA Pickleball Rule Book Page 1

Two-Bounce Rule. After the serve, the receiver must allow the ball to bounce before making their first return, and then the serving team must allow the ball to bounce before making their first return.

USA Pickleball Rule Book Page 1

Non-Volley Zone. The non-volley zone is the area of the court that extends 7 feet from the net on each end of the court, within which a player is not allowed to hit the ball out of the air before it bounces.

USA Pickleball Rule Book Page 1

Wheelchair and Adaptive Play. Players using wheelchairs and players having certain disabilities may allow the ball to bounce twice before returning the ball. The first bounce must be in the court, but the second bounce can be anywhere on the playing surface.

USA Pickleball Rule Book Page 2

Dead Ball. A ball that is no longer in play.

USA Pickleball Rule Book Page 2

Distraction. Physical actions by a player that are not common to the game and interfere with the opponent’s ability or concentration to hit the ball. Examples include, but are not limited to, making loud noises, stomping feet, and waving the paddle in an erratic manner

USA Pickleball Rule Book Page 3

Double Bounce. When the ball bounces twice on one end of the net before it is returned.

USA Pickleball Rule Book Page 3

Drop Serve. A serve made by dropping the ball and hitting the ball with the paddle after the ball bounces on the playing surface.

USA Pickleball Rule Book Page 3

Fault. A rules violation that results in a dead ball and the loss of a rally.

USA Pickleball Rule Book Page 4

Receiver. The player who returns the serve.

USA Pickleball Rule Book Page 4

Serve. The initial strike of the ball with the paddle to start a rally.

USA Pickleball Rule Book Page 5

Side Out. The awarding of the serve to the opposing team after a singles player or doubles team loses its serve.

USA Pickleball Rule Book Page 5

Technical Foul. A one-point penalty assessed for extreme unsportsmanlike actions or behaviors.

USA Pickleball Rule Book Page 5

Volley. A strike of the ball before the ball bounces.

USA Pickleball Rule Book Figure 3.1 Page 6

USA Pickleball Rule Book 3.A.3

Playing Surface. The minimum playing surface area is 30 feet (9.14 m) wide and 60 feet (18.29 m) long.

USA Pickleball Rule Book 3.A.4a

Baselines. The lines parallel to the net at each end of the court.

USA Pickleball Rule Book 3.A.4b

Sidelines. The two lines bounding the court that are perpendicular to the net and baselines.

USA Pickleball Rule Book 3.A.4c

Non-Volley Zone. The 7-foot by 20-foot (2.13m by 6.08m) area of the court adjacent to each end of the net. The non-volley zone lines run parallel to the net, 7 feet (2.13m) from the net on each end between the two sidelines. All lines that bound the non-volley zone are part of the zone. The non-volley zone is two dimensional and does not extend above the playing surface.

USA Pickleball Rule Book 3.A.4d

Centerline. The line down the center of the court on each end of the court extending from the non-volley zone line to the baseline. The centerline separates the right and left service courts.

USA Pickleball Rule Book 3.A.4e

Line Size and Color. All lines should be 2 inches (5.08 cm) wide and the same color, clearly contrasting with the color of the playing surface and court.

USA Pickleball Rule Book 3.A.4f

Service Courts. The areas on each end of the court between the non-volley zone and the baseline on either side of the centerline. The right and left service courts are bounded by and include their adjacent baseline, sideline, and the centerline. NOTE: The NVZ-L is excluded from the Serving Court/Area.

USA Pickleball Rule Book 3.B.6

Sideline Net Height. The top of the net must be 36 inches /- 0.25 inch (91.44 cm /- 0.635 cm) above the playing surface where the net crosses the outer edge of the sidelines. (See Figure 3-1.)

USA Pickleball Rule Book 3.B.7

Center Net Height. The top of the net must be 34 inches +/- 0.25 inch (86.36 cm +/- 0.635 cm) above the playing surface at the center point of the court. If there is a center strap, the center net height measurement includes the center strap. (See Figure 3-1.)

USA Pickleball Rule Book  3.C

Ball Specifications. The requirements for the ball are set forth in Rules 3.C.1
through 3.C.5. The complete list of approved balls is posted on the USA
Pickleball website.
3.C.1
3.C.2
3.C.3
Usage. All approved balls are acceptable for indoor or outdoor play. (See Figure 3-2.)
Design. The design of the ball must be approved by USA Pickleball
as detailed in the Equipment Standards Manual. USA Pickleball
Equipment Standards Manual
Color. The ball must be one uniform color, except for identification
markings. Colors may vary.
3.C.4
3.C.5
Brand Identification. The ball must have a manufacturer or supplier name or logo printed or embossed on the surface.
Construction. The ball must be made of durable material molded
with a smooth surface and free of texturing.

USA Pickleball Rule Book 3.D

3.D.1
3.D.2
3.D.3
3.D.4
3.D.5
Brand and Model Identification. The manufacturer must have a clearly marked brand and model name or model number on the paddle and must also include the ‘USA Pickleball Approved’ seal or text treatment.

USA Pickleball Rule Book 3.D.3

Weight. There is no restriction on paddle weight.

USA Pickleball Rule Book 3.D.6

Allowable Alterations. Altered paddles must meet all specifications. The only allowable alterations or additions by a player to a commercially produced paddle as certified are:
3.D.6.a
Addition or replacement of edge guard tape (see Rule 3.D.7).
3.D.6.b
3.D.6.c
Addition of weighted tape (see Rule 3.D.7).
Addition or removal of weights for an Original
Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) integrated weight system.
3.D.6.d
3.D.6.e
3.D.6.f
3.D.6.g
3.D.6.h
3.D.6.i
Replacement of OEM interchangeable grips. Replacement of OEM interchangeable paddle faces.
Addition of name decals or other identification markings on the paddle face (see Rule 3.D.7). Changes to the grip size via inserts. Addition or replacement of grip wrap.
Handwritten pen markings on the paddle surface for identification purposes only (name, signature, phone,
email address), or an autograph. No aftermarket graphics are allowed on a commercially made paddle.

USA Pickleball Rule Book 5.A.1

Server Position. When the server’s score is zero or even, the serve must be made from the right serving area and be received in the opponent’s right service court. When the server’s score is odd, the serve must be made from the left serving area and be received in
the opponent’s left service court. (See Rule 14.B.2 for mini-singles.)

USA Pickleball Rule Book 5.A.1

Server Position. When the server’s score is zero or even, the serve must be made from the right serving area and be received in the opponent’s right service court. When the server’s score is odd, the serve must be made from the left serving area and be received in
the opponent’s left service court. (See Rule 14.B.2 for mini-singles.)

USA Pickleball Rule Book 5.B.2

Designation of First and Second Servers. After each side out, service begins with the player correctly positioned on the right side according to the team’s score. For the duration of that team’s service rotation, this player is designated as the first server and their partner is the second server.

USA Pickleball Rule Book 5.B.3

Correct Serving and Receiving Positions. The correct positions of the server and receiver for each rally are determined by their team’s score.

USA Pickleball Rule Book 6.B.2

Doubles. For doubles play, the score must be called as three numbers: serving team’s score, then receiving team’s score, then the server number. To start each game, the score will be called as “zero – zero – two.”

USA Pickleball Rule Book 5.B.4

Player Positions During Rallies. Except while serving and receiving, there is no restriction on the position of the players, on 12 2026 USA Pickleball Official Rulebook © Copyright – All rights reserved or off the court, as long as they are on their respective end of the net while the ball is live, except when a player crosses the plane of the net as allowed in Rule 13.I.

USA Pickleball Rule Book 5.B.5

USA Pickleball Rule Book  5.C.1

Player or Position Error Claimed During Rally. Any player may stop a rally to claim an incorrect server, incorrect receiver, or incorrect player position.

USA Pickleball Rule Book  5.C.1b

Fault – Incorrect Claim. When a player stops a rally and incorrectly identifies a player or position error, it is a fault against the player who stopped the rally.

USA Pickleball Rule Book 5.C.2

Player or Position Error Identified After Rally. When the correct server or correct receiver is not in their correct position when the score is called and the rally is completed, the result of the rally stands.

USA Pickleball Rule Book 6.A.1

“Not Ready” Signals. Players must use one of the following signals to indicate “not ready” 1. Raising the paddle above the head. 2 Raising the non-paddle hand above the head 3. Completely turning their back to the net.

USA Pickleball Rule Book 6.B.1

Singles. For singles play, the score must be called as two numbers: server’s score, then receiver’s score. To start each game, the score will be called as “zero – zero.”

USA Pickleball Rule Book  6.C

When to Serve. The entire score must be called before the server hits the serve.

USA Pickleball Rule Book  6.C.1

Fault – Early Serve. When the server hits the serve while the score is being called, it is a fault against the server.

USA Pickleball Rule Book  6.D.1

Fault – 10-Second Violation. When the server does not serve within 10 seconds after the score is called, it is a fault against the server.

USA Pickleball Rule Book  6.E

Stop Play Indicators. After the start of the score call, verbal indicators to stop play such as “stop” and “wait” will be recognized.

USA Pickleball Rule Book 6.F.2

Fault – Correct Score Called. When a player stops a rally to challenge a correct score call, it is a fault against the player who stopped the rally.

USA Pickleball Rule Book  7.A.2a

Fault – Server Contacting Court. If a server’s foot is in contact with the court when the serve is hit, it is a fault
against the server.

USA Pickleball Rule Book  7.B.1

Release from Hand or Paddle. The server must release the ball using only one hand or only the paddle.

USA Pickleball Rule Book  7.B.2

No Manipulation or Spin Upon Release. Some natural rotation of the ball is expected during any release of the ball. The server must not manipulate the ball to add spin with any part of the server’s body or the paddle prior to hitting the ball to make the serve, except that the server may allow the ball to roll off the face of the paddle by gravity. Spin may be applied to the ball upon contact by the paddle.

USA Pickleball Rule Book 7.B.2a

Replay – Manipulation or Spin Added. When the receiver determines that the server has imparted manipulation or spin during the release of the ball, the receiver may call for a replay, but only before returning the serve.

USA Pickleball Rule Book 7.C.4

Forehand or Backhand. The serve can be made with a forehand or backhand motion.

USA Pickleball Rule Book  7.D.3

Number of Bounces. Before the server hits the ball to make the serve, there is no restriction on how many times the ball can bounce.

USA Pickleball Rule Book  7.D.4

Bounce Location. Before the server hits the ball to make the serve, there is no restriction on where the ball bounces on the playing surface.

USA Pickleball Rule Book  7.D.5

Forehand or Backhand. The serve can be made with a forehand or backhand motion.

USA Pickleball Rule Book 7.E.2

Fault – Serve Lands in Non-Volley Zone. When a served ball lands in the non-volley zone, it is a fault against the server.

USA Pickleball Rule Book 7.E.5

Fault – Serve Hits Receiver or Receiver’s Partner. When a served ball contacts the receiver or receiver’s partner or anything that is worn or carried by either, before landing, it is a fault against the receiver.

USA Pickleball Rule Book  8.A

Line Calling Responsibility. Players are responsible for making “out” calls for all lines on their end of the court. In doubles, either or both partners may make a line call.

USA Pickleball Rule Book  8.E Figure 8.1

Line Call Certainty. Players must not call a ball “out unless they can clearly see a space between the line and the ball when it lands. (See Figure 8-1.)

USA Pickleball Rule Book  8.F.4

Partner Communication. While the ball is in the air, any communication between partners about whether a ball might land out is considered player communication, not a line call.

USA Pickleball Rule Book 8.H

Partner Disagreement (Doubles). When partners disagree on a line call, then conflict exists, and the team’s call will be “in.”

USA Pickleball Rule Book  8.J

Spectator Involvement. Spectators must not be consulted on any call.

USA Pickleball Rule Book  8.I

Requesting Opponent’s Opinion. A player may defer to the opponent any line call that the player is responsible for making by asking the opponent’s opinion up until the next serve is hit. When the opponent makes a clear “in or “out” decision, the opponent’s decision will stand. When the opponent does not make a definitive call, the player’s call will stand or when no call was made by the player, the ball will be considered “in.” After asking the opponent, the player and the player’s partner lose the opportunity to make the line call, except to override the call to favor the opponent.

USA Pickleball Rule Book 9.A.1

Fault – Stopping a Rally. When a player stops a rally before the ball otherwise becomes dead, it is a fault against the player unless the stoppage is to call a hinder (see Rule 9.C), to correctly identify a player position or server error (see Rule 5.C.1.a), or to ask for correction of an incorrect score before the return of serve (see Rule 6.F.1).

USA Pickleball Rule Book 9.B.4

No Enforcement of Other Faults. If a player believes an opponent has committed any type of fault other than a non-volley zone fault or a service foot fault, they may mention the specific fault to the opponent upon completion of the rally, but they have no authority to enforce the fault. The final decision on fault resolution belongs to the player that allegedly committed the fault.

USA Pickleball Rule Book  9.C.2

Replay – Hinder. When a hinder is called, the rally must be replayed.

USA Pickleball Rule Book  Page 4

Permanent Object. Any object on, above, or near the court that can interfere with play. Examples include, but are not limited to ceilings, walls, fencing, lighting fixtures, net posts (including connected wheels, arms, and legs). Net cable or rope on top of the net post, and other net support construction. Stands and seats for spectators, the referee, line judges, spectators when in their recognized positions, and all other objects around and above the court.

USA Pickleball Rule Book  10.A

Two-Bounce Rule. The serve and the return of serve must each bounce before being returned.

USA Pickleball Rule Book 10.A.2

Fault – No Bounce by Serving Side. When the server or server’s partner does not allow the return of serve to bounce before hitting the ball, it is a fault against the serving side.

USA Pickleball Rule Book  10.D

Double Hit. Balls can be hit more than once, but the stroke must be continuous in a single direction by one player.

USA Pickleball Rule Book  10.D.2

Fault – Ball Hit by Two-Players. It is a fault if both a player and their partner strike the ball while attempting to return it.

USA Pickleball Rule Book  10.F

Distraction. A player must not distract their opponent when the opponent is about to hit the ball.

USA Pickleball Rule Book  10.H

Injury. If a player is injured during a rally, play must continue until the end of the rally.

USA Pickleball Rule Book  10.I

Player Equipment or Apparel Problem. If a player experiences an equipment or apparel problem during a rally, play must continue until the end of the rally.

USA Pickleball Rule Book 10.J

Item on Court. When anything that is worn or carried by a player lands on the player’s end of the court (except when the item contacts the non-volley zone as a result of the player volleying the ball (see Rule 11.A.1)), the ball remains in play, even if the ball hits the item.

USA Pickleball Rule Book 11.A.1

Fault – Non-Volley Zone Contact While Volleying. When a volleying player or anything that has contact with the volleying player (including the player’s partner) contacts the non-volley zone, it is a fault against the player.

USA Pickleball Rule Book  11.A.2

Fault – Non-Volley Zone Momentum. When a volleying player’s momentum causes the player to contact anything (including the player’s partner) that is in contact with the non-volley zone, even after the ball becomes dead, it is a fault against the volleying player

USA Pickleball Rule Book  11.A.3

Fault – Failure to Exit the Non-Volley Zone Before Volleying. After contacting the non-volley zone, when player volleys a ball before both feet contact the playing surface completely outside the non-volley zone, it is a fault against the player.

USA Pickleball Rule Book  12.B

Paddle Possession. A player must have possession of the paddle when hitting the ball. A player is allowed to hold the paddle with one or both hands. The paddle may be switched from hand to hand at any time.

USA Pickleball Rule Book  13.B

Ball Contacting Net Support System. A served ball must not contact any part of the net support system. A returned ball must not contact any part of the net support system on the hitting player’s end of the net.

USA Pickleball Rule Book  13.C

Ball Around Net Post. A ball may be returned around the outside of the net post.

USA Pickleball Rule Book  13.D

Ball Between Net and Net Post. A ball must not be hit between the net and the net post.

USA Pickleball Rule Book  13.F.1

Fault – Ball Hit Before Crossing Plane of Net. When a player hits the ball before the ball entirely crosses the plane of the net to the player’s end, it is a fault against the player.

USA Pickleball Rule Book  13.G.1

Fault – Player Contacts Net or Net Support System. When a player or anything that is worn or carried by the player contacts the net or net support system while the ball is live, it is a fault against the player.

USA Pickleball Rule Book  13.I.2

Ball Crosses Back to Opponent’s Side. When a ball bounces in the court on the receiving player’s end of the net and then returns to the opponent’s side of the net without being hit, the receiving player may cross over, under, or around the net to hit the ball, but only after the ball has first crossed back to the opponent’s end of the net.

USA Pickleball Rule Book  13.I.1

After Hitting the Ball. A player may cross the plane of the net immediately after hitting the ball. The allowance to cross the plane of the net only applies while executing the current strike of the ball and for continuation associated with the current strike of the ball.

USA Pickleball Rule Book  13.I.2b

Fault – Ball Not Contacted. When a ball bounces in the court on the receiving player’s end of the net and then returns to the opponent’s end of the net without being hit, it is a fault against a player who fails to hit the ball before it bounces once on the opponent’s end of the net.

USA Pickleball Rule Book  18.A.2

Match Forfeit – Non-Compliant Paddle Discovered During Play. During a match, when a player is discovered playing with a paddle that is not listed on the USA Pickleball Approved Paddle List or is not in compliance with the paddle specifications in Rule 3.D, a match forfeit will be imposed on the player.

USA Pickleball Rule Book  18.A.3

Non-Compliant Paddle Discovered After Match Concludes. After a match has ended, when a player is discovered to have used a paddle that is not listed on the USA Pickleball Approved Paddle List or is not in compliance with the paddle specifications in Rule 3.D, the match results stand.

USA Pickleball Rule Book 18.B

18.B Apparel. Player apparel must comply with Rules 18.B.1 and 18.B.2.
18.B.1 Depictions. Graphics, insignias, pictures, and writing on apparel must be in good taste.
18.B.2 Footwear. Shoes must have soles that do not mark or damage the playing surface.
18.B.3 Apparel Change. A player must change apparel that is considered inappropriate by the Tournament Director, including that which approximates the color of the ball. A referee time-out will be used for an apparel change required during a match. (See Rule 16.K.)
18.B.4 Match Forfeit – Refusal to Change Apparel. When a player refuses to comply with the apparel rules, the Tournament Director may impose a forfeit of the player’s match.

USA Pickleball Rule Book  25.C.1

Tournament Event. Hybrid Doubles is a doubles event in which each team consists of one wheelchair player and one standing player, able-bodied or adaptive.

USA Pickleball Rule Book 25.B.3

Two-Bounce Allowance. Eligible adaptive standing players may use the two-bounce allowance option in an adaptive standing or hybrid event.

USA Pickleball Rule Book  25.B.2

Assistive Devices. Players may use assistive devices such as prosthetics, orthotics, braces, crutches, or canes during play.

USA Pickleball Rule Book  24.C

Request for Referee or Tournament Director. Any player may request a referee or the Tournament Director when:
24.C.1 Repeated Rule Violations. The player believes that the opponent is repeatedly violating one or more rules.
24.C.2 Inability to Resolve Issue. A situation arises that players are not able to resolve quickly and easily.

USA Pickleball Rule Book  21.F.3

Change of Starting Server. Teams may change the starting server between games and should notify the referee before the start of the next game.