Pickleball Singles Rules: The Complete Guide for 1v1 Play
While many people start playing pickleball in a doubles format, the 1v1 game offers a fantastic workout and a different strategic challenge. But before you jump onto the court for a singles match, you need to understand a few key rule differences. The core game is the same, but the pickleball rules for singles have unique twists on serving, scoring, and court positioning.
This guide will break down everything you need to know to play singles with confidence, from your very first serve to match point.
What are the main rule differences in singles pickleball?
The three main rule differences in singles pickleball compared to doubles are: 1. Serving: You only get one fault on your serve, not two. A fault results in a loss of rally and the serve goes to your opponent. 2. Scoring: The score is called as two numbers (your score - your opponent's score). You serve from the right side of the court when your score is even and the left side when it's odd. 3. Court Positioning: Since you have to cover the entire court yourself, your positioning and movement are far more critical than in doubles.
In This Guide
Core Rule Similarities: What Stays the Same?
Before we dive into the differences, let's quickly cover what doesn't change. The following fundamental rules of pickleball are the same for both singles and doubles:
- The Two-Bounce Rule: The ball must bounce once on each side of the court after the serve before any player can hit a volley (hitting the ball out of the air).
- The Non-Volley Zone (NVZ): Players cannot hit a volley while their feet are inside the NVZ, also known as 'the kitchen'.
- Faults: All standard faults apply, such as hitting the ball out of bounds, into the net, or violating the NVZ rule.
- Court Dimensions: You use the entire court, just like in doubles.
Serving Rules for Singles Pickleball
The serve is where the first major rule difference appears. In doubles, the serving team gets two faults (one for each player) before turning the ball over. In singles, it's much more straightforward.
The One-Serve Rule In singles, you only get one chance to hit a legal serve. If you commit a service fault (e.g., hitting the ball into the net or out of bounds), you lose the rally immediately. There is no second server.
Serving Position Your position on the court when serving is determined by your own score. This is one of the most important rules of pickleball singles to remember:
- If your score is even (0, 2, 4, 6...): You must serve from the right side of your court (the 'even' court).
- If your score is odd (1, 3, 5, 7...): You must serve from the left side of your court (the 'odd' court).
You will always serve diagonally to your opponent's service court, just like in doubles.
Your score determines your serving position. Serve from the right on even scores and from the left on odd scores.
Official Rule (USA Pickleball 4.B.6)
In singles, the server serves from the right service court when their score is even and from the left service court when their score is odd.
How to Keep Score in Singles
Scoring in singles is simpler than in doubles because you don't have to track the server number. You only need to know two numbers: your score and your opponent's score.
When you are serving, you must call the score out loud before each serve. The correct sequence is:
- Your Score
- Your Opponent's Score
For example, if you are winning 5 to 3, you would call out "Five, three" before you serve. If you were losing 2 to 4, you would call out "Two, four". The server's score is always said first.
Just like in doubles, you only score points when you are serving. If you win a rally when you served, you get a point. If you lose the rally, you don't get a point, and the serve goes to your opponent.
Pro Tip: Remembering the Score
A great way to double-check the score is to use your court position. If the server is on the right side of the court, you know their score must be an even number. If they are on the left, their score must be odd. This helps keep the game honest and flowing.
Court Positioning and 1v1 Strategy
The 1v1 pickleball rules don't dictate strategy, but understanding them is key to winning. With no partner to help, you are responsible for covering the entire court. The most important strategic concept is to control the center.
The Centerline is Your Home After you serve or return a serve, your primary goal should be to get back to the center of the court, just behind the Non-Volley Zone line. This 'home base' position makes it easiest to react and get to shots hit to either your forehand or backhand side.
Moving Your Opponent Because your opponent is also trying to cover the whole court, a key strategy is to hit shots that move them from side to side. Hitting deep shots to the corners can open up the court for your next shot.
Common Mistake: Not Recovering to the Center
Beginner singles players often get caught out of position. After hitting a shot from one side of the court, they will stand and watch instead of immediately moving back to the center. An experienced opponent will exploit this by hitting the ball to the opposite, open side of the court.
Frequently Asked Questions About Singles Rules
Do you have to serve cross-court in singles pickleball?
Yes. The serving rules require you to serve diagonally across the court into the service box opposite you. This is the same for both singles and doubles.
Is the two-bounce rule still in effect for singles?
Absolutely. The two-bounce rule (or double-bounce rule) is a fundamental rule for all forms of pickleball. The return of serve must bounce, and the third shot (by the serving side) must also bounce before any volleys can occur.
What happens if you serve from the wrong side in singles?
If you serve from the incorrect side of the court, it is a fault, and you lose the rally. The serve immediately goes to your opponent. This is why it's crucial to remember to serve from the right on an even score and the left on an odd score.