Here are some basic rules that you need to know to start playing pickleball right away! 

1. Serving:

   - The serving team must stand behind the baseline and serve the ball diagonally across the net to the opponent's service court.

   - The serve must be underhand and made below waist level.

   - The serve must clear the non-volley zone (the area within 7 feet on either side of the net).

2. Double Bounce Rule:

   - After the serve, each team must allow the ball to bounce once on their side before volleying.

   - Once the ball has bounced once on each side, players may volley (hit the ball in the air) or play it off the bounce.

3. Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen):

   - The non-volley zone, also known as the kitchen, is the area within 7 feet on either side of the net.

   - Players cannot volley the ball while standing within the non-volley zone unless the ball has bounced in the non-volley zone first.

4. Faults:

   - A fault occurs when a player violates a rule, such as stepping into the non-volley zone while volleying or failing to execute a proper serve.

   - Common faults include hitting the ball out of bounds, hitting the net with the ball, or failing to clear the non-volley zone.

5. Scoring:

   - Scoring in pickleball is done with a system of three numbers: the serving team’s score, followed by the opponent's score, followed by either 1 or 2, indicating the first or second server after the side out.

   - Pickleball is typically played to 11 points, and a team must win by at least two points.

   - Only the serving team can score points. If the receiving team wins a rally, they gain the serve but do not score a point.

   - Points are scored when the serving team wins a rally.

6. Rotation:

   - In doubles play, players rotate positions each time their team earns the serve.

   - The player on the right side of the court serves first, and both players rotate counterclockwise after scoring points.

Singles Scoring Rules:

The serving player initiates play from the right service court and continues serving until they commit a fault, at which point the serve transfers to the opponent.

Points can only be scored by the serving side. In the event of a successful rally, the serving side earns a point and continues to serve, alternating service courts after each point. 

If the receiving side wins the rally, they do not earn a point but instead gain the right to serve, initiating play from the right service court.

Crucially, during singles play, players serve from the right service court when their score is even and from the left service court when it is odd. This alternation ensures equitable opportunities for both players throughout the match.

To clinch victory in singles pickleball, a player must reach 11 points while maintaining a minimum two-point lead over their opponent. If the score reaches 10-10, commonly referred to as "deuce," the match enters a decisive phase where the victor must secure two consecutive points to win.

Doubles Scoring Rules:

In doubles pickleball, the scoring framework mirrors that of singles play, with matches also played to 11 points and a margin of two points required to secure victory. However, doubles matches introduce nuanced rules pertaining to service rotation and court positioning.

At the outset of a doubles match, the serving team nominates one player to serve, who must commence play from the right service court (or whoever is on the right automatically serves first). Like in singles play, points can only be scored by the serving side.

Upon winning a rally, the serving side retains the serve and players rotate positions clockwise after each successful point. 

The receiving side becomes the serving side, initiating play from the right service court.

Similar to singles play, the serving team's score dictates the service court from which they serve, alternating between the right and left service courts with even and odd scores, respectively.

Victory in doubles pickleball is achieved by reaching 11 points with a minimum two-point lead over the opposing team. In the event of a 10-10 tie, the match extends until one team secures a two-point lead to claim victory.

Understanding and adhering to these scoring rules fosters an environment of fairness and sportsmanship, enriching the pickleball experience for players of all skill levels.