It happens to everyone…

One day, your preferred pickleball partner is out sick! Or maybe the court isn’t as busy as usual. Either way, your plans to play some doubles pickleball games are dashed. Fortunately, pickleball can also be played alone. Unlike a doubles game, a singles pickleball match is played between two opponents.

Most of the rules are the same. You still use the same court, there’s no change to the court size, and you still abide by the same etiquette. However, there are a few differences.

Today, we’ll be discussing the differences between doubles and singles pickleball. Keep scrolling and read this blog post to learn more!

Sharing the Same Rules

Most of the rules for doubles pickleball also apply to singles pickleball.

In fact, there are only three crucial differences; we’ll dive into those in a moment!

First, let’s review the rules for every pickleball court.

The Court Is the Same for Singles and Doubles Pickleball

As we mentioned earlier, the pickleball court doesn’t change. This sets pickleball apart from its close racquet sport relative, badminton.

The court size remains the same, as does the layout. You still have three zones on each side of the court: two service courts and one non-volley zone (also known as an “NVZ” or “kitchen”). Each team also has a corresponding non-volley zone line (or “kitchen line”) running parallel to the net. Opposite the non-volley zone line is the service line, which marks the forward limit for all serve attempts.

Service courts are used for gameplay. Each valid serve attempt must be made to the corresponding opponent’s service court. More precisely, the pickleball must land on the opposite diagonal court.

The Serving Sequence Is the Same

Players must also abide by the same serving sequence.

When the server’s score is even, the ball is served from the right side of the court. Note that zero is considered an even score in pickleball; thus, all games begin with right-side serves. For odd scores, players serve from the left side of the court.

By extension, players must switch sides when serving after a scored point. So, if the serving team scores — going from three to four points — the next serve must be taken from the right side of the court.

Failing to do so — through direct action or by accident — is considered a “fault.”

You Serve the Same Way, Too!

You’re also following the same serving rules in both singles and doubles pickleball games.

Don’t worry! We’ll refresh your memory.

As of 2023, there are two valid pickleball serves:

• The drop serve is a simple, beginner-friendly option. The ball is dropped vertically onto the playing surface and hit after at least one bounce. The ball may be hit from various angles, but players cannot throw or propel the ball during the initial drop.
• The classic volley serve is a more technical style. The ball is hit with an upward motion before it bounces off the court.

(Note that two-handed drop serves and spinning serves have been banned as of 2022. This rule change was a reaction to the sudden proliferation of difficult-to-return “chainsaw serves,” which used the paddle to impart additional spin on the pickleball.)

Similarly, all the basic rules still apply to a one-person serving team. Those first ball bounces must be within the diagonally opposing service court and beyond the non-volley zone line. You must also abide by the two-bounce rule.

And You Score Points the Same Way!

Finally, you still win the game the same way!

It’s still a side-out-scoring game, so the opposing team cannot score. Instead, the server wins points whenever a fault occurs. And faults remain the same across singles and doubles pickleball games. Some of the most common faults include…

• Failed Returns: There are many ways to fail a return attempt! While failing to clear the net is an obvious fault, improper shot placement is another.
• Score Call Errors: Falling to call your score or calling your score incorrectly both count as faults.
• Serving Side Errors: Remember to serve from the right for even scores. Similarly, serve from the left side when the score is odd.

The Differences Between Singles Pickleball and a Doubles Game

All things considered, a singles pickleball game will look much like a doubles pickleball game. Nonetheless, there are some unique pickleball singles rules.

We’ll start by getting the obvious differences out of the way. Namely:

• Each player must cover the entire court. This means one person is responsible for both the right and left side of the court and their respective kitchen.
• Each team only gets one serve attempt.
• There are two players — one per team. Yes, it’s super obvious, but it’s still a difference!
• When calling the server’s score, only two numbers are used, simplifying score calls to each team’s respective score and nothing more! The third number — the server — is no longer necessary.

The Singles Serving Sequence

Let’s take a moment to clarify the pickleball singles rules for serving.

In doubles pickleball, each player gets one attempt, after which service passes to the next team. Thus, each side gets two total serving attempts. However, you don’t have a teammate in a singles game! This means each team is limited to one serve before rights pass across the court.

If you’re more accustomed to doubles play, think about it this way: You’re always acting like it’s the first serve. Both players can be considered “server two,” as a failed serve pops the ball to the opposing team.

Nonetheless, you’re still expected to hit the ball to the appropriate side of the court. All serves must also pass your opponent’s kitchen line.

The Skill Level Difference

Another distinguishing trait of singles pickleball is its higher level of athleticism. You don’t have a teammate, so the entire court is your domain. While this is great for controlling players, it can be a challenge for beginners and casual pickleballers.

The increased area of responsibility also contributes to the faster-paced style of most singles pickleball games. Again, a larger playing area makes it easier to pop off a strategic deep serve or laser-focused dink.

Playing Along the Non-Volley Zone Line

Part of the speed nature of singles pickleball is an attraction to the kitchen. This area — spanning from the net to each team’s respective kitchen line — is the only part of the court from which a player can hit a volley. (A volley is when a ball is hit before it bounces!)

Aside from increasing the speed of the game, focusing on this area of the pickleball court makes it easier for players to land hard-to-reach shots. While this may seem daunting, it can be a benefit to both sides! Faster games hone reaction times and promote pinpoint accuracy from the first serve. More importantly, in singles pickleball, consistent non-volley zone returns decrease how much of the pickleball court a player must cover.

Serve Deep, Return Accurately

However, you can’t laze around in the NVZ. A pickleball game covers the entire court, and being complacent is a surefire way to lose even the easiest pickleball singles game.

One of the most important things to learn before trying a singles game is that most players serve deep. This isn’t an entirely unique trait; a deep serve is a common sight in doubles pickleball, too. However, a solid, deep serve makes it easier to throw your opponent off-balance. Anticipating such an act will make it easier to counter.

Conversely, many players mix and match return depths in singles pickleball. While playing close to the net is a common tactic, it isn’t the only possible option. Expect a mix of returns — from a light, passing shot to hard, deep volleys! Singles games are all about control, and mastering the art of dominating the small court is the difference between winning and losing.

Control the Ball and Control the Pickleball Court

Ultimately, you may have noticed a common theme running through these strategic pointers.

That’s right! Control is the biggest difference between a singles and a doubles game. That’s not to say you can slack on your control if you’re a doubles pickleball specialist. It’s still important! However, masterful control is the de facto way to conquer a singles game.

Think about it. You don’t have a partner to help. It’s a solo show, and you have to be the star! Dominate the court and practice your moves. Some of the best ways to keep the receiver’s score low revolve around carefully placed returns, so pay close attention to the pickleball court. Watch your opponent and consider the following factors:

• Longevity: Sometimes, you’ll find yourself in a long match. Don’t try to speed it up; play the long game! Keep returning steadily and wear them down. Eventually, someone will slip up. Hopefully, it’ll be your opponent!
• Momentum: If they’re moving for the left-hand side, return to the right. Alternatively, hit the ball deep if they’re moving forward. In some ways, singles pickleball is like chess. You’re always predicting where the next shot will land!
• Play Style: Everyone has preferences. Work against those quirks!

Learn Even More

Regardless of what you choose — whether you’re a singles pickleball master or a doubles team player — there’s always more to learn. Stay up to date on the latest pickleball news, tips, and tricks by following our blog! We’re always updating the site, and — like you — we love spreading the joy of America’s fastest-growing sport.

We’ve got you covered. Looking to find the perfect pickleball court size? We have the answers. Or perhaps you want to know the difference between a pickleball court and a tennis court. We know that, too! We even have handy tips on finding the perfect equipment to hold that non-volley line and master the game.

So, see what else we have to offer, and be sure to share this post with your pickleball-loving friends.