In pickleball, you’ll often hear about “singles” and “doubles” games. These terms might sound straightforward, but if you’re new to paddle or racquet sports, you might wonder what they really mean. At some point, you will come up with a question like “how to play singles pickleball?” And let’s be honest here, who doesn’t want to know how a singles game works and how to keep score without looking like a deer in headlights?
Let’s start simple. Singles pickleball? That’s a one-on-one showdown. Just you, your opponent, and the net standing between you. Scoring? If the score is even, you serve from the right side of the court. Odd score? Left side. But wait, there’s more! In this guide, you’ll learn not only how to play but also how to serve like a pro, follow court rules, and tally up points without turning red from confusion. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Let’s dive in and make it happen!
What is a Singles Game Exactly?
Singles pickleball demands every ounce of your energy. You’re covering the entire court on your own, sprinting and lunging to return shots. It’s a workout disguised as a game, and your body will let you know after just a few rallies. So, what’s skinny singles? It’s a leaner, meaner version of regular singles.
Instead of the full court, the playing area is sliced in half, either straight down the centerline or along the diagonal service zones. This smaller space means less cardio but all the fun. Oddly enough, it feels more like doubles since you’re only responsible for half the court, just as you would be in a doubles game.
Here’s the deal with serving: skinny singles sticks to the same rules as traditional singles. You keep serving until you commit a fault, at which point it’s a side out. It’s a bit different from doubles, where server one hands off the serving to their partner before the other team takes over.
Skinny singles isn’t something you’ll find in tournaments. It’s more of a casual game, perfect for when you’re just looking to have a laugh with a friend or focus on a specific skill. Maybe you’re working on precision serves, or you’re just trying to move less but still keep the competition alive. Either way, it’s a fun alternative that adds even more versatility to the already dynamic world of pickleball.
How to Play Singles Pickleball?
Singles pickleball has its own rhythm when it comes to serving, and understanding it can make or break your game flow. The rules are simple enough to grasp, even if you’re brand new. Let’s break it down into three key points that guide the serving process – and, by extension, scoring and gameplay.
- Every player starts their serve from the right-hand side. This is the universal starting point. Nail this, and you’re off to a solid start.
- If the server wins their point, they don’t just stay put. They switch to the left-hand side for their next serve. From there, they’ll keep alternating between the right and left sides for as long as they win points.
- When a fault happens, the server hands the ball over to their opponent. It’s a clean, simple switch, and the game continues with the same serving rules.
Remember this golden rule: the score determines the serving side. If it’s even, serve from the right. If it’s odd, serve from the left. It’s a straightforward way to keep the game organized and flowing without stopping to second-guess yourself. Once you’ve got these three concepts down, you’re in a great spot to keep up with the pace of singles pickleball. It’s all about understanding the pattern, and before long, it’ll feel second nature.
Pickleball Singles Scoring and Faults
Scoring in a singles pickleball game might seem tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s as smooth as a perfectly timed drop shot. The goal? Be the first to rack up 11 points and beat your opponent by at least 2. While some games stretch to 15 or even 21 points, the standard is 11 – and it’s what you’ll see most often.
Here’s an important detail: only the serving player can score points. If you win a rally while your opponent is serving, you don’t get a point. Instead, you get the next serve, which is your chance to take control and score. This makes every serve a high-stakes moment, especially as the score climbs toward that winning threshold. Now, let’s talk about the relationship between scoring and serving positions—it’s simple but essential. If the server’s score is even, they serve from the right-hand side of the court. If their score is odd, they serve from the left-hand side. This rule keeps the game organized and gives you a handy way to track the score, even if you lose count during an intense rally.
The score must align with the serving side. If the server is on the wrong side for their score, it’s considered a fault. When this happens, the serve switches to the opponent, and they get their chance to take control of the game.
And let’s be honest. You get caught up in the back-and-forth and suddenly realize you’re not quite sure what the score is. Don’t panic. Just check which side the server is on. Is it the right side? The score must be even. Left side? That’s odd. This small trick can save you from an awkward “Wait, what’s the score?” moment. In singles pickleball, understanding the scoring system and serving rules is all about staying sharp, focused, and ready to turn every serve into an opportunity. So hit the court, serve smart, and keep your eye on that magic number: 11.
Common Pickleball Singles Faults That Beginners Make
If you’re just starting out in pickleball, you’ll quickly realize that faults can sneak up on you in all kinds of ways. The official rulebook is packed with them, but let’s face it – no one’s memorizing that on day one. Instead, let’s focus on the most common faults beginners stumble into and how to avoid them.
- Serving into the non-volley zone, fondly known as “the kitchen.” This includes any part of its boundary line. It’s the single most common error among new players, and it’s a painful way to hand over the serve. The kitchen is off-limits for a serve to land, so aim sharp and avoid it entirely.
- Then there’s the kitchen’s other trap – volleying while standing inside it. This might feel like an instinctive move, but it’s a big no-no. You’re welcome to step into the kitchen, but only if the ball has already bounced. No volleys allowed, no exceptions. This rule catches countless beginners off-guard, so learn it early, and you’ll save yourself from losing easy points.
- Serve, bounce, return, bounce – only then can you volley. This rule requires the ball to bounce once on each side of the court before anyone can start hitting it out of the air.
- Hitting the ball out of bounds, failing to get it over the net, or botching the underhand serve are all common hiccups. And let’s not overlook a big one – the ball has to be below your waistline to be legal, and this one trips up beginners often.
Keeping all this in mind, you have to focus on mastering the first two points. If you can consistently land your serves in the correct area and avoid volleying in the kitchen, you’ll be light-years ahead of other beginners. Sure, it’s easier said than done, but with a little discipline and practice, it’s entirely within your reach. Nail these two fundamentals, and you’ll have a significant edge—maybe even enough to win your first games.
Playing is the Best Way to Learn Singles
Singles and doubles pickleball may differ in scoring and gameplay, but the differences are subtle enough that anyone can adapt with ease. Singles, in particular, is a fantastic way to showcase your skills, whether you’re a seasoned player or stepping onto the court for the very first time. The fast pace, the strategic depth—it’s all there for you to enjoy.
Still, the absolute best way to grasp the rules of both singles and doubles pickleball? Get on the court and play. No amount of reading can replace the hands-on experience of learning as you go. With just a basic understanding of the game, you’ll quickly pick up the finer details during matches. Every rally, serve, and volley is a lesson in itself.
This guide? Think of it as a Cliff Notes version of pickleball. It’s handy for reference, sure, but it’s not a substitute for the court-time education waiting for you. So, why not set the guide aside for now and grab your paddle? Dive into your first game, embrace the challenge, and have some fun.
If you’re brand new to singles – or pickleball entirely – there’s no better time to jump in. After your first game, come back and reread this guide. What might seem abstract now will make perfect sense after you’ve had a taste of real gameplay. You’ll discover tips and strategies here that feel tailor-made for your next round.
With a little practice, a touch of patience, and a whole lot of enthusiasm, you’ll soon find yourself understanding the rules and nuances like a seasoned pro. So go on – hit the court, make some mistakes, and learn the game. The journey is half the fun!
Essential Pickleball Gear for Singles Play
Franklin X-40 Outdoor Pickleballs (12-Pack)
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Features: USAPA-approved, durable polyethylene construction, precision-drilled holes for optimal flight, 2.91″ diameter, 0.91 oz weight.
Franklin Jet Aluminum Pickleball Paddle and X-40 Ball Set
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Features: Includes two aluminum paddles with non-slip grips and two X-40 outdoor pickleballs; paddles weigh 10.7–11 oz, suitable for beginners.
