Four free pickleball tools covering scoring, calorie burn, court dimensions, and doubles strategy. Covers both recreational and competitive play formats.
Pickleball basics
Pickleball is played on a court 13.4m × 6.1m (44 × 20 feet) — roughly a quarter the size of a tennis court. The net is 91.4cm (36 inches) at the sidelines, 86.4cm (34 inches) at the centre. The non-volley zone (the "kitchen") extends 2.13m (7 feet) from the net on each side — players may not volley the ball while standing in this zone. Serving is underhand, cross-court, landing in the opposite service box.
Games are typically played to 11 points, win by 2. In competitive play, only the serving side can score (side-out scoring). Many recreational games use rally scoring (any side scores on any rally) to 15 or 21 for faster play.
All pickleball tools
4Pickleball Score Tracker
Track a pickleball game to 11, win by 2, with running score for both sides.
Open toolPickleball Calorie Calculator
Estimate calories burned playing pickleball by intensity and bodyweight.
Open toolPickleball Court Dimensions & Kitchen Guide
Understand the pickleball court, the kitchen (non-volley zone) and key line rules.
Open toolPickleball Doubles Strategy Guide
Learn the core doubles tactics — getting to the net, dinking and stacking.
Open toolFrequently asked questions
What is the kitchen rule in pickleball?
The kitchen (non-volley zone) is the 7-foot area on each side of the net. Players may not volley — hit the ball out of the air — while any part of their body is in the kitchen or touching the kitchen line. Players can enter the kitchen to play a ball that has bounced. The kitchen rule prevents players from dominating at the net by spiking every shot, creating longer rallies and a greater emphasis on dinking (soft shots into the kitchen).
What is the double bounce rule in pickleball?
The double bounce rule (also called the two-bounce rule) requires the ball to bounce once on each side before volleys are permitted. The serve must bounce before the receiver returns it; the return must bounce before the serving team can hit it. After these two bounces, both teams may volley. This rule prevents a serve-and-volley strategy and forces longer baseline rallies at the start of each point.
What size pickleball paddle should I buy?
Pickleball paddles are regulated to a maximum length + width of 24 inches combined, with no length maximum exceeding 17 inches. Weight typically runs 6–9oz. Lighter paddles (6–7.5oz) favour control and quick hands at the net; heavier paddles (8–9oz) provide more power on drives. Most beginners start with a mid-weight composite paddle (7–8oz) with a standard grip size. Elongated paddles offer more reach but a smaller sweet spot.