If you’ve just discovered pickleball in Malaysia and are curious about how to play, you’re in the right place.
This guide will walk you through the basic pickleball rules, scoring system, and common terms so you can step onto any court — whether in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, or Johor — and start enjoying the game right away.
1. Pickleball Court & Equipment
- Court size: 20 feet wide x 44 feet long (same for singles and doubles).
- Net height: 36 inches at the sidelines, 34 inches in the middle.
- Equipment: A paddle, a plastic perforated ball (wiffle-style), and proper non-marking court shoes.
💡 Tip: Many pickleball courts in Kuala Lumpur and other cities rent paddles and balls if you’re just starting out.
2. Serving Rules
- Always serve underhand, with the paddle making contact below your waist.
- Stand behind the baseline when serving.
- The ball must land diagonally across the court in the opponent’s service box.
- Only one serve attempt is allowed per player (let serves that land in the correct box are replayed).
3. The Double-Bounce Rule
- After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce once before returning it.
- Then, the serving team must let the return bounce once before hitting it.
- After these two bounces, volleys (hitting the ball before it bounces) are allowed.
4. The Non-Volley Zone (“The Kitchen”)
- The kitchen is a 7-foot zone on each side of the net.
- You cannot volley while standing in the kitchen.
- You may step into the kitchen to return a ball that has bounced, but you must leave before volleying again.
5. Pickleball Scoring Rules
- Only the serving team can score points.
- Games are usually played to 11 points, win by 2.
- In doubles, both players serve before the serve passes to the other team.
6. Common Pickleball Faults
A fault happens when:
- The ball lands out of bounds.
- The ball hits the net and fails to go over.
- A serve lands in the kitchen.
- A player volleys while standing in the kitchen.
- The double-bounce rule is broken.
7. Pickleball Sportsmanship
Pickleball is known as a friendly and social sport. Players often:
- Call their own faults honestly.
- Respect opponents’ line calls.
- Greet and thank opponents before and after matches.
📍 Where to Play Pickleball in Malaysia
You can find indoor and outdoor pickleball courts in Malaysia at community centers, sports complexes, and dedicated venues.
Visit Pickle Park Malaysia to discover courts in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and other states.
❓ Pickleball FAQs
Q: What is the kitchen in pickleball?
The kitchen is the non-volley zone near the net. You can only enter it after the ball has bounced.
Q: How many points do you need to win a game?
Most games are played to 11 points, but some tournaments go to 15 or 21. You must win by 2 points.
Q: Can I smash in pickleball?
Yes, but not while standing in the kitchen.
Q: Is pickleball easy for beginners?
Absolutely! Most players can rally within their first session.
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