How to Play Pickleball Singles

When it comes to pickleball, most of us are used to playing in pairs, but knowing how to play singles is important too. Playing singles means you’re on your own, covering your side of the court all by yourself. It’s tougher than doubles, but it can also be a lot of fun and help you get better at the game overall.

This article will talk about how singles pickleball is similar to and different from doubles pickleball. ILine Calls’ll also share the basic rules, tips, and strategies to help you improve your singles game. So, let’s get started.

What is a pickleball single game?

In pickleball and similar paddle sports, you have two options for playing: singles or doubles. Singles means it’s one person against another, while doubles is when two people play against two others.

Bascically, in singles pickleball, it’s just you against one opponent on each side of the court. Unlike doubles, where you have a partner, singles means you’re all on your own. Some players find singles tough because it’s more tiring than doubles.

Playing singles can be simpler to understand, but it’s also more physically demanding. It’s like tennis because one person has to cover the whole side of the court.

Since pickleball has low bounces and gentle hits, singles matches need quick reactions and running around a lot.

But there’s another type of singles called skinny singles, which is a bit less tiring because it’s played on a smaller court.

What is skinny singles in pickleball?

Skinny singles in pickleball is a special way of playing one-on-one that splits the court in half, making it easier to move around. You can do this by dividing the court down the middle or using just the diagonal service courts.

It’s interesting that skinny doubles actually feels more like regular doubles than it does traditional singles. This is because you’re responsible for half the court, similar to how it works in doubles.

When it comes to serving in skinny singles, it’s just like regular singles pickleball. You keep serving until you make a mistake, and then the other player gets their turn. This is different from doubles, where you switch serving duties with your partner.

You might not see skinny singles in tournaments, but it’s perfect for casual games or practicing specific skills.

Pickleball offers lots of options. You can play with a partner in doubles for a team game, or play alone for a workout. Skinny singles is great for a relaxed match with a friend or for focusing on improving certain aspects of your game.

Pickleball singles basic rules that you must know

The serve

• Serve underhand, and your paddle must be lower than your wrist.
• Make sure to hit the ball below your waist when you serve.
• Stand with at least one foot behind the baseline when you serve.
• Your serve should go diagonally crosscourt and land in the opposite service court.
• You only get one try to serve, unless the ball hits the net and lands in the right spot, then you get to try again.

The way serving works

• You start serving from the right-hand court.
• If you score a point, you switch to the left-hand court for your next serve.
• Keep switching sides each time you score until you mess up and lose the serve.
• In singles, if your score is even, you serve from the right; if it’s odd, you serve from the left.

The scoring

• Only the server can score points.
• Usually, games go up to 11 points, and you have to win by 2.
• If your score is even, you’ll be on the right side of the court whether you are a reciever or server; if it’s odd, you’ll be on the left.

The two-bounce rule

• The receiver has to let the serve bounce before returning it, and then the server also has to let it bounce before hitting it.
• After that, both teams can either hit the ball before it bounces (volley) or wait for it to bounce and then hit it (groundstroke).

The non-volley zone, also known as “the kitchen”

• The non-volley zone is a section of the court within 7 feet on both sides of the net.
• Volleying, hitting the ball before it bounces, is not allowed in the non-volley zone.
• Stepping into the non-volley zone while volleying is a fault.
• It’s also a fault if a player’s momentum carries them into the zone after volleying.
• However, players are allowed to be in the non-volley zone when not volleying the ball.

Line Calls

• If a ball touches any line, except the non-volley zone line during a serve, it’s considered “in.”
• A serve hitting the non-volley zone line is short and counts as a fault.

The faults

• A fault is when someone breaks a rule, stopping play.
• If the receiving team makes a fault, the serving team gets a point.
• If the serving team makes a fault, they lose the serve, and if it’s the second server, it’s a side out.

The reasons for faults

• The ball is hit into the net or goes out of bounds.
• The serve doesn’t land in the receiving court.
• The ball is volleyed before bouncing on each side after the serve.
• Volleying occurs from within the non-volley zone.
• The ball bounces twice before the receiver strikes it.
• A player, their clothing, or their paddle touches the net or net post while the ball is in play.
• There’s a violation of a service rule.
• The ball hits a player or something they’re wearing or carrying.
• The ball hits a permanent object before bouncing on the court.

How to play pickleball singles

How to position in pickleball singles

When you start a game of pickleball, the first serve always begins on the right side of the court. If the server scores a point, they switch sides to serve from the left. They keep serving until their opponent wins a rally or they make a mistake. If that happens, it’s called a “side out,” and the opponent gets to serve next.

So, serving diagonally across the court is crucial, and players switch sides after each point scored, unless there’s a fault.

In pickleball, like in doubles games, where players stand during serving and returning serves matters a lot. The server has to be on the right side if their score is even, and on the left if it’s odd. And the person receiving the serve has to be on the same side to return it. So, depending on the score, you know where to stand – even on the right, odd on the left.

In singles pickleball, if the server is in the wrong position, it’s called a fault, and they lose the rally. A fault can happen when serving or until the next serve. If a fault is caught before the next serve, the server loses the rally, but no point is given.

However, any points earned before that, even if the players were in the wrong position, still count. If the fault is caught after the next serve, the point stands. And if it’s the last point of the game, the result sticks, unless the fault is spotted before returning the scoresheet.

Court dimensions

In tennis, the singles court is smaller than the doubles court, but in pickleball, both singles and doubles courts are the same size. Whether you’re playing singles or doubles, the pickleball court is always 20 feet wide and 44 feet long.

That means when you play singles, you have the entire 440 square feet of the court all to yourself. So, you don’t have to worry about adjusting to a different court size when switching between singles and doubles in pickleball.

Required equipment

Whether you’re playing singles or doubles pickleball, the equipment you need remains the same. The balls, court, net height, and paddles are all identical. So, you don’t have to worry about having different gear for each game.

One cool thing about playing singles is that you can wear whatever you want without worrying about matching your teammate. You can get as creative as you like with your outfit, just make sure your shirt doesn’t match the color of the ball. So, have fun picking out your pickleball attire and get ready to hit the court.

Pickleball single rules – In a Nutshell

• In pickleball singles, there are specific rules you need to follow to play the game properly:
• Scoring: Games go up to 11 points, and you have to win by 2. Only the server can score points.
• Faults: If the receiver makes a mistake, the server gets a point. But if the server messes up, they lose the serve.
• Starting the Game: The server starts from the right side of the court. When their score is even, they serve from the right; when it’s odd, they serve from the left.
• Serve Technique: Serves must be underhand and hit below the server’s naval. Both feet must be behind the baseline, and the serve must land in the opponent’s diagonally opposite service area.
• Bouncing Rule: The serve must bounce before the opponent can return it, and the return must bounce before the server can hit it. After that, hits can be made before or after the ball bounces.
• Service Attempts: Each server gets one try, except for lets, where the ball hits the net but still lands in the right spot.
• Non-Volley Zone: Players in this zone can’t hit the ball before it bounces.
• In or Out: If the ball touches any part of the sideline or baseline, it’s considered “in.”
• Faults for Hitting the Net or Going Out: Hitting the net or going out of bounds counts as a fault. If the receiver lets the ball bounce twice before hitting it, that’s also a fault.
• Net Contact: Touching the net while the ball is in play is a fault.
• Other Faults: If the ball hits a player or their clothing, it’s a fault. Also, if the ball hits the ceiling, wall, or any other permanent object before landing in the opponent’s court, it’s a fault.

Difference between a Singles and Doubles Game

Some folks might think singles and doubles in pickleball are the same, except for the number of players. But there are key differences beyond that.

Actually, you have to run around the whole court by yourself, which can be a real workout. Also, in singles, there’s no one there to support you or help you out when things get tough. So, while singles pickleball can be challenging, it also gives players a chance to really test their skills and endurance.

In singles, serving is done differently. You get one chance to serve, and the score is kept with two numbers. However, in doubles, each player on a team serves once in a row. The score is tracked with three numbers to know who’s serving next.

The serving order in singles and doubles pickleball differs

In pickleball, how serving works changes between singles and doubles matches.

In singles, if you win a point while serving, you switch sides to serve from the other side of the court. But if you lose the point, it’s called a side out, and your opponent gets to serve.

For doubles, when your team wins a rally, you still switch sides, but it’s the other player on your team who serves next.

However, if your team loses a rally while you’re serving first, your partner doesn’t take over serving. Instead, the serve goes to the other team. Then, if your partner faults, it’s a side out.

First server exception

There’s one special rule called the first server exception. This applies to the first person serving in doubles. If their team loses a rally, they don’t pass the serve to their partner like usual. Instead, the other team starts serving, following the regular doubles pattern.

This rule makes sure both sides have a fair chance to serve during a game.

Scoring in singles and doubles pickleball is done differently

In singles, scoring is shown with two numbers, like this: 0-0. The first number is the server’s score, and the second is the receiver’s.

Doubles scoring uses three numbers, like this: 0-0-2. The first two are the team scores, and the third tells you which server is up.

When the game starts, the person on the right side serves first and is called server 1 until their team loses the serve.

In the first server exception, the player serving first labels their number as 2 or “start.” So, the score might be called like this: 0-0-2 or 0-0-Start.

How is playing pickleball singles better than doubles?

Playing singles pickleball offers many benefits that even fans of doubles pickleball can appreciate.

First off, singles gives you a fantastic workout. You’ll be moving around a lot more, taking more steps, and burning more calories compared to playing doubles.

In singles pickleball, players take about 3,322 steps per hour. That’s quite a bit more than the 2,790 steps taken during a game of doubles. It’s a 16% increase in steps when playing singles.

Plus, singles pickleball helps sharpen your overall skills. You’ll be hitting groundstrokes from the backcourt and making shots on the run. When you switch back to doubles, covering just half the court will feel like a breeze. So, playing singles not only keeps you fit but also makes you a better pickleball player overall.

The differences of pickleball singles and skinny singles

In skinny singles pickleball, only half of the court is used, making it different from regular singles play. How you split the court with your opponent is where things get interesting.

There are two ways to divide the court:

• Down the line: You and your opponent stand on opposite sides of the net, switching sides after each serve, depending on the score.
• Cross court: You and your opponent occupy diagonal courts, switching diagonals after each serve, depending on the score. In skinny singles, you only have to cover half the court, so it’s not as tiring as regular singles play. It’s more like playing doubles, and you use the same shots and strategies as you would in doubles.

Other differences

• Court size: The court size in skinny singles is smaller, just 220 square feet, compared to the usual 440 square feet. That’s because only half of the court is used.
• Variations: Another variation, called ‘slender singles,’ makes the game even easier. In slender singles, the court is reduced by 20%, making it smaller and less challenging than skinny singles. This variation appeals to those who find regular singles play too demanding.

Pickleball singles basic strategies

Playing pickleball effectively involves strategic positioning and smart shot selection. To improve your game, remember these key tips:

• Start from near the centerline: This gives you better access to return shots and keeps you ready for action. By getting close to the net, you limit their options and increase your chances of winning points. You have three choices:
  • A hard passing shot
  • A drop shot at their feet
  • A lob
• Powerful serve: It helps you gain an advantage right from the start. You want to hit the ball deep into your opponent’s side to make it tough for them to return.
• Returning the serve with a deep shot: This gives you time to move closer to the net and control the game. Hit the ball deep into a corner and quickly step up to the Non-Volley zone line, also called the kitchen line. By doing this, you limit your opponent’s options for their next shot. So, focus on hitting strong serves and returns to dominate the game.
• Hit deep returns: Aim for the corners to make it harder for your opponent to return the ball effectively.
• Stay towards the back of the court: By doing this, you’ll have more time to react to your opponent’s shots.
• Target your opponent’s backhand: Most players are weaker on their backhand side, so try to exploit this weakness.
• Use forcing shots: Hit deep shots into the corners to put pressure on your opponent and give yourself opportunities to move forward.
• Face your opponent: This helps you be ready to return shots to either side of the court.
• Avoid drop shots when your opponent is deep: They’ll likely reach it quickly and set up for a strong return.
• Mix up your shots: Keep your opponent guessing by varying your shots and occasionally faking one shot before hitting another.
• Move with your opponent: Stay closer to the center line but adjust your position as your opponent moves.
• Save lobs for when they’re necessary: Only use lobs when your opponent is at the non-volley line.
• Responding to opponents at the non-volley line: Cutting off your opponent’s angles is crucial. To do this, you need to move towards the Non-Volley Zone line. Keep an eye on the ball’s path to position yourself effectively and block your opponent’s shots.

Your decision depends on your skill level with each shot type. Remember, mastering these strategies takes practice, so keep playing and improving.

People also ask about pickleball singles

Can You Play Pickleball As Singles?

Yes, you can play pickleball alone or with a partner. However, most people prefer playing with doubles.

Are serving rules of singles pickleball different from doubles?

In pickleball, whether you’re playing doubles or singles, the rules for serving are the same. You can use either a volley serve or a drop serve. And here’s a key detail: when you serve, the ball needs to hit your paddle below your waist, about at belly button level. This rule applies whether you’re playing singles or doubles. So, whether you’re serving to start a game or to keep the rally going, remember to keep it low.

Can you drop the ball to serve in pickleball singles?

Absolutely, you can softly drop the ball (without throwing it forcefully) onto the ground and let it bounce before hitting it for the serve.

How many times do you serve when playing singles pickleball?

In singles pickleball, you get one chance to serve, unless something called a ‘let’ happens. A ‘let’ occurs when the ball hits the top of the net but still lands in the correct service court. So, make that serve count, but don’t worry if the ball hits the net and lands right, you’ll get another shot.

What is the penalty for a fault in pickleball singles?

If you mess up while serving, your opponent(s) get the chance to serve. If you’re receiving and make a mistake, your opponent(s) score a point.

Are there singles lines for pickleball?

In singles, the court doesn’t have extra lines. Players use the entire width of the court.

Final Takes

Pickleball offers a variety of playing options, including singles, which provides a unique challenge of covering the court alone. Whether you enjoy the intensity of singles play or the teamwork of doubles, pickleball offers something for everyone. 

This article has tips on footwork, shot selection, and choosing the right equipment to help you improve on the court. With these insights, you can elevate your game and feel like a pro in singles pickleball.

Now that you’ve got the hang of playing singles pickleball, you must be feeling quite the pro on the court. So, grab your paddle, step onto the court, and experience the excitement of singles pickleball.

Happy pickleballing.