1. The Court & Equipment
-Played on a badminton-sized court (20x44 feet) with a net at 34 inches in the center.
-Uses a paddle (larger than a ping-pong paddle, smaller than a tennis racket) and a plastic ball with holes (like a wiffle ball).
2. Scoring
-Games are played to 11 points, win by 2.
-Points can only be scored by the serving team.
-In some formats (tournaments), games can go to 15 or 21 points.
3. Serving Rules
-Underhand serve: The paddle must be below the waist.
-The serve must be diagonal (right to left or left to right).
-The ball must land beyond the non-volley zone (kitchen).
-The first serve of a game is by one player only (not both, like later turns).
4. Double Bounce Rule
-On the serve, the ball must bounce once on the receiving side.
-The return shot must also bounce once before being played.
-After that, volleys (hitting the ball in the air) are allowed.
5. The Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone)
-A 7-foot area on both sides of the net is called the kitchen.
-Players cannot volley (hit without a bounce) while standing in the kitchen.
-You can step in to hit a ball only if it has bounced first.
6. Faults & Let Serves
-Hitting the ball out of bounds.
-Serving into the net or kitchen.
-Volleying in the kitchen.
-Not following the double bounce rule.
-If a serve hits the net but lands in the correct service box, it's a let and is replayed.
7. Doubles Play
-Both players serve before the other team gets the ball.
-First server is always in the right-hand court.
-When a team loses a rally, the serve switches to their partner before going to the other team.
If you are injured while training or in a match, see a doctor who can help you recover and get back on the court quickly. Visit our provider guide by clicking here to find the right doctor for you.