Pickleball rules address where to stand during the serve (behind the baseline within your service quadrant) and during play (no volleying in the non-volley zone). Otherwise, where to stand in pickleball is a matter of strategy. These tips will help you maximize your advantage by being in the right position.
Pickleball players need to be aware of the ball and their opponents’ court position on the court so they can anticipate where to move next.
Players should also be mindful of pickleball rules, which include the foot fault rule that states that players are not allowed to step on or over the baseline or the center line when hitting the ball.
Regulations On Where To Stand In Pickleball
What Does The USAPA Rulebook Say?
In pickleball, the USAPA (USA Pickleball Association) has established a set of rules and regulations governing the game. One of these rules concerns the position of players on the court during a pickleball game.
- The USAPA rules require players to serve from behind the baseline within their designated service quadrant.
- During the rally, players are allowed to move freely on their side of the court, with the key condition being not to impede the opponent’s opportunity to play the ball.
- A critical rule involves the non-volley zone, often referred to as “the kitchen.” Players are prohibited from volleying the ball (hitting it before it bounces) while standing in this zone. However, they can enter the non-volley zone to play the ball once it has bounced, and may stay anywhere on their side of the court after the serve as long as they adhere to this rule.
7 Tips On Where To Stand In Pickleball
1. Where To Stand While Serving
Server’s Position: The server must stand behind the baseline and between the court’s side and center lines. The server’s feet shouldn’t touch the baseline or the court until the ball is hit.
Serving Spot Preference: Most players tend to stand around the middle of the serving quadrant—but that’s a matter of preference.
Standing Distance from Baseline: Don’t stand too far back from the baseline, as that’ll make it more challenging to hit a deep serve. Don’t stand too close to the baseline, as you may accidentally find yourself with a foot fault.
Movement After the Serve: Best practice after the serve, according to the USAPA, is to remain behind the baseline until after the third shot is hit.
2. Where To Stand As The Partner Of The Server
The server’s partner can stand anywhere on their side of the court.
3. Where To Stand While Returning
Receiver’s Position: When returning the serve, the receiver should be within their service court, ideally a couple of feet behind the baseline. Remember—most players serve the ball deep.
Preparing for the Return: Make sure to stand in such a way that you’re positioning your forehand or backhand—whichever’s stronger—to return the serve.
4. Where To Stand As The Returner’s Partner
The receiver’s partner should be standing in their service court. Since you’re not returning the serve, it’s to your advantage to get close to the non-volley zone so you’re ready to return the third shot.
5. Where To Stand When Hitting The Third Shot
When returning the third shot in pickleball, stay back by the baseline. Since the ball has to bounce on the second shot, staying far back gives you the best chance of being in the right position to return the shot.
6. Where To Stand When Dinking
When dinking in pickleball, positioning yourself just behind the non-volley line (also known as the kitchen line) is crucial. This allows you to step into the NVZ only as needed to hit the ball after it bounces.
7. Where To Stand When “Stacking” In Pickleball
When teams are “stacking” (a strategy where both players stand on the same side of the court to exploit their forehands or to maintain a strong side), they typically align on the same side of the court or in a way that allows them to use their forehand shots more effectively.
The Takeaway
In pickleball, where you stand can greatly influence your game. For serving, position yourself behind the baseline, between the sideline and centerline, ensuring no part of your feet crosses the baseline before hitting the ball.
As the server’s partner or the returner’s partner, you have the freedom to position anywhere on your side, but being near the non-volley zone or preparing for strategic placement is key. When returning a serve, stay within your service court, a few feet behind the baseline to effectively return deep serves.
During volleys and dinks, hover just behind the non-volley line, moving laterally as needed, to maintain pressure and control. Remember, positioning is dynamic; adjust based on the shot you plan to make and the game’s flow.
