Pickleball Basics

Learn the 2026 pickleball not-ready rule: official readiness signals, when to say wait, receiver readiness, score questions and the 10-second serve clock.

Learn the 2026 pickleball technical warning and technical foul rules, including score effects, escalation, profanity, misconduct and forfeiture penalties.

Learn when coaching is allowed in pickleball, how partner advice differs from outside coaching, and when spectators or coaches can give tactical help in 2026.

Learn the 2026 pickleball electronic-equipment rules for earbuds, headphones, hearing aids, smartwatches and communication devices during competition.

Learn the 2026 pickleball time-out rules: how many standard time-outs you get, how long they last, when you can call one, and what counts as a late request.

Learn how pickleball medical time-outs work, what happens when an injury occurs during a rally, the 15-minute medical period, standard time-outs and retirement.

Learn the 2026 pickleball paddle-possession rule: why throwing your paddle cannot make a legal return, and what happens if you accidentally drop it during a rally.

Yes, you can switch hands in pickleball. Learn what the rules allow, how hand changes interact with two-handed shots, and when switching hands helps or hurts.

Learn the pickleball clothing rules for ball-colored apparel, tournament visibility, footwear and what to do if an official asks you to change.

Learn what happens when the wrong score is called in pickleball, when play can be stopped, when the rally must continue, and how to correct the score.