You do not need a rulebook to start. You need the few rules that matter every rally.
After reading this, you'll
- Know the kitchen rule without second guessing
- Serve legally and understand the two-bounce rule
- Keep score without stopping play
- Settle common disputes fast and get back to the fun
Play more, argue less
Use Champfy to find partners who match your level and schedule so you can focus on the fun.
Court and kitchen basics
- The non volley zone (NVZ or kitchen) is a 7 foot zone on both sides of the net.
- You cannot volley (hit out of the air) while touching the kitchen or its line.
- You can step into the kitchen to play a ball that bounced, then must re establish outside before volleying again.
Serve and the two-bounce rule
- Serve underhand with an upward arc and make contact below the waist.
- Serve diagonally cross court, landing past the kitchen line and inside the service box.
- Two-bounce rule: after the serve, the return must bounce, and the third shot must bounce. After those two bounces, either side may volley.
Faults to know
- Volleying with a foot on or over the kitchen line
- Serve lands out or on the kitchen line
- Hitting the net or failing to clear it
- Double bounce on one side or hitting the ball twice
Scoring in doubles (most rec play)
- Side out scoring to 11, win by 2.
- Only the serving team scores.
- Server calls three numbers: serving team's score, receiving team's score, and server number (1 or 2).
- Both partners serve on their team's turn (server 1, then server 2), then the serve sides out to the other team.
Example call
- Start of game on the right side: 0 0 2 (by convention).
- If the serving team wins the point: 1 0 2.
- If the serving team loses the rally: partner becomes server 1 on the other side, call 0 0 1.
Fast dispute fixes
- Close line call: if you are not sure, ball is in. Play it.
- Kitchen foot: look at toes and line. If any part touches while volleying, it is a fault.
- Serve question: redo once if both teams are unsure.
One page quick-start
- Kitchen: no volley with feet on or touching the line
- Serve: underhand, below the waist, diagonal, past the kitchen
- Two bounces: return and third shot must bounce
- Scoring: side out to 11, win by 2, call three numbers
Turn rules into reps
Grab a court, invite a partner, and practice the serve plus third shot with zero confusion.