Pickleball is typically played to 11 points, win by 2. Only the serving team can score. In doubles, the score is called as three numbers: serving team score, receiving team score, and server number (1 or 2). For example: 4-2-1 means the serving team has 4, receiving team has 2, and it's the first server.
The serve must be made underhand with the paddle contacting the ball below the waist. The serve is made diagonally crosscourt and must clear the non-volley zone (the kitchen). Only one serve attempt is allowed (no re-serves on a fault). The server must keep both feet behind the baseline when serving.
After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce before returning it. Then, the serving team must also let the return bounce before playing it. After these two bounces, both teams can either volley (hit out of the air) or play the ball off the bounce. This rule prevents serve-and-volley play and makes rallies longer.
The non-volley zone is the 7-foot area on both sides of the net (also called 'the kitchen'). You cannot volley (hit the ball out of the air) while standing in the kitchen or touching the kitchen line. You CAN enter the kitchen to play a ball that has bounced. Your momentum from a volley cannot carry you into the kitchen. This rule prevents players from camping at the net and spiking every ball.
A fault occurs when: the ball is hit out of bounds, the ball doesn't clear the net, a player volleys from the kitchen, the ball is volleyed before it has bounced once on each side (double-bounce rule), or the ball touches the player or their clothing. A fault by the receiving team gives a point to the serving team. A fault by the serving team results in a side out (other team serves) or server switch in doubles.