Adult Pickleball League Information & Rules

Season Information: 

Spring: 4/21- 6/30

  • Registration Opens Here on 2/25 at 7am
  • Click here to view league options BEFORE registration opens
  • League Fees: $100/team
  • 9 weeks scheduled (7 games guaranteed, not including forfeits)

    • Summer: 7/7-9/15

    *Check back in April for specific summer league offerings* 
  • Registration Opens Here on 4/22 at 7am
  • League Fees: $100/team
  • 9 weeks scheduled (7 games guaranteed, not including forfeits)

    •  

    Adult Pickleball Information:  

    We offer leagues in the following levels

    • Beginner:  For those who have little or no pickleball experience. Learning the basic strokes and beginning to rally. Participants are working on serving, volleying, short court game, and more. This league/level is for players at a skill level between 1.1.5*
    • Beginner Plus:  For those who have a little experience or have participated in a Beginner League but not ready to move to the intermediate level. This league/level is for players at a skill level between 1.5.-2*
    • Intermediate:  For those who know the basic strokes and are working to further the skills of ball tracking, movement and consistency. Players are ready for a bit more competition in organized social match play. This league / level is for players at a skill level between 2.0-2.5*
    • Advanced:  For those continuing to develop their stroke consistency and accuracy while learning net play, court coverage and match strategy. Players are ready for formal, competitive organized play. This league/level is for players at a skill level between 3-3.5*
    *The scale for Pickleball is based on a 1-5, with 1 (Beginner) having minimal knowledge and skill level, and a 5(Pro) having high skill level and knowledge of game play.

    MPRB House Rules of Play

    Game Time & Scheduling

    • Game dates and times will be posted on the league schedule at least one week before the league's scheduled start date.
    • Each match consists of 3 games, all played within the allotted time frame. If all 3 games are not completed, record the score at the end of the time limit.
    • Each team is allowed one 60-second timeout per match.
    • We ask that teams submit scores within 24 hours of a game.

    Matches

    • Matches will consist of three games, which will be played during the allotted time frame.
    • Games will be played to 11 points, with a requirement to win by at least 2 points.
    • There will be a scoring cap at 15 points. The first team to hit 15 points will win the game.

    Equipment

    • Players are encouraged to bring their own pickleball paddles and balls, but equipment is available on-site if necessary.
    • Please wear appropriate clothing, proper footwear, and bring water.

    Forfeits & Substitutes

    • Forfeits should be avoided. If you have a scheduling conflict, please find a suitable substitute for you and/or your partner.
    • We recommend reaching out to other teams in your league to cover games.
    • Contact information for teams in your league can be found by logging into your profile on our website, navigating to "Team Information", and clicking on your team name. This will populate the contact information for other teams. You can ask teams in your league that play before or after you if they'd be willing to play your match in addition to theirs.
    • To find a free agent substitute, email Tatiana Rachlin at trachlin@minneapolisparks.org. 

    Pickleball Rules - Doubles

    Scoring:

    • Teams must call the entire score before serving.
    • Only the serving team can score points. Players continue serving until their team faults, then the serve goes to the opposing team (side out).
    • The game is played to 11 points, with a requirement to win by at least 2 points and a scoring cap of 15 points.
    • In the event of a disputed call, the point will be replayed.

    The Serve:

    • Serves must be made diagonally, starting with the right-hand service square and alternating each serve.
    • The serve must clear the seven-foot non-volley zone, including the line (a serve that hits the non-volley zone line is out).
    • Only one serve attempt per player is allowed. If the ball touches the net but lands within the service court, the serve is considered good.
    • The first serving team is allowed only one fault before losing the serve. Afterward, both members of the serving team will serve and fault before the serve moves to the opposing team (side out).
    • The receiving team's player in the right-hand court always starts play.

    Faults:

    • A fault is committed when the ball:
      • Touches the non-volley zone or its line on the serve.
      • Is hit out of bounds.
      • Is volleyed from the non-volley zone.
      • Is volleyed before a bounce has occurred on each side.

    Double-Bounce Rule:

    • Each team must play their first shot off the bounce. The receiving team must let the serve bounce, and the serving team must let the return of serve bounce before playing it.
    • Once these two bounces have occurred, the ball can either be volleyed or played off the bounce.

    Volleys:

    • A volley is hitting the ball in the air without letting it bounce.
    • A player can only volley if their feet are behind the non-volley zone line (seven feet from the net).
    • It is a fault if a player steps on or over the non-volley line during a volley follow-through.