In a previous post, we went over correct server and receiver positions — but where should your partner stand in doubles? USA Official referee Maddie Toren will teach you the rules for serving partner and receiving partner player positions.
The rules for pickleball player positioning (Rule 4.B.):
With the exception of the server, there is no restriction on the position of any player.
As long as all players are on their respective team side of the net.
All players can be positioned on or off the court (except the server, during the act of serving).
The correct server must serve from the correct service area.
The correct receiver must receive the serve from the correct receiver area.
But what about the server and receiver’s partner?
The rules for the server’s partner and receiver’s partner during a serve (Rule 4.B.7.):
Both the server’s partner and receiver’s partner may stand anywhere on their team's designated end of the court (Rule 4.B.7.).
You and your partner may stack whichever way you'd prefer, or where your partner wants to be positioned (Rule 4.B.7.).
Keep in mind that if the serve hits the receiver or the receiver's partner, it is a point for the serving team (Rule 4.A.3.).
Also keep in mind that the serving team must allow the ball to bounce before returning serve return (Rule 7.A.).
If you would like to learn more details about these rules refer to the official rulebook at USAPickleball.org.
Maddie Toren is a pro pickleball official and the first-ever teen-certified referee. This is Episode 5 of “10 Things That Most Pickleball Players Don't Know But Should.”