What is a baseline in pickleball?

On a pickleball court, the baseline marks the farthest boundary line from the net at each end, running parallel to it. It sits exactly 22 feet away from the net and is the line players must stand behind when serving. If your feet cross the baseline or extend over it during a serve, the serve is called a fault.

The baseline matters for both serve rules and groundstroke play. When serving, the ball must be struck below waist level with the paddle making contact below the wrist, and your feet must remain behind the baseline until the ball is hit. During rallies, a ball landing on the baseline is considered in play, not out. Conversely, if a ball lands beyond the baseline, it is out of bounds and the point goes to the opposing team.

Understanding baseline positioning is essential for serve accuracy and boundary awareness. Many courts in the Klang Valley area clearly mark these lines to help players learn proper serve technique and call lines fairly during matches. If you are new to the game, watching where you stand relative to the baseline ensures your serves count and prevents unnecessary faults. For court operators and facility owners, maintaining visible, well-painted baseline markings keeps games flowing smoothly and disputes minimal.