1. Purpose of Ladder Play
King's Court and Queen's Court ladder play is a round-by-round pickleball format where players move up or down courts based on game results. The goal is to create fair, active, and enjoyable games where players gradually find others of similar playing level.
Best for Drop-in sessions and skill-mixing events.
Courts used Six courts, ranked from Court 1 to Court 6.
Players per round 24 active players, with 4 players per court, including 2 spares. Maximum of 26 players.
Format Doubles pickleball, changing partners every game.
Terminology: Court 1 is the highest court. It may be called the King's Court, Queen's Court, or Royal Court. Court 6 is the entry or development court.
2. Six-Court Layout
Courts are ranked from highest to lowest. Players move toward Court 1 when they win and toward Court 6 when they lose.
1
King's / Queen's / Royal Court
Top court
2
Court 2
Advanced ladder
3
Court 3
Upper middle
4
Court 4
Middle ladder
5
Court 5
Lower middle
6
Court 6
Entry court
3. Session Setup
Assign players to courts. Start by random draw.
Place four players on each court. Each court forms two doubles teams for that round.
The partner method. Players split partners every round.
The game length. Games are played to 11 points and timed for 12 minutes, whichever occurs first.
4. Rotation Rules After Each Round
The winning teams moves up one court. The losing teams moves down one court.
Winning Team Moves up one court. Example: winners on Court 4 move to Court 3.
Losing Team Moves down one court. Example: losers on Court 2 move to Court 3.
Top and Bottom Courts Winners on Court 1 stay on Court 1. Losers on Court 6 stay on Court 6 unless a waiting rotation is being used.
Movement Table
| Starting Court | Winners Go To | Losers Go To |
|---|---|---|
| Court 1 | Stay on Court 1 | Move to Court 2 |
| Court 2 | Move to Court 1 | Move to Court 3 |
| Court 3 | Move to Court 2 | Move to Court 4 |
| Court 4 | Move to Court 3 | Move to Court 5 |
| Court 5 | Move to Court 4 | Move to Court 6 |
| Court 6 | Move to Court 5 | Rotate out with spares waiting |
SPARES and BREAKS: The two designated spares will rotate into play via Court 6. Players requiring a voluntary break may rotate out with a designated spare player and will re-enter the rotation on Court 6 in the spare position, ensuring play continues smoothly without delaying games.
5. Scoring and Tie Rules
Game Scoring
- Play to 11 points and timed for 12 minutes, whichever occurs first.
If a Game Is Tied When Time Expires
- Play one sudden-death rally.
6. Partner Rules
This is a Social ladder Partners change each round to keep sessions social and balanced.
7. Player Etiquette and Safety
- Arrive early enough to check in and receive your starting court assignment.
- Wear proper dry court shoes.
- Call scores clearly before serving.
- When in doubt, the ball is 'IN'.
- Call 'BALL ON' immediately for loose balls.
- Respect all players and volunteers.
- Encourage good sportsmanship. Ladder play should remain competitive, friendly, and welcoming.