How to Play Pickleball Guide: Pickleball is an exciting, rapidly growing sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. If you’ve just heard the name and want a complete guide to understand the game from scratch, learn its rules, and get ready to play, this article provides everything a beginner needs to know to jump on the court confidently.
What Is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a paddle sport played on a court roughly the size of a badminton court (20 feet wide by 44 feet long). It can be played as singles or doubles but doubles is most common and social. The game uses a lightweight paddle and a perforated plastic ball (similar to a wiffle ball). The aim is to hit the ball over the net and into the opponent’s court in a way that they cannot return it.
Essential Equipment You Need
Pickleball Paddle
The paddle is smaller than a tennis racquet but larger than a table tennis paddle. It is usually made from wood, composite, or graphite. For beginners, a mid-weight paddle (205-240g) is ideal because it balances power and control. Paddle choices vary by material, weight, and thickness, affecting control and power.Pickleball Balls
Pickleballs are plastic with holes. There are distinct balls for indoor play (lighter, larger holes) and outdoor play (heavier, smaller holes to resist wind). Choose the ball based on where you will play.Court & Net
The court is 20 x 44 feet, the same size for singles and doubles. The net is 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches in the middle, similar in height to badminton.Footwear and Clothing
Pickleball involves lateral movements, so wear court shoes designed for good side-to-side support, like tennis shoes. Choose comfortable, athletic clothing that allows free movement.
Basic Rules of Pickleball
Starting the Game — The Serve
The serve is always underhand, with the paddle contacting the ball below the waist.
The server must keep one foot behind the baseline and serve diagonally into the opponent’s service court.
Only one serve attempt is allowed unless the ball hits the net and lands in the proper service area (a “let”), then the serve is replayed.
The first serve in a new game is done by only one player on the team; afterward, both players in doubles get a serve turn.
The Double Bounce Rule
After the serve, each team must allow the ball to bounce once on their side before hitting it back. This means the receiving team must let it bounce before returning, and then the serving team must also let it bounce after the return before volleying.
The Non-Volley Zone (“The Kitchen”)
The 7-foot area on both sides of the net is called the non-volley zone or “kitchen.”
Players cannot volley (hit the ball in the air without a bounce) while standing in this zone. This prevents dominant net smashes and promotes tactical play.
You can enter the kitchen to play a ball that bounces there but must step out to volley.
Scoring Points
Points are scored only by the serving team.
If the serving side wins a rally, they gain a point and continue serving.
If the receiving side wins, they gain the serve but no points.
Games are normally played to 11 points, and a team must win by 2 points.
Playing the Ball
The ball must be hit before it bounces twice on your side.
Shots can be made by volleying (except in the kitchen) or after one bounce.
Shots must stay within court boundaries. Hitting the ball out of bounds or into the net loses the rally.
How to Keep Score
Each player/team has a server number and a receiver number based on their position on the court.
Before serving, both teams check which side to serve from according to their score (even score = right side, odd score = left side).
When a rally ends, the score is called out in a three-number sequence: Server’s score, receiver’s score, and which server is serving (first or second server).
Pickleball Skills and Strategies for Beginners
Focus on consistency: Beginners should aim to keep the ball in play rather than hitting it hard. Controlled shots force opponents into mistakes.
Master the dink: A dink is a soft shot that lands in the opponent’s kitchen, meant to slow the game down and create openings. This requires finesse and precision.
Positioning: After serving or returning serve, move to the kitchen line but stay just outside the non-volley zone to be ready for volleys.
Footwork: Bend your knees and stay low for better balance and to react quickly.
Use your paddle as a shield: Keep it in front of your body at chest height for swift reactions to fast shots.
Finding Your First Game and Court
Pickleball courts are common in community centers, parks, and sports clubs worldwide. Many places offer beginner clinics or open play sessions.
Social apps and pickleball communities often organize meet-ups. Joining a beginner’s group lets you learn in a supportive environment.
If you don’t have a local court, tennis courts can often be converted temporarily with tape and portable nets.
News in Brief: How to Play Pickleball Guide
To get started with pickleball, begin by choosing basic gear such as a mid-weight paddle and appropriate balls for either indoor or outdoor play. Wear comfortable court shoes and breathable clothing. Learn the underhand serve, which must be hit diagonally and allows only one attempt unless it’s a let. Understand the double bounce rule—each side must let the ball bounce once before volleying. Avoid volleying in the non-volley zone, or “kitchen,” and practice soft control shots called dinks. Scoring awards points only to the serving team, with games played to 11, win by two. Join local games or clinics to improve.
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