How to Play Pickleball: A Guide for Beginners

Pickleball is gaining immense popularity across the United States and around the world. According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, the number of people playing pickleball in the US has doubled in 2022, showing a significant increase of nearly 159 percent over three years.

This game, which involves paddles and a plastic ball, is not only fun but also fast-paced and easy to pick up. Invented nearly 60 years ago, pickleball has become a favorite among various types of players, from those who play casually to serious athletes. With its growing popularity, finding opportunities to play pickleball has become easier than ever for both newcomers and experienced players.

If you’re curious about trying it out, you’ll find everything you need to know about pickleball here, including some expert tips to help you get started.

Why has pickleball become popular?

Pickleball has become incredibly popular, and there are several reasons why it’s gaining so much attention. According to professional pickleball experts, one big reason is how easy it is to learn. Players can start enjoying the game within minutes of picking up a paddle.

Compared to tennis, where it might take a few lessons to get the hang of hitting the ball back and forth, pickleball gets you into the action right away. The more you play and the longer the rallies become, the more fun and exciting it gets. The learning curve for pickleball is much more accessible than tennis, which is why so many people are drawn to it.

Some even describe pickleball as being similar to “big ping-pong” rather than “little tennis.” The smaller court size of pickleball also adds to its appeal. Since players are closer together, they can easily chat and have fun during the game without having to run around too much.

But don’t let the smaller court fool you—pickleball still provides a serious workout. A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that inactive adults who started playing pickleball saw an 11 percent increase in leg power in just six weeks. This improvement is comparable to the leg power gains seen in older men after several months of high-intensity football training.

Not only does pickleball offer physical health benefits, but participants in the study also reported enjoying the game and having fun while playing. On average, participants engaged in 4.5 hours of exercise over the six-week period and noted improvements in their overall well-being.

Pickleball equipment you need

Interested in trying out pickleball but unsure about what gear to use? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

When you head out to play pickleball, some places might offer equipment for rent. However, if you plan on playing often, it might be a good idea to invest in your own gear.

The two essential pieces of equipment for pickleball are the paddle and the ball. Having these items will ensure you’re ready to enjoy the game to the fullest.

Pickleball paddle

When it comes to pickleball, the most important piece of equipment is the paddle. This paddle has a handle and a big flat area, which you use to hit the ball over the net to your opponent.

Pickleball paddles can be made from different materials, like fiberglass, graphite, or carbon fiber. Each material gives you different advantages. Fiberglass paddles give you more power, graphite paddles give you more control, and carbon fiber paddles give you a mix of power and control.

Paddles also come in different weights.

• Lightweight paddles: up to 205 grams, are good for control and quick reactions.
• Midweight paddles: between 205 grams and 240 grams, are good for beginners because they give you power and control.
• Heavy paddles: over 240 grams, help you hit the ball harder.

The thickness of the paddle’s core also matters. Thicker cores, around 11mm to 16mm, give you more control, while thinner cores give you more power.

Finding the right paddle for you is all about balance. You want a paddle that matches your playing style and helps you play your best game.

Pickleball ball

The pickleball ball is an essential part of the game, and it’s made of plastic, completely hollow, and covered in holes. They can be used for playing indoors or outdoors.

There are two types of pickleball balls depending on where you’re playing:

• Outdoor balls: These are heavier and have 40 holes. They’re better suited for windy outdoor conditions.
• Indoor balls: These are lighter with 26 holes and are ideal for smoother indoor surfaces. They also tend to last longer.

The holes on the ball serve an important purpose helping the ball travel through the air consistently. The airflow through the holes ensures that the ball moves predictably and stays on course, making your shots more accurate.

Pickleball Kit

If you’re gearing up to play pickleball, all you need is some sportswear and a comfy pair of trainers, and you’re good to go. But if you’re planning to play regularly, here are a few additional items that could come in handy:

• Pickleball trainers: While you can play in almost any pair of trainers, investing in a specific pair of pickleball shoes can improve your stability, movement, and speed on the court, especially if you’re playing more often.
• Paddle bag: If you have your own paddle, consider getting a paddle bag to carry it around. These bags are convenient, especially if you have extra gear to carry along with your paddle.
• Grips: These are used on the handle of your paddle to prevent it from slipping out of your hand during a rally. They can provide better control and comfort during the game.

A pickleball court

These courts are smaller than those used for other sports and have a lower net, making it easier to play.

Gaming partner

Pickleball can be played either as doubles or singles. If you’re looking for someone to play with, you can visit a pickleball club where they have pickleball open play. There, you can meet other members who are interested in playing and enjoy games together.

Comfortable outfits

Make sure to wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily. It’s also a good idea to wear shoes with good traction, like tennis shoes, to prevent slipping on the court. Choose apparel that’s breathable and moisture-wicking to help you stay cool and dry while playing.

Pickleball rules you need to follow

Pickleball is a fun game that you can play with a friend or by yourself. It’s kind of like tennis but with a smaller court and a different net.

The basic rule is pickleball can be played in two ways: doubles, where there are two players per team, or singles, which means one person on each side, or doubles, with two people on each side. However, doubles is the most common way to play.

Whether playing singles or doubles, the size of the playing area and the rules remain the same. This means that no matter which version of the game you’re playing, everyone follows the same rules and plays on the same-sized court, keeping the game fair and consistent.

The court is split into different parts, like the service boxes and something called “the kitchen,” which is close to the net. When you start a point, you have to serve the ball underhand to the other side, making sure it goes over the net and into the right spot. Then, the ball has to bounce once on each side of the court before you can hit it back.

The game keeps going until someone makes a mistake, like hitting the ball out of bounds or into the net, or until someone hits a winning shot that the other team can’t return.

Now, about that “kitchen,” we mentioned earlier—it’s not for cooking. It’s actually another name for the non-volley zone, which means you can’t hit the ball without letting it bounce if you’re standing there. If you do, the other player or team gets a point.

How to get points in pickleball

In pickleball, games are typically played to a score of 11 points. However, the winning team must win by at least two points. If the score is tied at 10-10, play continues until one team gains a two-point lead. In tournaments, games may be played to higher scores, such as 15 or 21 points.

Unlike in tennis or badminton, only the serving team can score points. The receiving team must successfully return the serve and then win a point on their own serve to score. Points are earned when the opposing team commits a fault, such as hitting the ball out of bounds or failing to return a legal serve.

How to score in pickleball

Now, here’s the deal with scoring: you can only earn points when you’re serving. And guess what? You get to keep serving until you lose a point. After you score on your serve, you switch sides to serve to the other player or team.

In doubles, things work a bit differently. Players take turns serving. When you’re watching a doubles game, you might hear players shout out three numbers when they’re talking about the score. The third number tells you which player is serving.

Let’s say the score is 3-3 and it’s your team’s turn to serve. You’d say 3-3-1 to show that player one is serving. If you lose the point, it switches to 3-3-2, and your partner gets to serve next.

However, there’s an exception. At the beginning of the game, only one player serves. In that case, you’d say 0-0-2 to let everyone know it’s the second player’s turn to serve.

How to serve in pickleball

When you play pickleball, serving is a big deal. To make a legit serve, you have two options: you can serve underarm, swinging your arm gently to hit the ball, or you can bounce the ball on the ground first and then hit it underarm.

Here’s what you need to know:

Serve diagonally

To begin, you must serve diagonally (crosscourt) into the service box on your opponent’s side of the court. That means it goes across the court at an angle. Your serve needs to clear the kitchen (non-volley zone) and bounce in the designated service box.

If your serve lands on the sideline, baseline, or centerline, it’s considered in. However, if it lands on the kitchen line, it’s a fault. The illustration below demonstrates the correct path for a serve into the service box. Understanding these serving rules will get you ready to start playing pickleball.

Serve must pass the net

During a game of pickleball, it’s important to ensure that the ball clears the net. If your serve doesn’t make it over the net and falls short, it’s considered a fault. However, if your serve grazes the top of the net but still lands within the service box, it’s a good serve and must be played. On the other hand, if your serve hits the top of the net and lands out of bounds or in the kitchen area, it’s also considered a fault.

Strike the ball below waistline

To serve properly, you must strike the ball below the level of your waist using a low-to-high motion. This means your serve should start below your waist and move upward as you hit the ball. Additionally, you must serve underhand, making contact with the ball below your waist with an upward swing path. It’s also important to note that no part of your paddle can be higher than your wrist during the serve.

Force is not allowed to bounce

You’re not allowed to add any force to the bounce of the ball. You have two options for serving: you can hit the ball out of the air before it bounces by tossing or dropping it with your non-paddle hand, or you can hit it off the bounce. However, if you choose to hit it off the bounce, you cannot apply any upward or downward force to the ball. This type of serve is called the drop serve.

Stay behind the baseline

During a pickleball serve, your positioning is important to follow the rules correctly. You must stand behind the baseline and between the imaginary extensions of the centerline and the sideline. When you strike the ball, neither foot can be inside the court boundaries, and at least one foot must be touching the ground behind the baseline. It’s essential to note that both feet cannot be in the air at the moment of the serve.

Additionally, you can’t stand off to the side when serving; you must be positioned in the area behind the service box on your side of the court.

One chance to serve

In pickleball, you only have one chance to make your serve count. If your serve doesn’t make it over the net or lands out of bounds, you lose your serve, and you don’t get another try. It’s important to focus and make each serve count because there’s no second chance in pickleball serving.

Service sequence in pickleball

• To decide who gets to choose their side, serve, or receive first in pickleball, players can use any fair method. One common way is by flipping a coin. This means players or teams can flip a coin to determine who gets to make the first choice, ensuring fairness in the game.
• In pickleball doubles, both players on the serving team get a chance to serve and score points until they make a mistake.
• The first serve starts from the right side of the court.
• If the serving team scores a point, they switch sides, and the next serve comes from the left side.
• They keep switching sides after each point until they mess up and lose the serve.
• When the first server messes up, their partner takes over and serves from the correct side.
• The second server then serves until their team makes a mistake and loses the serve to the other team.
• When the serve goes to the other team, they start from the right side of the court.
• Both players on that team get to serve and score points until they make two mistakes.
• In singles, the server starts from the right side if their score is even and from the left side if it’s odd.

How to deal with faults

In pickleball, certain actions can result in a fault, which means a mistake has been made. Here are some instances where faults occur:

• If the serve falls short of the service court or lands outside the boundaries, it’s a fault.
• Serving to the wrong court or hitting the ball too far behind the back service line also counts as a fault.
• After the serve, stepping into the non-volley court or onto the non-volley line while hitting the ball is considered a fault.
• Hitting the ball into the net or any permanent object, like a pole, results in a fault.
• If the ball goes beyond the boundary lines of the court, it’s considered out and a fault.
• Accidentally hitting another player with the ball is also a fault.
• If a served ball goes to the wrong court and the opposing player catches it, it’s a fault for the receiving team.
• Trying to catch a ball heading out of bounds is a fault. Always let the ball bounce first.
• If the ball bounces twice before you hit it, that’s a fault, unless it bounces twice off your paddle while you’re moving forward.
• If the ball hits any part of your paddle hand below the wrist, it’s still considered part of the paddle and legal.
• If the ball hits a player or their clothing while they’re on or off the court during a rally, it’s a fault, and the opponents score a point.

How to handle calling lines

In pickleball, just like in many other racquet sports, honesty and fairness are essential. Players are expected to call shots accurately, whether they’re in or out. This means calling the lines on their side of the net honestly, and opponents should do the same on their side. It’s not appropriate for opponents to make calls on the other side of the net unless they’re asked to.

If there’s a disagreement about a line call, the benefit typically goes to the opponent. However, if a team asks for an opinion from an opponent, that decision is final. The key is to prioritize fairness and honesty at all times. It’s important to remember that pickleball is just a game, and keeping this in mind can help prevent conflicts on the court.

How to follow two bounce rule

In pickleball, there’s an important rule about when players can hit the ball in the air, known as the “volley.” Before players can volley the ball, it must bounce twice, once on each side of the court.

When the ball is served, it first bounces in the receiver’s service court. The serving team must stay back and wait for the ball to bounce again on their side before they can move up and play the ball in the air. This rule helps create long rallies in pickleball matches.

It’s essential for players, especially new ones, to remember this rule. Sometimes, players might forget and start moving forward too quickly after serving, which can lead to mistakes.

Coaches and instructors often remind both players on the serving team to stay back at the service line until the ball has bounced on their side. After it has bounced twice, either team can play the ball either on the bounce or in the air.

How to avoid non-volley zone faults

In pickleball, there’s an important area called the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ), which is a rectangle measuring 7 feet by 20 feet on both sides of the net. This zone was created to ensure players stay back from the net when hitting the ball in the air, making the game safer and reducing the risk of injury to opponents. Additionally, it helps to extend rallies, making the game more enjoyable for everyone.

This rule can be challenging for players to adjust to, especially those who are used to playing tennis. In pickleball, you’re not allowed to step on the NV-line or into the NV-Zone when making a volley shot. Even if you miss the ball or it’s hit by the opponents, your forward momentum cannot carry you into the NV-zone. If any part of your clothing, jewelry, or paddle falls into the zone while volleying, it’s considered a fault.

It’s important to remember that this rule only applies when hitting the ball in the air. You’re allowed to step into the NV-zone after making a ground stroke or to retrieve a ball that bounces in there first. However, you must avoid playing the ball in the air from this zone.

Beginners may find it helpful to understand that this rule was introduced to prevent players from aggressively smashing the ball at their opponents, as is common in tennis. By staying back from the net, the game becomes safer, and rallies tend to last longer, leading to more exciting gameplay.

What to know about pickleball court

You can join in at your local court or even set up a temporary one wherever you have space.

Pickleball court dimensions

If you’re thinking of playing pickleball, it’s important to know about the court dimensions.

• Whether you’re playing singles or doubles, the court layout remains the same.
• A standard pickleball court is a rectangular shape, measuring 44 feet long by 20 feet wide.
• This size is similar to a doubles badminton court or about one-third of a tennis court.
• On each side of the court, there’s a 7 by 20-foot area right in front of the net called the non-volley zone, also known as the kitchen.

You’ll notice sidelines along the long ends of the court and baselines on the shorter ends. In the middle of the court, there’s a net that measures 36 inches tall at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center.

Even though a pickleball net is slightly lower than a tennis net, its height relative to the court’s size can still pose a challenge, much like a tough obstacle to overcome.

Players must avoid hitting volleys (shots before the ball bounces) while in this zone. Some believe the term “kitchen” was borrowed from shuffleboard, but historians aren’t entirely sure.

Between the kitchen and the baseline, the court is divided lengthwise into two service boxes by the centerline. The line separating the kitchen from the service boxes is called the non-volley zone line or the kitchen line.

Setting up a pickleball court is simple once you know these measurements. Whether you’re playing casually or organizing a game at your local venue, getting the dimensions right ensures a fair and enjoyable match.

How to convert your tennis court into a pickleball court

Transforming a tennis court into a pickleball court is a breeze, and you can even fit up to four pickleball courts onto one tennis court. Here’s what you’ll need to make the switch.

One pickleball court

• Use the existing tennis net and service boxes to outline your pickleball court.
• Lower the tennis net to 34 inches at the center to match pickleball regulations.
• Mark the outside boundaries of the court with cones or another marker. The court should measure 44 feet long and 20 feet across.
• Add lines for the non-volley zone, also known as “the kitchen.” These lines should be seven feet from either side of the net.
• Utilize the existing lines on the tennis court as markers for the service boxes on your new pickleball court.

Two or more pickleball courts

• Repeat the steps mentioned earlier for marking out a single court, but use a separate pop-up net for each additional court.
• Place two courts side-by-side at each end of the tennis court.
• In addition to marking the non-volley zone, add lines for the service boxes. These lines should extend from the center of the baseline up to the non-volley zone.

How to position in pickleball court

In pickleball, the server has a special job at the beginning of each point. They have to stand on their own team’s side of the net. While the server has this specific spot, the other three players on the team need to think about where they stand too. Let’s talk about where each player stands at the beginning of a pickleball point.

• First, we have the server. The server has to stand behind the baseline. That’s the line at the back of the court. They also need to be between the centerline and the sidelines.
• Next up is the server’s partner. They should also hang around behind or close to the baseline. This helps because of something called the two-bounce rule. This rule means the serving team has to let the ball bounce once before they hit it. If the return is deep, it’s good for both players to stay back so they don’t have to rush forward to hit the ball.
• Then the receiver stands behind the baseline too. They also have to let the serve bounce before they return it. Staying behind the baseline makes it easier to handle a deep serve.
• Lastly, we have the receiver’s partner. This player stands up at the kitchen line. They don’t worry about the two-bounce rule. Instead, they focus on being in a good spot to hit the next ball that comes their way. Being at the kitchen line puts them in a good offensive position to volley the ball.

Useful tips for pickleball beginners

For those new to pickleball, here are some helpful tips to get you started on the right track:

• Stretch before playing: Stretching your muscles beforehand can help prevent injuries and make you feel more comfortable on the court.
• Stay focused: Keep your eye on the ball to improve your accuracy and consistency in hitting it.
• Remember to breathe: Breathing during the game can help you stay relaxed and focused.
• Stay light on your feet: Being on the balls of your feet instead of your heels can help you move quicker and more efficiently.
• Practice long rallies: Aim to keep the ball going back and forth with your opponent as much as possible to work on your skills.
• Keep it simple: Focus on mastering the basic techniques of the game before trying more advanced strategies.
• Learn from mistakes: Every mistake is an opportunity to learn and improve, so don’t get discouraged if things don’t go perfectly.
• Have fun: Pickleball is a sport that’s meant to be enjoyed, so remember to have a good time on the court, regardless of the outcome.

Final Verdicts

Pickleball is a great game that anyone can enjoy. It’s easy to learn and doesn’t require a lot of equipment. Just grab a paddle, find a court, and start playing.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, pickleball provides an exciting opportunity to stay active, enjoy some friendly competition, and make lasting memories with friends and family. So why wait? Get out there and start playing pickleball today.