What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a popular, fast-growing sport in North America. There are many reasons why: It's easy to learn, fun to play and a great workout! Whether you're joining the court for the first time or need a refresher, this guide is here for you. We'll break down the basic rules of pickleball, explain how the game is played, and share some pickle tips!
We’ll cover:
- What gear you need
- How to play (rules and scoring)
- Top tips to improve your game
Let’s dive in!
1. Pickleball Equipment 101
Before you start serving and smashing, make sure you have the right setup.
- Court Size: 20 feet wide by 44 feet long (same size as a badminton court).
- Net Height: 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the center.
- Gear: A paddle, a plastic ball, and non-marking court shoes.
2. How to Play Pickleball: Basic Rules
The Starting Serve:
- The game starts with a diagonal underhand serve across the court.
- The server must stand behind the baseline and hit the ball below the waist.
- The serve must land in the opponent’s box, diagonally from the server. It cannot land in the non-volley zone (aka the “kitchen”).
The Double Bounce Rule:
- After the initial serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce once before returning it.
- Then, the serving team must also let the ball bounce once before hitting it back.
- After those two bounces, players can volley (hit the ball in the air) or play it off the bounce.
The Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone):
- The 7-foot zone on each side of the net is called the kitchen.
- You cannot volley (hit the ball in the air) while standing in the kitchen.
- It’s okay to enter the kitchen to hit a ball that has bounced, but you must leave before volleying again. Or else it's a fault!
3. How Pickleball Scoring Works
Scoring in pickleball is simple once you get the hang of it!
- Games are played to 11 points, and you must win by 2.
- Only the serving team can score.
- In doubles, each team gets two serves (one per player) before a side out — except the first serve of the game.
- Always announce the score before serving!
Format: [Your Score] - [Opponent Score] - [Server Number]
Example: “5 - 3 - 2” - Side Out: When both players on the serving team lose their serve, the serve goes to the other team.
4. Singles vs. Doubles: What's the Difference?
Most people play pickleball as doubles, but singles is just as exciting, and more cardio!
Doubles:
- Standard format
- Easier court coverage with a partner
- Requires strong communication
Singles:
- More physical effort (you cover the whole side)
- Same rules, but you serve from:
Right side if your score is even
Left side if your score is odd
5. Beginner Pickle Tips to Level Up
Want to improve faster? Keep these beginner pickleball tips in mind:
- Avoid the kitchen: unless the ball bounces there.
- Talk to your partner: —decide who takes what in the middle.
- Focus on control, not power, especially during net play.
- Master your dink shots to slow the pace and throw off your opponents.
Watch this video to get the visuals!
Get on the Court and Try It!
Now that you know how to play pickleball, it’s time to get on the court and put your skills to the test. Whether you're here for casual fun or ready to compete, pickleball is for everyone.
Join our growing community and find games near you:
✅ See Upcoming Events
💬 Join Our Pickleball Discord
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