How to Play Pickleball: A Beginner’s Guide

Pickleball is a fun and fast-paced sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s played with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes, making it suitable for players of all ages and skill levels. If you’re new to pickleball and eager to get started, this beginner’s guide will walk you through the basics of how to play this exciting and social game.

1. Understanding the Pickleball Court

Pickleball is typically played on a rectangular court with dimensions of 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. The court is divided into two halves by a net, similar to a tennis court. Each half has a non-volley zone, also known as the “kitchen,” which extends 7 feet from the net on either side. The kitchen is where players cannot step inside to hit the ball unless it has bounced.

2. Equipment Needed

To play pickleball, you’ll need a few essential pieces of equipment:

• Paddle: Pickleball paddles are smaller than tennis rackets and come in a variety of materials and sizes. Choose one that feels comfortable and suits your playing style.
• Pickleball: The ball used in pickleball is made of plastic with small holes, allowing it to travel with moderate speed and bounce consistently.
• Net: A standard pickleball net is 36 inches tall at the sidelines and 34 inches tall in the center.

3. Serving the Ball

To start a game, one player from the serving team stands behind the baseline and serves diagonally across the net to the opponent’s court. The serve must clear the non-volley zone and land in the opposing service court. Each player gets one chance to serve, and the serve must be underhand with at least one foot behind the baseline.

4. The Two-Bounce Rule

In pickleball, there is a two-bounce rule. After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce once before hitting it. The serving team must also allow the return to bounce before hitting it. After the two bounces, both teams can hit the ball in the air or after it bounces, depending on the situation.

5. Non-Volley Zone (NVZ) Rules

The non-volley zone, also known as the kitchen, is a crucial area of the pickleball court. Players are not allowed to step inside the kitchen and hit the ball in the air. However, they can hit the ball if it bounces inside the kitchen. This rule prevents players from “volleying” or hitting the ball in the air near the net, promoting longer rallies and strategic gameplay.

6. Scoring in Pickleball

Pickleball is typically played to 11 points, and you must win by two points. Points are only scored by the serving team. If the serving team wins a rally, they score a point and continue serving. If the receiving team wins the rally, they become the serving team, and no points are awarded. The game continues until one team reaches 11 points with a two-point advantage.

7. Doubles vs. Singles

Pickleball can be played in both singles and doubles formats. In singles, it’s one player against another. In doubles, two players are on each side of the court. Doubles pickleball is more common and often more enjoyable as it allows for teamwork and social interaction.

8. Have Fun and Be Respectful

Lastly, remember that pickleball is a social and inclusive sport. Have fun, respect your opponents, and enjoy the friendly atmosphere on the court. Pickleball is a great way to stay active, make new friends, and improve your hand-eye coordination.

Conclusion

Now that you have a basic understanding of how to play pickleball, it’s time to grab a paddle, find a court, and start playing. Pickleball is a versatile and enjoyable sport that welcomes players of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, get out on the court, practice your skills, and have a fantastic time playing pickleball.