How To Play Pickleball For Beginners

Pickleball is taking the world by storm! This fun and energetic paddle sport is exploding in popularity, and for good reason (learn more here: Why is Pickleball So Popular?). So, what exactly is pickleball? It's a paddle sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. Invented in the 1960s on Bainbridge Island, it has grown into a game enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. Ready to give it a try? The Paddle Experts at JustPaddles put together this guide to walk you through the basics of pickleball, from equipment to the essential rules.

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How To Play Pickleball

Pickleball Equipment

You only need a few things to get started playing pickleball:

• Paddle: Pickleball paddles are similar to oversized ping pong paddles. They come in various materials and weights, so it's important to choose one that suits your style. We have a vast selection at JustPaddles but don’t worry, our Paddle Coach and Paddle Experts can help point you in the right direction! Check out the most popular paddles for those first stepping on the court below! 

   

• Balls: Pickleball balls resemble wiffle balls with small holes. Can't play without them and we have you covered! Check out on the options below! 

   
• Court and Net: You can play pickleball on a badminton court with a slightly modified net. Thinking about setting up your own court? Check out these portable net options: Best Portable Pickleball Net. See the court dimension below or check out our blog on the Pickleball Court Dimensions.
  

  Pickleball Court Layout:

As you can see, the pickleball court is similar to a badminton or tennis court with a few key differences. Here's a breakdown of the important lines:

• Baseline: The back line of the court.

• Sideline: The lines running the length of the court on either side.

• Centerline: Divides the court in half.

• Non-volley zone (aka “the kitchen”): The area extending 7 feet from the net on both sides.

• Service court lines: Short lines that divide the service area within the kitchen.

 7 Rules of Pickleball

Want to know more about the rules of pickleball? Check out our blog below! 

1. Scoring:

• Only the serving team can score a point.

• Games are typically played to 11 points, but you must win by 2.

• Scoring is announced as “serving team score - receiving team score - server number (e.g., 2-1-2).”

2. Serving:

• Pickleball serve technique involves an underhanded short swing.

• The serve must be aimed at and land diagonally across the crosscourt past the kitchen. 

• The server must make the initial hit from behind the baseline on the opposite service court.

3. Serving Sequence:

• The first serve starts on the right side of the court.

• After winning the point, the server switches sides and serves again.

• This continues until the server faults, then the other team serves. 

• After both players on the other team have served (and faulted), serve possession returns to the original team. 

• In doubles, partners alternate serves until a fault occurs.

4. Initial Play:

The original serving team only gets one serve (and fault), then the other team serves.

5. Faults:

• Serving faults include hitting the net, serving out of bounds, or serving with an overhead motion.

• Non-volley zone violations (kitchen faults) occur when a player volleys (hits the ball in the air) within the non-volley zone before the ball bounces.

• Line faults happen when the ball lands outside the court lines.

• Double bounce faults occur when the ball bounces twice on the same side of the net before being returned.

6. Kitchen:

• Volleying is not allowed in the non-volley zone (kitchen) unless the ball bounces first.

• Players can enter the kitchen but cannot volley from there.

7A. Singles Play:

• Players switch sides of the court based on whether the score is odd or even.

7B. Doubles Play:

• Teams alternate serving partners after each fault.

• Scoring remains the same as in singles.

Pickleball for Dummies: FAQs

We've got you covered! Here are some answers to the most common questions beginners have about pickleball:

What should I wear to play pickleball?

Comfort is key! Opt for athletic clothing that allows for easy movement. Breathable fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking synthetics are ideal. Choose comfortable athletic shoes with good court support.

How do I choose the right paddle?

Selecting the perfect paddle can make a big difference in your game.  We have a comprehensive guide to help you find the ideal paddle for your playing style, grip preference, and budget: JustPaddles Paddle Buying Guide.

How do you train for pickleball?

There are many ways to train for pickleball, regardless of your current fitness level. Check out our blog post on pickleball training for tips on improving your footwork, agility, strength, and pickleball-specific skills: Pickleball Training.

Want to get everything you need for the court? Check out these Paddle Sets that will get you straight to the kitchen below!

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Whether you are new to pickleball or a seasoned player, we are excited to have you at JustPaddles. Our goal is to spread knowledge and information about the sport we love. Reach out to us through our Live Chat, email experts@justpaddles.com or give us a call at 1-866-382-3465! We love pickleball so much that we made it into our business. If you’re ever in the market to buy a new pickleball paddle, be sure to look us up. We’re JustPaddles, and we’re with you from Click to Court!