Pickleball

If you haven’t heard of pickleball yet, where’ve you been hiding? It’s the fastest-growing sport in North America, and people of all ages are jumping in with retirees, kids, competitive athletes, and even celebrities. Whether you’re looking for a fun way to stay active or just curious why everyone’s obsessed with this paddle sport, you’re in the right place.

This guide’s your all-in-one beginner’s breakdown: the rules (don’t worry, they’re simple), the gear (yes, you need more than just a paddle), and some juicy tips to make you look like a pro before you’ve even broken a sweat.

So, What Is Pickleball?

Picture this: if tennis, ping-pong, and badminton had a baby, you’d get pickleball. It’s played on a court about one-third the size of a tennis court, with paddles that are bigger than ping-pong paddles but smaller than tennis rackets, and a plastic ball with holes (like a wiffle ball).

It’s fast-paced but beginner-friendly. It’s social, strategic, and seriously addictive. And the best part? You don’t need to be an athlete to enjoy it or get good at it.

A Quick Glance at the Court

Before we get into how to play, let’s break down what the court looks like:

• Size: 20 feet wide by 44 feet long
  
• Net Height: 36 inches at the sidelines, 34 inches in the middle
  
• Key Areas:
  
• Baseline: The back boundary lines
  
• Non-volley zone (aka “The Kitchen”): A 7-foot area on either side of the net. No volleying here!
  
• Service Areas: Left and right service boxes on each side of the court
  

And don’t worry-once you get out there and see it in person, it’s easy to grasp.

Basic Rules: Short, Sweet, and Simple

Now let’s talk rules but don’t worry, pickleball isn’t bogged down with a ton of complicated regulations. You can literally learn the basics in 10 minutes.

1. Serving

• The serve must be underhand (yup, no over-the-top tennis swings).
  
• You’ve gotta serve diagonally, starting from the right side.
  
• Serve behind the baseline, and make sure the ball clears the net and doesn’t land in the kitchen.
  

2. Scoring

• Games go to 11 points, and you must win by 2.
  
• Only the serving team can score.
  
• If you lose a rally while serving, it’s a side-out and the serve goes to your partner (in doubles) or to the other team (in singles).
  

3. The Double Bounce Rule

• After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before any volleys (hitting the ball in the air) are allowed.
  
• So: Serve → bounce → return → bounce → THEN volley.
  
  

4. No Volleying in the Kitchen

• If you’re in the non-volley zone (7 feet from the net), don’t hit the ball in the air.
  
• Step back if you want to volley, or let the ball bounce and go for a dink shot (more on that soon).
  
  

What Gear Do You Actually Need?

No need to break the bank or gear up like you’re going into battle. But you’ll need a few basics to get started:

1. Paddle

• Beginner paddles usually cost between $40–$80.
  
• You’ll find three types: wood, composite, and graphite.
  
• Wood = budget-friendly but heavy
  
• Composite = balanced and great for control
  
• Graphite = lightweight, pricier, and responsive (many pros use these)
  
  

2. Pickleball Balls

• Not just any ball will do. These plastic balls have holes in them like a wiffle ball, but tougher.
  
• There are indoor and outdoor balls:
  
• Indoor balls: Softer, fewer holes (usually 26)
  
• Outdoor balls: Harder, more holes (typically 40), and better in wind
  
  

3. Shoes

• Court shoes, tennis shoes, or cross-trainers work best. Avoid running shoes, they're made for forward motion, not side-to-side play.
  
  

4. Court Access

• Look for local rec centers, YMCAs, or public parks.
  
• Pickleball has blown up so much that you’ll probably find courts near you with just a quick search. You can also check places like Playtime Scheduler or Places2Play.
  
  

5. Optional But Cool

• Paddle grip tape
  
• Paddle cover
  
• Ball holder clip or bag
  
• Sweatbands (style AND function!)
  
• A portable net, if you want to set up at home or in the driveway
  
  

Let’s Play: How to Get Started

Still with me? Good! Because now it’s time to get out there.

Step 1: Find a Court

Search online or visit a local rec center. Some communities even paint pickleball lines over tennis courts. Grab a friend, or better yet, drop in during beginner hours to meet people who are also just getting started.

Step 2: Watch a Game (Optional but Super Helpful)

Seeing the flow of the game really helps. Check YouTube or visit your local courts and just observe. Watch how players serve, move, and communicate.

Step 3: Practice the Basics

• Serving: Aim for consistent, legal serves (remember underhand!)
  
• Dinking: Light, controlled shots just over the net into the kitchen
  
• Volleys: Practice quick reactions without swinging wildly
  
• Footwork: Stay light on your toes and ready for side-to-side motion
  
  

Pro Tips: Look Like You Know What You’re Doing (Even if You Don’t Yet)

Ready to go from total newbie to savvy rookie? Here’s how to fake it till you make it:

1. Master the Dink

The dink is a soft shot that lands just over the net, ideally in your opponent’s kitchen. It forces your opponent to move forward and can throw off their rhythm. A killer dink game can win matches.

2. Don’t Stand in No-Man’s Land

That’s the space between the baseline and the kitchen line. You’re super vulnerable there. After the serve and return, move up to the kitchen line that’s where the real magic happens.

3. Communicate With Your Partner

In doubles, always talk about who's taking the shot, who’s serving, etc. Say “mine” or “yours” to avoid awkward paddle clashes.

4. Learn the Scoring Call

Sounds simple, but newbies get confused fast. The format is:
Your score – Opponent’s score – Server number (1 or 2)

So, if your team has 5, opponents have 3, and you're the first server, you’d call out: 5-3-1 before serving.

5. Control Over Power

Pickleball isn’t about brute strength. Placement and precision beat power 9 times out of 10. A gentle shot into the kitchen can be more devastating than a big smash.

Singles vs Doubles: What's the Difference?

While most games are doubles (2 vs 2), singles pickleball is its own beast.

• Singles are more physically demanding-you cover the entire court.
  
• Serves alternate left and right depending on whether your score is even or odd.
  
• It’s a great workout but might be tough for absolute beginners.
  
  

Most folks start with doubles and gradually try singles as they get more confident.

Common Mistakes Beginners Make (And How to Avoid Them)

1. Standing too far back
Move up! Most of the action is at the kitchen line.

2. Smashing everything
Control beats chaos. Think: strategy, not tennis tantrums.

3. Forgetting the double bounce rule
It’s easy to forget at first let the ball bounce on both sides before volleys are allowed.

4. Being scared of the kitchen
The non-volley zone isn’t lava. It’s your friend. Just don’t volley in it.

5. Wearing the wrong shoes
Don’t wreck your ankles. Use shoes made for court sports.

Why Pickleball Is So Dang Popular

It’s not just hype pickleball really is the sport for everyone.

• Easy to learn: You’ll pick it up in 30 minutes, tops.
  
• Social: Most games are doubles, and people love to chat between points.
  
• Low impact: Great for older adults or folks with joint concerns.
  
• Fast-paced: Short rallies keep it exciting.
  
• Space-saving: You don’t need a massive court like tennis.
  
  

Heck, even companies like Sanitairllc are sponsoring pickleball events proof the sport’s not just a trend. It’s becoming a permanent part of the fitness and social scene.

How to Level Up Your Game

Once you’ve mastered the basics, here’s how to take your pickleball game from “pretty decent” to “holy crap, who’s this ninja?”

Drills to Try:

• Dink Wars: Practice drinking back and forth with a partner.
  
• Serve Targets: Set cones or towels and aim for them.
  
• Third Shot Drop: Learn to drop the ball into the kitchen after a deep return.
  
  

Watch the Pros

Look up players like Ben Johns, Anna Leigh Waters, and Tyson McGuffin. Study how they control the court. Their matches are exciting and super educational.

Sign Up for a Clinic or League

Local clubs often host beginner clinics. You’ll get coaching, play time, and meet other players at your level. Don’t be shy, it's worth it.

Wrapping Up: Just Get Out There!

You really don’t need much to start playing pickleball just a paddle, a ball, a court, and a sense of fun. You’ll make friends, get a solid workout, and probably become slightly obsessed. It happens to the best of us.

So go ahead grab a paddle, call a buddy, and get in the game. Whether you're here for casual fun or competitive thrills, pickleball’s got room for everyone.