Ever heard of pickleball?

It’s a mix of badminton, tennis, and ping pong—and it’s super fun and easy to pick up!

Whether you’re looking for a new weekend hobby or just want to try something different, this pickleball guide has got you covered. We’ll walk you through pickleball rules, how to play pickleball, and even some handy tips on how to win pickleball without breaking a sweat.

Getting to Know the Pickleball Court

Before we jump into the action, let’s get familiar with the court. A pickleball court is similar in size to a badminton court (20 feet wide and 44 feet long). The net is slightly lower than in tennis, making it easier to return shots.

Now, let’s break down the key parts of the court.

Key Parts of the Court

1. Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone)

This is the 7-foot zone on both sides of the net where you can’t volley (hit the ball in the air). Think of it as the “no-swat” zone—stepping in and smashing the ball is a no-go! You can only hit the ball here if it has already bounced.

2. Baseline

The back boundary line of the court. This is where you stand when serving. If you step over this line while serving, it’s considered a fault.

3. Sidelines

These lines mark the width of the court. If the ball lands outside these lines, it’s out!

4. Service Courts

The court is divided into two service courts (left and right) on each side, separated by the centerline. When serving, you must aim diagonally into the opponent’s service court.

Court Layout for Singles & Doubles

A pickleball court is designed for both singles and doubles play. Here’s how it differs:

[8] Whether playing singles or doubles, knowing the court layout helps you position yourself correctly and react faster during the game. Now that you know your way around the court, let’s dive into the rules!

Pickleball Rules Made Simple

Nobody likes complicated rules, so here’s what you need to know.

Starting the Game & Scoring

1. The game begins with an underhand serve from behind the baseline, aiming diagonally into the opponent’s service court.
2. Only the serving team can score points. If the receiving team wins a rally, they don’t gain a point, but they do get to serve next.
3. The game is played to 11 points, and you must win by at least 2 points (e.g., 11-9 is a win, but 11-10 means the game continues until one team leads by 2 points).
4. In doubles, both players on a team get a chance to serve before the serve is handed over to the opposing team.

Serving Rules & Common Mistakes

1. The serve must be underhand and struck below waist level.
2. The server must stand behind the baseline and serve diagonally to the opponent’s service court.
3. The ball must clear the net and land in the opponent’s service box; if it lands in the kitchen or outside the boundaries, it’s a fault.
4. Common serving mistakes:

🚫Hitting the ball above waist level

🚫Stepping on or over the baseline while serving

🚫Serving into the kitchen (non-volley zone)

🚫Not hitting the serve diagonally

The Double-Bounce & Kitchen Rules

1. Double-Bounce Rule

The Pickleball 2-Bounce Rule & When Can You Volley the Ball?

The ball must bounce once on each side before players can hit it in the air. This means:

○       The receiving team must let the serve bounce before returning it.

○       The serving team must also let the return bounce before hitting it.

○       After this, players can volley (hit the ball in the air) or let it bounce before returning.

●       Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone) Rule

The pickleball kitchen rule (non-volley zone) COMPLETELY explained 

○       You cannot volley (hit the ball in the air) while standing inside the kitchen.

○       If you step into the kitchen while volleying—even just a toe!—it’s a fault.

○       You can stand in the kitchen to hit the ball only if it has already bounced.

These rules help keep the game fair, balanced, and enjoyable for players of all skill levels. Now that you know the basics, let’s move on to warming up before a game!

Warming Up Before Playing 

You don’t want to pull a muscle, so warm up properly! A proper warm-up improves flexibility, increases blood circulation, and helps prevent injuries. Here’s how you can get your body ready for action:

Stretches & Dynamic Warm-Ups

●       Arm Swings & Shoulder Rolls – Loosen up your shoulders and arms by swinging them forward and backward. Follow it up with shoulder rolls to improve mobility.

●       Leg Stretches & Lunges – Stretch your hamstrings, quads, and calves to help you move smoothly on the court. Lunges improve leg strength and balance.

●       Torso Twists – Rotate your torso gently from side to side to prepare your core for quick movements and turns during the game.

Boost Your Agility & Coordination

●       Side Shuffles – Move laterally from side to side to improve your footwork and reaction time. This helps with quick court coverage during the game.

●       Jump Rope – A great way to keep your feet light and quick! Jumping rope enhances your coordination, agility, and cardiovascular endurance.

●       High Knees & Butt Kicks – These drills get your legs moving and blood flowing, helping you react quickly to shots during a match.

Spending just 5–10 minutes on these exercises before stepping onto the pickleball court can make a big difference in your performance and overall enjoyment of the game. Now, let’s get into how to actually play pickleball!

How to Play Pickleball (Step-by-Step)

Now for the fun part—how to play pickleball like a pro!

Whether you’re playing casually or aiming to level up your game, these step-by-step instructions will help you get started with confidence.

Serving the Ball

Serving in pickleball is a bit different from other racket sports, but once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty straightforward.

●       Underhand is the way to go – No fancy overhead serves here! The paddle must stay below your waist when you strike the ball.

●       Aim diagonally – Your serve has to land in the service box across from you, just like in badminton.

●       Watch your feet – Stay behind the baseline when serving. If your foot crosses the line, it’s a fault, and you’ll have to give up your serve.

●       Keep it simple – Don’t try to hit the perfect serve every time. A smooth, controlled serve is all you need to start the rally right.

Rallying & Game Flow 

Once the ball is in play, it’s all about keeping the rally going while following the rules.

●       The double-bounce rule – Both teams must let the ball bounce once before hitting it out of the air. That means no smashing right off the serve!

●       Control over power – You don’t need to hit every shot as hard as possible. Keep your returns controlled and well-placed rather than just going for brute force.

●       Stay ready – The pace of play can change quickly, so always be on your toes and keep your paddle up for quick reactions.

Footwork & Paddle Handling Tips 

●       Stay light on your feet – Instead of standing flat-footed, be on your toes so you can react quickly.

●       Hold your paddle up – Keep your paddle in a ready position so you can respond faster to shots.

●       Move efficiently – Instead of taking big, clunky steps, use small, quick movements to stay balanced and adjust your position on the court.

Easy Pickleball Strategies to Win

Winning isn’t just about power—it’s about playing smart. Here are some pro-level strategies to help you get the upper hand on your opponents.

Positioning & Shot Placement

●       Own the kitchen line – The closer you are to the kitchen line (without stepping in), the more control you have over the game. Most winning shots happen up here!

●       Aim for their feet – A low shot at your opponent’s feet is tough to return, forcing them into awkward positions.

●       Use angles – Instead of hitting straight at your opponent, aim for the sides to make them run for the ball.

Playing Doubles? Communicate!

●       Call out shots – A simple “Mine!” or “Yours!” can prevent awkward collisions and missed opportunities.

●       Move as a team – Stay side by side with your partner instead of wandering around solo. If one player moves up, the other should follow to maintain good positioning.

●       Cover each other’s weaknesses – If your partner struggles with certain shots, adjust your position to help them out.

Mix It Up

●       Master the dink shot – A soft, controlled shot over the net (called a “dink”) can throw off opponents who expect hard smashes.

●       Change your pace – Don’t be predictable! Mix hard drives with soft shots to keep your opponents guessing.

●       Think before smashing – Smashing feels satisfying, but it’s not always the best move. Use it wisely and don’t waste energy on unnecessary power shots.

By applying these strategies, you’ll not only improve your game but also have more fun playing. Ready to put these skills into action? Grab a paddle and hit the pickleball court!

Conclusion

Pickleball is easy to learn, fun to play, and a great way to stay active. Now that you know how to serve pickleball, how to score pickleball, and some cool tricks on how to win pickleball, it’s time to hit the pickleball court and try it for yourself!

So, what are you waiting for? Book a pickleball court now , grab a paddle, call your friends, and start playing today!