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Ready, Set, Paddle: Your Beginner’s Guide to Pickleball



 

 

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.

  1. 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.

  1. Sidelines

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

  1. 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:

🧑Singles Play

🧑🧑Doubles Play

You’ll need to cover the entire court yourself, so good footwork is key. You’ll need to move quickly between the baseline and the kitchen line to keep up with the game.

You and your partner will need to communicate and cover the court together. The best strategy is for both players to move up to the kitchen line after the serve to control the rally. Staying back too much can put you at a disadvantage.

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