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How to Play Pickleball: Complete Beginner's Guide
Learn the rules, scoring, and strategies of America's fastest-growing sport. Whether you're brand new or brushing up on the basics, this guide covers everything you need to start playing pickleball.
What is Pickleball?
The fastest-growing sport in America explained
A Paddle Sport for Everyone
Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It's played with a paddle and plastic ball on a court smaller than tennis, making it accessible to all ages and fitness levels.
Fastest-Growing Sport
With over 36 million players in the US, pickleball has exploded in popularity. It's easy to learn, social, and provides great exercise without being too physically demanding.
Singles or Doubles
Play pickleball as singles (1v1) or doubles (2v2). Doubles is the most popular format, promoting teamwork and strategy. The smaller court keeps the action fast and exciting.
Basic Pickleball Rules
The essential rules every player needs to know
The Serve
Serve underhand, hitting below your waist. Serve diagonally to the opposite service court. The serve must clear the net and the kitchen line. You get one serve attempt.
Two-Bounce Rule
After the serve, each team must let the ball bounce once before hitting. The return of serve must bounce, then the third shot must bounce. After that, you can volley.
The Kitchen Rule
You cannot volley (hit in the air) while in the kitchen or touching the kitchen line. You CAN enter the kitchen to play a ball that has bounced.
Scoring Points
Only the serving team can score. Games go to 11, win by 2. In doubles, both players serve before losing serve (side out), except the first service of the game.
How to Serve in Pickleball
Master the pickleball serve with these tips
Underhand Motion
The serve must be underhand with an upward arc. Your paddle must contact the ball below your waist (navel level). No overhand serves allowed in pickleball.
Diagonal Service
Always serve diagonally to the opposite court. If you're serving from the right side, the ball must land in the opponent's right service court (your diagonal).
Behind the Baseline
Both feet must be behind the baseline when serving. You cannot step on or over the line until after you hit the ball. Stay balanced for a consistent serve.
Pickleball Scoring Explained
How to keep score in pickleball doubles and singles
Doubles Scoring (Three Numbers)
In doubles, call three numbers: serving team score - receiving team score - server number. Example: "4-2-1" means serving team has 4, receiving has 2, and it's the first server. When the first server loses the rally, the second server (server 2) serves. When server 2 loses, it's a side out.
Singles Scoring (Two Numbers)
In singles, just call two numbers: server score - receiver score. Example: "7-5" means server has 7, receiver has 5. Serve from the right when your score is even, from the left when odd.
Key Scoring Rules
Win by 2
Games are played to 11 points and you must win by 2. If tied 10-10, play continues until someone leads by 2 (like 12-10 or 15-13).
Only Serving Team Scores
Unlike rally scoring in volleyball, only the serving team can score points in pickleball. If the receiving team wins the rally, they get to serve but don't get a point.
First Server Exception
At the start of the game, the first serving team only gets one server (not two). This balances the advantage of serving first. Call the score "0-0-2" to indicate this.
Basic Pickleball Strategies
Tips to improve your game as a beginner
Get to the Kitchen Line
The team that controls the kitchen line usually wins. After your third shot, move forward toward the net. Most points are won with soft shots (dinks) at the kitchen line.
Master the Dink
A dink is a soft shot that lands in the opponent's kitchen. It's the most important shot in pickleball. Dinking forces errors and sets up winning shots.
Be Patient
Pickleball rewards patience over power. Wait for a high ball to attack. Trying to hit winners from the baseline usually results in errors. Play smart, not hard.
Communicate in Doubles
Call "mine" or "yours" on every ball. Cover middle balls together. Move as a unit with your partner - when they move up, you move up. Teamwork wins games.
Aim for Deep Returns
When returning serve, hit deep to the baseline. This keeps the serving team back and gives you time to move to the kitchen line. Depth beats power.
Keep the Ball In Play
Most points are lost on errors, not won on winners. Focus on consistency first. A ball in play puts pressure on your opponent. Let them make the mistake.
Pickleball Rules FAQ
Common questions about how to play pickleball
What is pickleball?
Pickleball is a paddle sport combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It's played on a 20x44 foot court with a plastic ball and composite paddles. It's easy to learn, fun to play, and suitable for all ages.
What equipment do I need to play pickleball?
You need a pickleball paddle (wooden ones start around $15, composite $50-150), pickleballs (plastic balls with holes), and athletic shoes with non-marking soles. Many parks provide paddles and balls for beginners.
What is the two-bounce rule?
After the serve, each team must let the ball bounce once before hitting it. The serve must bounce, then the return must bounce. After these two bounces, players can volley (hit in the air) or play off the bounce.
Why can't you volley in the kitchen?
The kitchen rule prevents players from camping at the net and smashing every ball. It makes the game more strategic and accessible - you have to earn your way to attacking positions with good shot placement.
How long does a pickleball game take?
A typical game to 11 points takes 15-25 minutes. Most casual play sessions involve playing multiple games, often rotating partners. A good pickleball session is usually 1-2 hours.
Is pickleball good exercise?
Yes! Pickleball provides moderate cardio, improves hand-eye coordination, and burns 250-400 calories per hour. It's lower impact than tennis but keeps you moving. Players of all fitness levels can enjoy it.
Ready to Play Your First Game?
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