Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. It’s easy to learn, fun to play, and a great way to stay active. With these attributes, it is a very good hobby to get into. With a low skill floor and a high skill ceiling, this game will get you hooked. In this guide, we will walk you through the basics of Pickleball, including the rules, equipment, and tips to improve your game so that you can enjoy the game.
What is Pickleball?
So let’s start at the beginning, “What is Pickleball”. Pickleball is a paddle sport that includes elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong and combines that all into one sport. Pickleball is played on a smaller court with a low net, with a paddle and a perforated plastic ball. It’s accessible to players of all ages and skill levels, making it a great hobby as well as a highly competitive sport.
Rules of Pickleball
So now that you know what Pickleball is, it is time for you to learn the rules. Understanding the basic rules will help you quickly get up tp speed and enjoy the game.
1. Court and Scoring
So to jump right into it, a game of Pickleball is typically played on a hard court with a low net. The game is typically played to 11 points, however a team must win by a margin of two points. This means that if the score is 10-10, you must continue to play until one team is ahead by two points. Another unique rull to Pickleball is that only the serving team can score a point, and when they win a rally, they switch sides of the court to serve from the opposite side for the next point.
So to summaries:
- Pickleball is played on a court that is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long.
- The game can be played in singles (one-on-one) or doubles (two-on-two).
- Players can only score points when serving.
- Games are usually played to 11 points, and a team must win by at least 2 points.
2. Serving
Serving in Pickleball is not too complicated and is very easy to perform once you have a basic understanding of the serve. Here are some key steps to the serve:
- You must use an underhand motion
- The ball must be hit below your waist
- The Paddle face must also be below your wrist
Pickleball also has 4 different serves you can use to try and win points, you can use any of the 4 below
- Just get-it-in serve
- Lob serve
- Power serve
- Angle serve
Below is a video that can help you understand the serve a lot better:
So to summaries the Pickleball serve:
- The serve must be underhand and made diagonally to the opponent’s service box.
- The server must keep both feet behind the baseline.
- The ball must clear the non-volley zone (also called the “kitchen”).
3. The Double Bounce Rule
The double bounce rule in Pickleball is a rule that requires the ball to bounce once on each side of the court before either team can hit/volley it.
How the double bounce rule works is as follows:
- The serving team serves the ball
- The receiving team lets the ball bounce before returning it to the serving team
- The serving team lets the return bounce before returning it to the returning team
- After the two bounces, either team can volley the ball or play it off the bounce
Why is the double bounce rule an actual rule in Pickleball? The reason is that it eliminates the returning team from pushing the net and volleying the ball every time. It also starts to enforce rallies over winning points on pure power. The rule also enforces strategy to be implemented into the game and upholds the integrity of the game.
So to summarize the Double Bounce rule:
- The ball must bounce once on each side before players can hit volleys (hitting the ball out of the air without letting it bounce).
- This rule prevents players from rushing the net too quickly and ensures fair play.
4. Non-Volley Zone (The Kitchen)
You have probably been hearing the term “The Kitchen” being thrown around and asked yourself, “What is the Kitchen?”. Well we are here to help. The Kitchen is a non-volley zone on the Pickleball court. The Kitchen is a zone right by the net where you cannot volley the ball. Standing in this area means you cannot volley the ball but you need to wait for the ball to bounce before hitting it. This rule makes the game more strategic and makes the game more rally-dependent.
To summarize the rule:
- Players cannot hit volleys while standing inside the non-volley zone, which is a 7-foot area near the net.
- This rule prevents players from dominating the net and makes the game more strategic.
Essential Pickleball Equipment
Now that you know the basics and rules of Pickleball, it is time for you to play the game. So you will need a Pickleball Paddle, pickleball balls, and shoes that have good grip.
1. Paddle
Choosing the right pickleball paddle is crucial for beginners aiming to develop their skills and enjoy the game. When selecting a paddle, consider factors such as weight, grip size, and material to ensure it complements your playing style and comfort. Starting with a paddle that offers a good balance of control and power can significantly enhance your learning experience in pickleball. Below are our recommendations but if you want to see our full list of the best Pickleball Paddles for beginners click here.
- Niupipo Pickleball Paddle Set. View this set on Amazon here.
- Selkirk Latitude Pickleball Paddle Set. View this set on Amazon here.
- Onix Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle. View this paddle on Amazon here.
2. Ball
The Ball used in Pickleball is very unique looking because it looks very similar to a wiffle ball. It is hard plastic with a lot of holes in it. Below are some of our recommendations on beginner Pickleball balls, if you want to view our full list on the Best Pickleball balls for beginners click here.
- Franklin X-40 Outdoor Pickleball. View the ball on Amazon here.
- Onix Fuse G2 Pickleball. View the ball on Amazon here.
- Dura Fast 40 Outdoor Pickleball. View the ball on Amazon here.
3. Shoes
Pickleball is a fast-paced sport that demands quick lateral movements, sudden stops, and rapid changes in direction. Wearing the right shoes is critical not just for enhancing performance but also for preventing injuries. Here are the key reasons why pickleball-specific shoes are important:
- Enhanced Stability: Pickleball shoes provide superior lateral support, which is essential for quick side-to-side movements.
- Improved Traction: The outsoles are designed to offer excellent grip on both indoor and outdoor courts, reducing the risk of slipping.
- Shock Absorption: These shoes offer better cushioning to absorb the impact from constant running and jumping, reducing strain on joints.
- Durability: Made from high-quality materials, pickleball shoes are built to withstand the sport’s intense wear and tear.
- Comfort: They are designed to provide long-lasting comfort, minimizing foot fatigue during extended play sessions.
Below are some of our recommendations on pickleball shoes; If you want to read our full list on the best pickleball shoes click here.
- ASICS Gel-Renma. View on Amazon here.
- K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoes. View on Amazon here.
- New Balance 996 V4. View on Amazon here.
Tips to Improve Your Pickleball Game
Now that you know the rules and have the right equipment, here are some tips to enhance your skills so that you can get better and start to play more competitively:
1. Master the Serve
- A consistent and accurate serve sets the tone for the point.
- Aim for deep serves to push your opponent back.
2. Work on Your Dinking
- A dink is a soft shot that lands in the kitchen, forcing your opponent to hit upward.
- Mastering the dink helps control the pace of the game and creates opportunities to attack.
3. Learn to Volley Effectively
- Volleys keep the pressure on your opponents.
- Keep your paddle up and use quick reactions to return fast shots.
4. Improve Footwork
- Stay on your toes and move quickly to get into position.
- Good footwork helps you react to shots and maintain control.
5. Play Smart Defense
- Avoid unforced errors by being patient and waiting for the right opportunity to attack.
- Keep shots low to make it harder for your opponent to hit aggressive returns.
To read our full breakdown on learning and improving, click here.
Conclusion
Pickleball is an exciting and social sport that anyone can enjoy. By learning the basic rules, investing in the right equipment, and practicing key skills, you’ll quickly improve and have fun on the court. Grab a paddle, find a court, and start playing today!
