How to Play Pickleball
Over the last decade, pickleball has earned its spot as one of the fastest-growing sports around the globe. Combining bits of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, it’s a fast-paced game that’s easy to pick up and a whole lot of fun for all ages. New to the sport or thinking about swapping your tennis racquet for a paddle? Learning how to play pickleball could be your next great adventure. It’s accessible, it’s exciting, and it’s a brilliant way to stay active while enjoying a bit of friendly competition – what’s not to love?
This guide will cover everything from pickleball history to pickleball rules, pickleball court dimensions, and pickleball tips to get you started. If you're searching for pickleball for beginners, you've come to the right place. We'll also touch on pickleball vs tennis to highlight what makes this game unique. By the end, you'll have a solid foundation to hit the court confidently.
Pickleball History
To understand how to play pickleball, it's helpful to know where it came from. Pickleball was invented in the summer of 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by Congressman Joel Pritchard, Barney McCallum, and Bill Bell.
The story goes that the trio wanted a game the whole family could enjoy after returning from golf one afternoon. They improvised with ping-pong paddles, a perforated plastic ball, and a lowered badminton net on an old badminton court. The game quickly evolved, and by 1967, the first permanent pickleball court was built in the backyard of Pritchard's friend Bob O'Brien.
The name "pickleball" has a quirky origin. Some say it was named after Pritchard's dog, Pickles, who loved chasing the ball, while others claim it's a reference to the "pickle boat" in crew racing, a term for a boat with a mismatched crew.
Now, it’s played in over 60 countries, with millions of players, and there’s even talk of it joining the Olympics. The sport got a huge boost during the COVID-19 pandemic, as folks flocked to outdoor activities that were easy to pick up and naturally socially distanced.
Pickleball Court Dimensions and Equipment
A standard pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, used for both singles and doubles games. It’s roughly a quarter the size of a tennis court. The net stands 36 inches high at the edges and dips to 34 inches in the middle.
One key area is the non-volley zone, nicknamed the “kitchen.” This area extends 7 feet from the net on both sides. Players can’t volley the ball—hit it without a bounce—while standing in this zone.
The court is split by a centerline, creating service areas on each side. Outdoor courts have 2-inch-wide lines and surfaces made from concrete, asphalt, or special coatings. Indoor courts use the same dimensions but often have taped lines on gym floors instead.
Pickleball gear is refreshingly simple. You’ll need a paddle. They’re lightweight, usually made from graphite or fiberglass, and small enough to feel manageable (up to 24 inches, handle included). Then there’s the ball: perforated plastic, with indoor and outdoor versions that might feel pretty interchangeable for pickleball beginners.
For shoes, find something with decent lateral support. As for clothes, anything that keeps you moving freely will do, but breathable fabrics are a big help when those rallies get intense.
Pickleball Rules
Most games go to 11 (win by 2), though tournaments sometimes stretch to 15 or 21. You can only score on your serve. In doubles, however, both teammates get to serve before handing it over, except at the start.
Serves are underhand, paddle below the waist, and you’ve gotta stand behind the baseline. The ball goes diagonally across the court and has to clear the non-volley zone. The “double-bounce rule” requires that the ball must bounce once on each side after the serve before anyone can volley. After that, it’s game on—just stay out of the kitchen unless it’s a bounce shot.
Faults include serving into the net, stepping into the kitchen on a volley, or hitting out of bounds. In doubles, players call out the score as "server's score – receiver's score – server number" (1 or 2). For singles, it's just the two scores. It’s all designed to keep things fair and fun.
How to Play Pickleball
Start by warming up: practice dinking (soft shots over the net) and groundstrokes to get a feel for the ball's bounce.
- Serving: Position yourself behind the right service court. Announce the score, then serve underhand diagonally to the opponent's service court. Aim deep to push them back.
- Returning Serve: Let the serve bounce, then return it. Focus on placement—aim for the baseline or sidelines to create openings.
- The Rally: After the double bounce, move to volleys or groundstrokes. Stay at the net for control, but respect the kitchen rule.
- Positioning in Doubles: Communicate with your partner. One covers the net while the other hangs back if needed. Stack formation (both on one side) can be advanced.
- Scoring and Winning: Only score on your serve. Switch sides after scoring, and continue until one team reaches 11 (win by 2).
Practice these steps, and you'll quickly grasp how to play pickleball. For visual learners, watching beginner videos can accelerate learning.
Pickleball vs. Tennis
Many wonder about pickleball vs tennis. While both use rackets and nets, differences abound. Tennis courts are larger (78 feet long vs. 44 feet), requiring more running and power. Tennis allows overhand serves and no-bounce volleys anywhere, leading to faster paces.
Pickleball paddles, meanwhile, are solid and smaller than tennis rackets, and the ball is plastic with less bounce, making rallies longer and more strategic.
Pickleball is easier on joints due to less movement, appealing to older players or those recovering from injuries. It's quicker to learn—most pick it up in one session vs. weeks for tennis. However, tennis offers more athletic intensity. Ultimately, pickleball vs. tennis boils down to preference: pickleball for social, low-impact fun; tennis for high-energy competition.
Pickleball Tips
Beyond basics, pickleball tips can transform your play. Keep your paddle up at chest level for quick reactions. Master the "dink" shot—soft arcs into the opponent's kitchen to force errors. For returns, hit deep and low to keep foes back.
Anticipate shots: watch your opponent's paddle face. In doubles, poach (intercept balls) strategically but communicate to avoid collisions. Vary your serves—mix speeds and spins.
Finally, stay positive; mental resilience wins points. Practice these pickleball tips regularly, and you'll advance from beginner to intermediate swiftly.
Who knows? You might just get hooked!