How to Play Pickleball – A Guide for Everyone

Pickleball is an emerging sport that is a mixture of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It is a great choice for players of all ages and skill levels, which makes it a popular choice for recreational and competitive play. Whether you are an expert athlete or a beginner, learning how to play pickleball is both fun and straightforward.

The following guide will give you a basic understanding of pickleball, including the dress code, equipment, and a few basic techniques. You will also discover how to serve, and volley, as well as a step by step guide on how to start playing pickleball as a beginner, along with tips for improving your game. With clear instructions and helpful advice, you will be confident to take the court.

It is played on a smaller court, which makes it easier to pick up than tennis. In the game, a paddle and plastic ball with holes are used which is similar to wiffle balls.

As you enter into the world of pickleball, you will find it to be a great way to stay active, socialize, and enjoy some friendly competition.

What do you need to play pickleball

Basic Required Equipment 

1. Pickleball Paddle
2. Pickleball Balls
3. Pickleball Court
4. Comfortable Sports Clothes 
5. Non Marking Shoes

To play this, you will need a few basic pieces of equipment. First, you will need a Pickleball paddle. Paddles come in different materials, like wood, composite, or graphite. You should choose one that feels comfortable and suits your playing style.

Next, you will need Pickleball balls. These are lightweight, plastic balls with holes, similar to wiffle balls. They come in two types: indoor and outdoor. Indoor balls are lighter and have fewer holes, while outdoor balls are heavier with more holes for better wind resistance.

Finally, you will need a Pickleball court. When you don’t have access to a dedicated court, you can play Pickleball on the tennis court by setting up a portable net. At the sidelines, the net should be 36 inches high, and at the center, 34 inches high.

Don’t forget to wear comfortable sports clothes and non marking shoes for safety and ease of movement. With these items, you are all set to start playing.

What Do You Wear to Play Pickleball?

• When playing this game, you have to wear comfortable athletic clothing. You should choose moisture wicking shirts and shorts to stay cool and dry. 
• You should wear non marking court shoes with good grip and support to prevent slipping. Some players prefer tennis shoes because of their stability. 
• When you are playing outdoors, wear a hat or visor and apply sunscreen. For added comfort and safety, consider using sweatbands and protective eyewear.

How to Hold a Pickleball Paddle?

Holding a pickleball paddle correctly is important for control and power. Use the continental grip, which is versatile for different shots. 

To achieve this, hold the paddle like you would shake hands with it. Your index knuckle and heel pad should be on angle 2 of the paddle handle. 

This grip allows for better wrist action and control. During play, hold the paddle strongly but not too tight to maintain flexibility and responsiveness.

Layout of the Pickleball Court

A pickleball court is smaller than a tennis court, measuring 44 feet long and 20 feet wide. 

The court is divided into two halves by a 36 inch high sideline net and a 34 inch high center net.

There is a seven foot long non volley zone on each side of the court, commonly called the “kitchen.”

There are two service areas outside the kitchen, one on the left and one on the right. These dimensions and markings create a unique playing space that emphasizes strategy and precision over physical power.

How to Start Playing Pickleball?

Here is the step by step guide on How to play Pickleball:

Step 1: Prepare your Equipment

To play this, you will need a paddle, pickleball balls, comfortable athletic clothing, and court shoes. Choose a paddle that fits your grip and playing style. Use indoor or outdoor balls depending on your playing environment.

Step 2: Learn the Basic Rules

You should learn the basic rules of pickleball. It is usually played as doubles, but it can also be played as singles. Points are scored only by the serving team, and games are usually played to 11 points, win by 2. Also, understand the concept of the non volley zone, or kitchen, where volleys are not allowed.

Step 3: Understand the Court Layout

Take a look at the layout of the court before playing. The court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, with a net in the middle. There is a 7-foot non volley zone on both sides of the net. The remaining court is divided into left and right service areas.

Step 4: Learn How to Serve

The first thing you need to do is master the serve. The serve must be made underhand and below the waist. Stand behind the baseline, hit the ball diagonally across the net into the opposite service court, and confirm it clears the non volley zone.

Step 5: Practice Basic Strokes

You should work on basic strokes like forehand, backhand, and volleys. Start with slow, controlled shots to develop accuracy and consistency. You can practice hitting the ball back and forth with a partner to improve your timing and coordination.

Step 6: Understand the Scoring System

You should know how to keep track of your progress. Only the serving team can score points. Before each serve, the server announces the team’s score, the opponent’s score, and then the server number (1 or 2).

How to Play Pickleball Singles?

Pickleball is most commonly played in doubles, but you can also play in singles. A singles version works exactly like doubles, except there is only one player on each side.

• Court Setup: Use the same court dimensions as in doubles, with a non volley zone on each side.
• Serve: One player should serve diagonally to the opponent’s service court from behind the baseline.
• Scoring: Only the serving side can score points. A player or team wins a point when the opposing player or team commits a fault. Servers announce only two numbers: the server’s score (first), and the opponent’s score (second). 

• Volleying: In the non volley zone, also known as the kitchen, players cannot volley (hit the ball in the air without letting it bounce).
• Service Rotation: When the score is even (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 points), the players serve from the right side, and when the score is odd (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) the players serve from the left side.
• Winning: A game is won when one player scores 11 points and has a two point lead.

How to Play Pickleball Doubles?

• Team Setup: Doubles is played with two players on each side of the court, one at the net and one at the baseline.
• Serve: The serving team starts with one player serving diagonally across the net to the serving court of the opponent.
• Return: The receiving team hits the ball back after one bounce, aiming to land it within the opposing team’s court.
• Volleying: All players are allowed to volley except in non volley zones.
• Service Rotation: Each player serves in sequence until a fault is made. Then, the opposing team serves.
• Scoring: Points are scored only by the serving side. 

How do You Play Pickleball at Home?

Playing pickleball at home can be a convenient way to enjoy this popular sport. To set up a court at home, you will need a flat surface such as a driveway, backyard, or any hard surface area. 

You can purchase a pickleball net set online or at sporting goods stores, or you can create a makeshift net using materials like rope or tape to mark the boundaries of the court.

Once you have your court set up, collect your equipment, including paddles and balls. There is a similarity between pickleball paddles and oversized ping pong paddles, and these balls are similar to wiffle balls but slightly heavier. You must have enough space around the court to move freely and avoid obstacles.

To start playing, follow the rules of pickleball for either singles or doubles, depending on the number of players participating. Follow the same method of playing pickleball which is discussed above to enjoy this game at your home. 

New Player Guide – How to Play Pickleball for Beginners

If you are just starting out, here are some useful tips to help you get into the game:

Understand the Basics

Before hitting the court, you have to understand the basic rules and layout. In this, the serve must be underhand and diagonal across the court. It is important to be aware of the kitchen zone or “no volley zone” near the net where you cannot volley.

Focus on Footwork

To play well, you need good footwork. You should keep your knees slightly bent and stay on the balls of your feet to move quickly and stay balanced. This positioning will help you react faster to the ball​. 

Serve Smartly

When you serve, put your focus on accuracy rather than power. It is best to serve deep so that your opponent stays at the baseline as much as possible, and as you grow in confidence. Try to add some spin to your serves to make them harder to return.

Prioritize Control Over Power

It is a game of strategy and finesse. Focus on placing the ball accurately instead of using powerful shots. Target your opponent’s weaker side and place your shots in an area where they will be unable to return them.

Master the Dink Shot

Dink shots are controlled, soft shots that land in your opponent’s kitchen. Making it difficult for them to attack. Mastering this shot can interrupt your opponent’s rhythm and set up scoring opportunities for you​.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)