How To Play Pickleball: Beginners Guide

Welcome to Pickleball!

Pickleball is a fun, engaging, and social sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It's easy to learn, making it perfect for beginners of all ages. This guide will walk you through the basics of pickleball, including the equipment you'll need, the rules of the game, and some tips to get you started.

What You Need to Play

1. Pickleball Paddle: Similar to a ping-pong paddle but larger, pickleball paddles come in various materials such as wood, composite, and graphite. As a beginner, a mid-range paddle will suffice.

2. Pickleball: The ball used is similar to a wiffle ball, made of plastic with holes. It’s lightweight and designed for indoor or outdoor play.

3. Court: The pickleball court is smaller than a tennis court, measuring 20 by 44 feet. It can be indoors or outdoors, with a net that's slightly lower than a tennis net.

4. Proper Attire: Wear comfortable athletic clothing and non-marking court shoes for the best experience.

Basic Rules of Pickleball

1. Serving:

   • Serve underhand, with the paddle below your waist.
   • The serve must be diagonal, landing in the opponent’s service court.
   • The server stands behind the baseline and serves to the opposite diagonal service court.

2. Double-Bounce Rule:

   • The ball must bounce once on each side before players can volley (hit the ball in the air without letting it bounce).

3. Scoring:

   • Points can only be scored by the serving team.
   • Games are typically played to 11 points, and a team must win by 2 points.

4. Non-Volley Zone (The Kitchen):

   • A 7-foot area on both sides of the net is known as the non-volley zone or "the kitchen."
   • Players cannot volley the ball while standing in this zone.

Gameplay Basics

1. Serve and Return:

   • The server must serve from the right side of the court to the diagonal left side of the opponent’s court.
   • The receiving team must let the serve bounce before returning it.
   • The serving team must also let the return of serve bounce before playing it.

2. Rallies:

   • After the two bounces, the ball can be volleyed or played off a bounce.
   • Players aim to rally the ball back and forth, trying to make it difficult for the opponent to return.

3. Faults:

   • Hitting the ball out of bounds.
   • Not clearing the net.
   • Volleying the ball in the non-volley zone.
   • Violating the double-bounce rule.

Tips for Beginners

1. Start Slow: Focus on learning the basic rules and techniques before trying advanced shots.

2. Practice Serving: Serving is a crucial part of the game. Practice consistent, accurate serves to gain an advantage.

3. Stay Ready: Keep your paddle up and be ready to move. Pickleball is a fast-paced game that requires quick reflexes.

4. Communicate: If you’re playing doubles, communication with your partner is key. Decide who will take which shots to avoid confusion.

5. Have Fun: Remember, the primary goal of pickleball is to have fun. Enjoy the game, make new friends, and keep a positive attitude.

Conclusion

Pickleball is an exciting sport that's easy to pick up and offers great exercise and social opportunities. By following this beginner’s guide, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the basics and enjoying your time on the court. Grab a paddle, find a local court, and start playing pickleball today!