How to Get Started in Pickleball: A Beginner’s Guide to Rules, Gear, and Finding Courts
Introduction
Pickleball is everywhere these days. The sport’s mix of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong makes it accessible, fast-paced, and incredibly fun. Whether you’re looking for a new way to stay active or a social game to play with friends, pickleball is a great choice. But getting started can feel daunting if you’re new to the sport—what equipment do you need? Where can you play? What are the basic rules?
This beginner’s guide will walk you through everything you need to start playing pickleball, from understanding the rules and selecting the right gear to finding courts near you.
The Basics: What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a paddle sport played on a small court, about the size of a badminton court, with a net slightly lower than a tennis net. It can be played as singles or doubles, and players use solid paddles to hit a plastic ball with holes (similar to a wiffle ball) back and forth.
The game is fast-paced, with most rallies taking place close to the net, making it a blend of strategy, speed, and finesse. Pickleball’s accessibility and low learning curve make it an ideal sport for people of all ages and skill levels.
Understanding the Rules
Pickleball has simple rules, which is one reason it’s so easy to pick up. Here are the basics to get you started:
Scoring: Pickleball is typically played to 11 points, with a team needing to win by 2 points. Only the serving team can score points, which makes service a key part of strategy.
Serving: The serve is underhand and must be hit diagonally to the opponent’s service area. Players must keep both feet behind the baseline until the ball is struck, and the serve must clear the non-volley zone (the "kitchen") to be valid.
Double-Bounce Rule: After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before players can hit it out of the air. This “double-bounce rule” prevents players from charging the net immediately and creates a more balanced game.
The Kitchen: The area close to the net is called the “kitchen” or “non-volley zone.” Players cannot volley the ball while standing in the kitchen, meaning they can’t hit the ball out of the air if their feet are in this area. This rule adds a strategic element, as players must carefully position themselves near the net without stepping into the kitchen.
Winning the Game: A typical game goes to 11 points, though players can agree to different point goals for a match. The team must win by at least 2 points to claim victory.
Essential Pickleball Gear
To get started, you’ll need a few pieces of equipment, most of which are relatively affordable:
Paddle: Pickleball paddles are generally lighter than tennis rackets, with a solid face (no strings) and are made of materials like wood, composite, or graphite. For beginners, a composite paddle offers a good balance of power and control.
Ball: Pickleball balls are plastic with holes, similar to a wiffle ball. There are two types—indoor and outdoor balls—with outdoor balls being slightly heavier and having smaller holes to account for wind.
Court Shoes: Since pickleball involves quick side-to-side movements, supportive court shoes are ideal. Running shoes are not recommended, as they lack lateral stability.
Comfortable Athletic Wear: Like tennis, you’ll want clothing that allows you to move freely. Many players opt for moisture-wicking materials to stay cool during games.
How to Find Pickleball Courts Near You
Pickleball’s rapid growth means new courts are popping up everywhere, from dedicated pickleball facilities to multi-use tennis courts with pickleball lines. Here’s how to find courts in your area:
Check Local Parks and Recreation Centers: Many city and county parks departments have added pickleball courts to their facilities. Check your local parks or recreation center websites for details.
Community Centers and Gyms: Many community centers and gyms now offer pickleball courts, often with scheduled times for open play or beginner clinics.
Pickleball Finder Apps: Apps like PicklePlay and CourtReserve are specifically designed to help you find pickleball courts near you, complete with information about availability, reservation options, and player reviews.
YMCA Locations: Many YMCAs offer pickleball, often setting up temporary courts in gymnasiums. Contact your local YMCA to see if they offer open play or lessons.
Ask Around: The pickleball community is friendly and welcoming, so ask other players for recommendations. Local pickleball groups on social media platforms like Facebook often share information about where to play and organize meet-ups.
Getting Started with Your First Game
Once you have the basics down, here’s how to ease into your first pickleball game:
Start with Drills: Practice basic drills to get comfortable with your paddle and understand the court. Practicing serves, groundstrokes, and simple returns with a friend or partner can go a long way in building confidence.
Focus on Dinks: Dinking—soft shots that just clear the net and land in the opponent’s kitchen—is a central part of pickleball strategy. Practicing dinks will help you control your shots and develop a feel for the game’s slower, strategic moments.
Play at Open Play Sessions: Many courts offer “open play” times where anyone can show up to play. This is a great way to gain experience, meet other players, and learn from more experienced people.
Try Different Playing Styles: Some players prefer aggressive, fast-paced shots, while others focus on finesse and control. As you play, experiment with different strategies to see what works best for you.
Beginner Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid
Pickleball may be easy to pick up, but it still takes practice to play well. Here are some tips and mistakes to avoid:
Stay Out of the Kitchen: It’s common for beginners to accidentally step into the kitchen and lose a point. Pay attention to where you’re standing, especially when hitting close to the net.
Don’t Overpower Every Shot: Unlike tennis, pickleball is more about placement and control than sheer power. Start with softer shots and focus on accuracy; power can come later as you improve.
Master the Basics First: Instead of trying to learn advanced shots right away, focus on the fundamentals, like serving accurately, keeping the ball in play, and returning shots. A solid foundation will pay off as you progress.
Communicate with Your Partner: If you’re playing doubles, communication is key. Always let your partner know when you’re going for a shot, especially if the ball is in the middle of the court.
Pickleball Etiquette: Dos and Don’ts for New Players
Like any sport, pickleball has its own unwritten rules and etiquette. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind:
Paddle Tap at the End of Each Game: Similar to a handshake in tennis, players tap paddles at the end of the game as a sign of respect and sportsmanship.
Respect the Court: Don’t linger on the court if others are waiting to play, especially during busy open play hours.
Keep Score Out Loud: Announce the score before each serve to ensure both teams are on the same page.
Avoid “Slamming” on Beginners: If you’re playing with newcomers or less experienced players, focus on having fun rather than aiming for intense, aggressive shots.
Why You’ll Love Pickleball
One of the best things about pickleball is how quickly you can improve. Many players find they can go from a beginner to a confident player in a short time with regular practice. The sport is accessible to all ages, so it’s common to see families, students, and even seniors enjoying pickleball together. As you play, you’ll find that pickleball isn’t just a sport—it’s a community. The game fosters friendships, teamwork, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone feel like part of the action.
Conclusion
Pickleball is an incredible way to stay active, meet people, and have fun, whether you’re playing casually or aiming to improve your game. With simple rules, affordable gear, and plenty of courts popping up in communities everywhere, there’s no better time to start. So grab a paddle, find a court near you, and get ready to experience why pickleball has become the sport that everyone’s talking about.
Welcome to the world of pickleball—you’re going to love it!