How to Play Pickleball for Beginners: Your Complete Guide to Getting Started
Pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, has quickly become a favorite for people of all ages. Combining elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, pickleball is both fun and easy to learn, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to stay active, socialize, and enjoy some friendly competition. If you’re new to the sport, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start playing pickleball with confidence.
In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of pickleball, including the court layout, essential equipment, and rules of the game. We’ll also dive into the key techniques and strategies that will help you improve as you gain more experience on the court. By the end, you’ll be ready to play your first game and start enjoying everything that pickleball has to offer.
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a paddle sport that’s played on a court that’s about a third the size of a tennis court. The game can be played as singles (one-on-one) or doubles (two-on-two), with doubles being the most common format. The net is slightly lower than a tennis net, and the game is played with a perforated plastic ball, similar to a Wiffle ball.
The sport was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by three dads—Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum—who were looking for a way to entertain their kids during the summer. What started as a backyard game has since grown into a popular sport played by millions of people worldwide. The appeal of pickleball lies in its simplicity and accessibility; it’s easy to learn, but offers plenty of opportunities for skill development and strategy as you progress.
The Pickleball Court
Understanding the layout of the pickleball court is the first step to getting started. A standard pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, the same size for both singles and doubles play. The court is divided into two halves by a net that’s 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches high in the center.
One of the most distinctive features of a pickleball court is the "kitchen," also known as the non-volley zone. This area extends 7 feet from the net on both sides and runs the entire width of the court. Players are not allowed to hit the ball while standing in the kitchen unless the ball has bounced. This rule is designed to prevent players from dominating the net with aggressive volleys, encouraging more strategic play and longer rallies.
The rest of the court is divided into two service areas on each side, separated by a centerline. The baseline marks the back boundary of the court, and the sidelines define the width. These lines are important for serving, returning, and positioning during play.
Essential Pickleball Equipment
Before you can start playing pickleball, you’ll need some basic equipment. Here’s what you need to get started:
Pickleball Paddle
The pickleball paddle is the most important piece of equipment you’ll need. Pickleball paddles are larger than ping-pong paddles but smaller than tennis rackets, and they’re typically made from lightweight materials like wood, composite, or graphite.
Wood Paddles: These are the most affordable and durable but can be heavy. They’re a good option for beginners who are just getting started.
Composite Paddles: These paddles offer a good balance of weight, power, and control. They’re popular among players of all skill levels.
Graphite Paddles: These are the lightest and most expensive paddles, favored by advanced and competitive players for their precision and responsiveness.
Pickleball Ball
Pickleball is played with a perforated plastic ball, similar to a Wiffle ball. The ball is lightweight and typically comes in bright colors like yellow or orange to make it easier to see during play. There are different types of pickleballs for indoor and outdoor play, with outdoor balls being slightly heavier and more durable to withstand wind and other elements.
Comfortable Clothing and Shoes
Pickleball is an active sport, so you’ll want to wear comfortable athletic clothing that allows for a full range of motion. Breathable fabrics that wick away moisture are ideal, especially if you’re playing in warm weather. Proper footwear is also important—look for court shoes with good support and traction, as these will help you move quickly and safely on the court.
Basic Rules of Pickleball
Pickleball is known for its simple and easy-to-learn rules, making it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. Here’s a breakdown of the basic rules to get you started:
The Serve
The game begins with a serve. In pickleball, the serve must be made underhand, with the paddle contacting the ball below the server’s waist. The server stands behind the baseline and serves the ball diagonally across the court, aiming for the opponent’s service court beyond the kitchen. The serve must clear the net and land within the correct service court. If the ball lands in the kitchen or out of bounds, it’s considered a fault, and the serve goes to the other team.
Each player gets only one serve attempt per rally (except in the case of a let, where the serve hits the net but lands in the correct service area). The server continues to serve until their team commits a fault, at which point the serve passes to the opposing team.
The Two-Bounce Rule
One of the unique aspects of pickleball is the two-bounce rule. After the serve, the ball must bounce once on the receiving team’s side and then once on the serving team’s side before either team can begin volleying (hitting the ball in the air without letting it bounce). This rule is designed to encourage longer rallies and prevent overly aggressive play at the net right after the serve.
Scoring
Pickleball is typically played to 11 points, and a team must win by at least two points. Only the serving team can score points, which adds an extra layer of strategy to the game. When the serving team wins a rally, they score a point and continue serving. If the receiving team wins the rally, they gain the serve but do not score a point.
In doubles play, which is the most common format, each player on the serving team gets a chance to serve before the serve switches to the opposing team. The first serve of a game always starts with just one player serving, and after that, each team member gets a turn.
Faults
A fault occurs when a player breaks one of the rules, causing their team to lose the rally. Common faults include:
Hitting the ball out of bounds: The ball must stay within the court’s boundaries.
Hitting the ball into the net: The ball must clear the net on every shot.
Volleying in the kitchen: Players cannot hit the ball out of the air while standing in the kitchen.
Double Bounce: The ball must bounce once on each side before volleys can begin.
When a fault is committed by the serving team, the serve passes to the opposing team. If a fault is committed by the receiving team, the serving team scores a point.
Basic Techniques for Pickleball Beginners
Now that you understand the rules, it’s time to learn some of the basic techniques that will help you succeed on the court.
The Serve
The serve is one of the most important shots in pickleball, as it sets the tone for the rally. Here’s how to execute a basic underhand serve:
Positioning: Stand behind the baseline with your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold the ball in your non-dominant hand and the paddle in your dominant hand.
Swing: Swing the paddle upward in a smooth motion, making contact with the ball below your waist. Aim for the center of the ball to ensure a flat trajectory.
Follow-Through: After making contact, follow through with your swing to guide the ball over the net. Aim to land the ball deep in your opponent’s service court, just beyond the kitchen.
Groundstrokes
Groundstrokes are the bread and butter of pickleball. These shots are made after the ball bounces and are typically used during rallies. There are two main types of groundstrokes:
Forehand: Stand with your non-dominant shoulder facing the net. Swing the paddle across your body, making contact with the ball in front of you. The forehand is usually the stronger shot and is used to drive the ball with power.
Backhand: Rotate your body so your dominant shoulder is facing the net. Swing the paddle across your body from the opposite side. The backhand is often more challenging for beginners but is crucial for controlling the ball on your weaker side.
Volleys
Volleys are shots made without letting the ball bounce, usually near the net. Volleys are quick and require fast reflexes, but they can be very effective for putting pressure on your opponents. Here’s how to execute a basic volley:
Ready Position: Stand with your knees slightly bent and your paddle up in front of your chest, ready to react quickly.
Soft Hands: Use a gentle touch to hit the ball back over the net. Avoid swinging too hard, as this can cause the ball to go out of bounds.
Control: Focus on placement rather than power. Aim for spots on the court where your opponents are not positioned.
Dinking
Dinking is a soft shot that lands just over the net, ideally within the kitchen. The goal of dinking is to force your opponent to hit the ball upward, giving you the chance to attack with a more powerful shot. Here’s how to execute a dink:
Soft Touch: Use a gentle touch to drop the ball into the kitchen. The key is to keep the ball low and controlled.
Patience: Dinking requires patience and precision. Engage your opponent in a soft rally, waiting for the right moment to attack.
Positioning: Stay close to the kitchen line, but be careful not to step into the kitchen unless the ball has bounced.
Basic Strategies for Pickleball Beginners
Once you’re comfortable with the basic techniques, it’s time to start thinking about strategy. Here are some simple strategies to help you improve your game:
Control the Net
Controlling the net is one of the most effective strategies in pickleball. Being close to the net allows you to take advantage of volleys and dinks, putting pressure on your opponents. Here’s how to control the net effectively:
Move Up Quickly: After the two-bounce rule is satisfied, move up to the net as quickly as possible. This will allow you to take control of the rally and put your opponents on the defensive.
Communicate: In doubles play, communication with your partner is key. Make sure you’re both on the same page about when to move up and how to cover the court.
Stay Balanced: While it’s important to control the net, don’t overcommit. Stay balanced and be ready to retreat if your opponents hit a lob or a deep shot.
Target Your Opponents’ Weaknesses
Another effective strategy is to target your opponents’ weaknesses. Pay attention to their playing style and look for areas where they struggle. For example:
Backhand: Many players have a weaker backhand. Try to hit the ball to their backhand side whenever possible, forcing them to make a more difficult return.
Movement: If your opponent struggles with movement, hit shots that require them to move quickly, such as angled dinks or cross-court volleys.
Inconsistency: If your opponent is inconsistent, focus on keeping the ball in play and let them make the mistakes.
Mix Up Your Shots
Variety is the key to keeping your opponents off balance. Mix up your shots by alternating between power and finesse, deep and short, and fast and slow. This will make it harder for your opponents to anticipate your next move and give you the upper hand in rallies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
As with any sport, beginners often make common mistakes when learning pickleball. Here are a few to watch out for:
Standing in the Kitchen: Remember, you can’t volley the ball while standing in the kitchen. Make sure to stay behind the kitchen line unless the ball has bounced.
Overhitting: In pickleball, power isn’t always the key to winning. Focus on placement and control rather than hitting the ball as hard as possible.
Rushing the Net: While net play is important, don’t be too eager to get there. Make sure you’re in a solid position and that your opponents are off-balance before moving up.
Poor Communication: In doubles, always communicate with your partner. Call out shots, announce when you’re taking the serve, and coordinate your movements to cover the court effectively.
Developing Your Pickleball Skills
As you become more comfortable with the basics of pickleball, you’ll naturally want to improve your skills and take your game to the next level. Here are a few tips to help you continue growing as a player:
Practice Regularly
The best way to improve is through regular practice. Whether it’s working on your serve, perfecting your dinks, or playing matches against different opponents, consistent practice will help you refine your skills and develop muscle memory.
Play with a Variety of Opponents
Playing against different people will expose you to a variety of playing styles and strategies. This experience is invaluable in helping you adapt and improve your game. Don’t hesitate to challenge more experienced players—they can offer tips and insights that will accelerate your learning.
Watch Professional Matches
Watching professional pickleball matches can give you a deeper understanding of the game. Observe how the pros position themselves, how they set up their shots, and how they strategize during a match. You can learn a lot by studying their techniques and incorporating them into your own game.
Join a Pickleball Club or League
Joining a pickleball club or league is a great way to stay motivated and meet other players. Many clubs offer clinics, lessons, and organized play, which can help you improve your skills and enjoy the social aspect of the sport.
Get your Pickleball On
Pickleball is a dynamic and engaging sport that offers something for everyone, whether you’re playing for fun or looking to compete. By understanding the court layout, mastering the basic rules, and developing key strategies, you can quickly become a skilled pickleball player. Remember, the most important part of pickleball is to have fun, so get out there and start playing!