Pickleball 101: Everything you need to know to get started

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Alright, so you’ve heard the buzz about pickleball – maybe from a friend, a neighbor, or even your favorite celebrity. And you're probably wondering, “What’s the big deal?” Well, pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and for good reason.

 It’s an addictive blend of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, with a little less running around and a lot more fun. Picture this: you’re on a court, paddle in hand, volleying a plastic ball with holes in it over a low net – it’s fast-paced, but easy enough for anyone to pick up.

Pickleball actually started back in the 1960s when a few dads in Washington wanted to keep their kids entertained. They threw together a quirky mix of rules from other games, added a net, and called it “pickleball.” Since then, it’s become a sport with leagues, tournaments, and players of all ages jumping in. 

Whether you’re 15 or 75, it’s a sport that levels the playing field – you don’t need to be super athletic to play, and because of its smaller court size, you won’t feel exhausted after a few rounds. This is one of the reasons why pickleball is huge among families and communities; it’s as much about connecting and having fun as it is about the competition.

One of the coolest things about pickleball is how social it is. The sport is often played in doubles, so it’s not just about you versus an opponent – it’s about teamwork, strategy, and, most importantly, having a good time. 

People even form “pickleball families” with their regular playing partners and opponents. Plus, the pickleball community is incredibly welcoming; if you’re new to the game, you’ll likely find players who are more than happy to show you the ropes.

So, whether you’re looking for a new way to stay active, meet people, or just try something fun and different, pickleball could be the game for you. And don’t worry if you’re starting from scratch – that’s why you’re here. You’ll know everything you need to get started, from the rules to the best beginner tips. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

Pickleball basics

Pickleball is played on a court similar to a badminton court, about a third of the size of a tennis court, with a net that’s just a bit lower than a tennis net. The game is designed to be accessible yet challenging, and it’s played with a lightweight paddle and a plastic ball full of holes, similar to a wiffle ball.

The objective? To score points by sending the ball over the net and into your opponent’s court in a way that they can’t return it. But it’s not just about power—placement, finesse, and quick reflexes are just as valuable on a pickleball court.

Each rally starts with a serve, but unlike tennis or badminton, serves are underhand and must land in the diagonally opposite service box across the net. The aim here isn’t necessarily to serve with force but to get the ball in play.

Once the serve lands, each side has to let the ball bounce once before hitting it, a rule known as the “double-bounce” or “two-bounce rule.” After that, the rally can continue with volleys (hitting the ball before it bounces) or groundstrokes (hitting the ball after it bounces) until one side makes a mistake or wins the point.

One unique part of pickleball is the “kitchen” or non-volley zone—a seven-foot area on each side of the net where players aren’t allowed to volley the ball. This adds an extra layer of strategy since you can’t just stand near the net and smash the ball every time it comes your way. Instead, it encourages a more thoughtful, controlled style of play where placement and timing take center stage.

Scoring in pickleball is straightforward but unique: you can only score points when you’re serving, and games are usually played to 11 points, with the winning team needing at least a two-point lead. When a team wins a rally on their serve, they earn a point; if they lose a rally, the serve passes to their partner (in doubles) or to the other team.

Pickleball’s simple rules and smaller court make it approachable for beginners while still offering a surprising level of depth. The more you play, the more you’ll notice the subtle strategies and techniques that make each game unique. 

Essential equipment

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Starting with the right equipment can make a big difference in your pickleball experience. Fortunately, you don’t need much to play – just a paddle, a ball, and a good pair of court shoes. But while the basics are simple, each piece of gear has its own features to consider, especially as you get more into the game.

Paddles

Pickleball paddles are like your tennis racquet or golf club – it’s the primary tool in your hands, so finding one that suits you can enhance both comfort and performance. Paddles come in a variety of materials, from lightweight wood (great for beginners) to composite and graphite options (ideal for those who want more control and power).

A wooden paddle is budget-friendly but might feel heavier, while composite paddles offer a blend of weight and control that most players love. If you’re aiming for precise shots, graphite paddles are usually the way to go, as they’re the lightest and offer excellent control. Size matters, too – paddle face and handle length can impact reach and comfort, so it’s worth trying out different types to find one that feels just right.

Balls

Next up: the pickleball itself. Balls come in two main types – indoor and outdoor – and they’re not interchangeable. Indoor balls are softer, with larger holes, making them easier to control and ideal for casual games. Outdoor balls, on the other hand, are designed to withstand rougher surfaces and have smaller holes to handle wind better. 

They’re harder and more durable, though a bit faster, which can add excitement to outdoor matches. A quick tip: since the feel of the game changes slightly with each ball type, you may want to keep a few of each on hand to suit wherever you’re playing.

Court shoes

Good court shoes are often overlooked but can make all the difference in your game. Since pickleball involves a lot of quick side-to-side movements, stability and grip are essential. Look for court shoes with non-marking soles, which not only protect the court but also provide better traction. 

Avoid running shoes, as they’re designed for forward motion and lack the side support that pickleball requires. Court shoes, particularly those designed for tennis or indoor sports, tend to offer the best combination of durability, grip, and lateral support.

Additional gear

While paddles, balls, and shoes are the essentials, a few extras can add convenience and fun to your game. Portable nets are great if you want to set up a game anywhere there’s a flat surface, and some players like to invest in comfortable apparel specifically designed for court sports. Sweatbands, visors, or hats can help keep you focused during long games, and a simple gym bag keeps everything organized and easy to carry.

Rules of the game 

Pickleball’s beauty lies in its simplicity, but there are a few key rules that keep the game fun, fast-paced, and strategic. Whether you’re playing singles or doubles, understanding these basics will have you rallying like a pro in no time.

Serving

The game kicks off with a serve, and unlike tennis, pickleball serves are always underhanded. The server must strike the ball below their waist and make sure it lands in the diagonal service box on the opponent’s side. 

A key rule to remember is that the serve must clear the non-volley zone (often called the “kitchen”) without hitting it. If the ball hits the kitchen on the serve, it’s a fault, and the other side gets the serve. Also, only one serve attempt is allowed unless the ball touches the net and still lands in the correct service area — in that case, it’s called a "let," and the serve is replayed.

Double-bounce rule

Here’s where pickleball gets interesting: after the serve, both teams must let the ball bounce once before hitting it. This is called the double-bounce rule. The serving team serves, the receiving team lets the ball bounce and returns it, and then the serving team must let the return bounce before they can volley. 

After these two bounces, volleys are allowed (which means hitting the ball before it touches the ground), adding a fast-paced element to the game. This rule ensures that there’s a bit of strategy involved right from the start and that players don’t rush the net too quickly.

The kitchen (Non-volley zone)

The kitchen is probably one of the most well-known aspects of pickleball. It’s a 7-foot area on either side of the net where players aren’t allowed to hit volleys. This means no slamming the ball while standing close to the net, which keeps the game fair and encourages players to be more strategic with their shots. 

You can enter the kitchen to hit a ball, but only if the ball bounces in there first. Once the ball is returned, you must exit the kitchen before attempting to volley again. It’s a rule that adds a layer of finesse to the game, as players need to balance offense and defense carefully.

Faults

There are a few ways you can lose a rally, which is called committing a fault. Some common faults include:

• Hitting the ball out of bounds
• Not letting the ball bounce twice before volleying on the serve
• Volleying in the kitchen
• Failing to return the ball over the net When a fault occurs, the serve either switches to the other player (in singles) or the other team (in doubles).

Scoring system

In pickleball, you can only score points when you’re serving. The game is usually played to 11 points, and you must win by at least 2 points. If you lose a rally while serving, the serve passes to your partner (in doubles) or your opponent (in singles). In doubles, both players on a team get a chance to serve before the other team gets the serve, and when the first player loses their serve, it switches to their partner.

By keeping these rules in mind, you’ll have a solid foundation to enjoy the game. Whether you're serving, volleying, or strategizing from the baseline, the rules ensure that each rally is engaging and competitive.

Benefits of playing pickleball

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Pickleball isn’t just a fun game—it comes with a ton of benefits that go beyond the court. Whether you’re playing for fitness, social interaction, or simply as a way to unwind, this sport delivers a well-rounded experience that’s hard to beat.

Physical benefits

One of the most obvious perks of pickleball is the physical activity it provides. The sport offers a great cardio workout, helping to improve heart health without being overly intense. Because it’s played on a smaller court, you’ll still get in plenty of movement, but without the constant sprinting of tennis or basketball. The quick shifts, footwork, and reflexes required will help improve agility, balance, and hand-eye coordination.

Plus, the stop-and-go nature of pickleball gives you short bursts of high-intensity exercise, which is great for burning calories and improving overall stamina. And since it’s easier on the joints compared to other sports, people of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy it without worrying too much about injury.

Social benefits

Pickleball is inherently social. The game is often played in doubles, which means you’ll team up with someone, and since games tend to be quick, you’ll likely rotate partners and opponents often. This fosters a community vibe where friendships and bonds can easily form.

It’s also a fantastic way to meet new people and stay connected with friends. Many local parks, gyms, and community centers host pickleball games, making it easy to jump into a group setting and start playing with others. The welcoming nature of the sport makes it accessible for beginners and seasoned players alike, and you’ll often find experienced players happy to give pointers to newcomers.

Mental benefits

On top of the physical and social perks, pickleball provides some great mental benefits, too. The fast pace of the game requires focus and quick decision-making, which can help improve mental sharpness and cognitive function.

Staying engaged in a game of pickleball means constantly anticipating your opponent’s next move and figuring out your strategy—all while having fun. The game’s strategic elements help with problem-solving skills and can also serve as a great stress reliever. There’s something about being on the court, immersed in a game, that allows you to forget the day’s worries and simply enjoy the moment.

Friska 🐨

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