Pickleball is America’s fastest-growing sport—and for good reason! If you’ve ever wondered how to play pickleball for beginners, this guide is here to help. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, you’ll learn everything you need to start playing pickleball today.
What You’ll Need to Start
Before you jump into the game, make sure you have the right gear:
- A pickleball paddle and a few pickleballs.
- Access to a nearby pickleball court.
- Comfortable, non-slip shoes designed for court sports.
Pro Tip: Many beginner clinics or private lessons provide equipment, so you can try before you buy.
How to Play Pickleball for Beginners
Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court (20’ x 44’) with a net 36″ high at the sides and 34″ at the center. Most games are played as doubles, with two players per team.
If you’re wondering where to start, learning the basic rules and techniques is essential. Keep reading to discover how to play pickleball with confidence!
Find courts to play pickleball
Our free court finder can help you locate courts near you you and start practicing the rules from this how-to guides for beginners!
The Basics of Pickleball
If you’re new to the game, understanding the basics of pickleball is essential. To begin, every pickleball game starts with a serve, which sets the tone for the rally. However, a key rule to remember is that the ball must bounce once on each side of the court before volleys (shots hit out of the air) are allowed. This ensures a fair start for both teams.
From there, play continues until one team commits a fault or wins the rally. To truly enjoy the game, it’s important to master the core rules. Below, we’ve outlined everything you need to know to understand how to play pickleball for beginners.
7 Core Rules: How to Play Pickleball for Beginners Guide
Learning the key rules of pickleball is the first step toward becoming a confident player. Each rule plays an important role in ensuring fair and fun gameplay.
#1: The Serve
The serve is the starting point of every game, and in pickleball, it’s unique. Players must serve underhand, with the paddle below waist level, and in an upward motion. The serve must also land diagonally in the opponent’s service area, clearing the kitchen (non-volley zone).
There are two serving styles to choose from:
- Volley Serve: Hit the ball directly out of the air.
- Drop Serve: Let the ball bounce before striking it.
Mastering the serve is essential for anyone learning how to play pickleball for beginners.
#2: The Two-Bounce Rule
A critical rule for beginners is the two-bounce rule. After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side of the court before volleys are allowed. This ensures that players don’t rush the net unfairly and encourages strategic play.
#3: Faults
Understanding faults is a key part of mastering how to play pickleball. A fault occurs when:
- The ball lands out of bounds.
- A shot hits the net and doesn’t cross over.
- The ball bounces twice on one side.
- A player volleys while in the kitchen or steps into it after a volley.
Avoiding faults will help you maintain the flow of the game and stay competitive.
#4: The Kitchen
The kitchen, or non-volley zone, is a 7-foot area on both sides of the net. Players cannot volley while standing in the kitchen or step into it immediately after hitting a volley. This rule helps prevent players from dominating the net and ensures fair play.
#5: Scoring
In pickleball, only the serving team can score points. After each point, players on the serving team switch sides. This rotation adds variety and keeps the game engaging.
#6: Announcing the Score
Before each serve, the server must announce the score using the format: [serving team’s score] – [receiving team’s score] – [server’s position].
For example, if the score is 3-2-1, this means the serving team has 3 points, the receiving team has 2 points, and the first server is serving.
Types of Shots in Pickleball
Mastering the essential shots is another step toward learning how to play pickleball for beginners:
- Drives: Fast, powerful shots from the baseline.
- Drop Shots: Soft, precise shots landing in the opponent’s kitchen.
- Dinks: Gentle shots played near the net to control the pace.
- Lobs: High shots that push opponents back.
- Volleys: Shots hit out of the air (outside the kitchen).
- Overheads: Aggressive shots used to attack lobs.
Quick Tips for Serving
When serving, beginners should focus on these strategies:
- Serve deep to keep opponents at the baseline.
- Aim for their weaker side (forehand or backhand).
- Add spin to make the return more challenging.
Getting Started: Lessons for Beginners
The best way to learn how to play pickleball for beginners is through lessons. Many locations offer group clinics or private lessons that teach the fundamentals in a supportive environment.
Equipment Recommendations for Beginners
Having the right gear is essential for beginners:
- Paddles: Choose one based on your play style and budget.
- Shoes: Non-slip court shoes with good grip are a must.
- Clothing: Lightweight, moisture-wicking apparel keeps you comfortable on the court.
Ready to Play Pickleball?
Now that you know how to play pickleball for beginners, it’s time to hit the court! Use this guide as your go-to resource as you practice the rules, techniques, and strategies that make pickleball such a fun and rewarding game and loving community. The more you play, the more you’ll love it!
