
Pickleball might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of games, but trust me, it’s got the same thrill as a great video game. Imagine this: a sport that’s a mash-up of tennis, ping pong, and badminton but way easier to jump into. Whether you’re a gamer looking for a new challenge IRL or someone who just wants to get moving, pickleball is a game you can learn and master without needing a rulebook the size of an RPG manual. Let’s break it down step by step so you’re ready to hit the court and have a blast.
What Is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a unique sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. Played with a paddle and a perforated plastic ball (similar to a wiffle ball), pickleball can be enjoyed as singles or doubles. It’s played on a smaller court, making it perfect for quick games with friends or even intense matches in a competitive setting.
Step-by-Step Guide to Playing Pickleball

1. Setting Up the Court
- Court Dimensions: A standard pickleball court measures 20 feet by 44 feet, the same as a doubles badminton court.
- Net Height: The net should be 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches high at the center.
2. Equipment You Need
- Paddle: A solid paddle made from wood or composite materials.
- Pickleball: A lightweight plastic ball with holes.
- Proper Shoes: Court shoes or any non-marking athletic shoes for better grip.
3. Understanding the Basic Rules
- Serve: Serves must be underhand and hit diagonally to the opponent’s service area.
- Double Bounce Rule: The ball must bounce once on each side before volleying is allowed.
- Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen): Players cannot volley (hit the ball without letting it bounce) while standing inside this 7-foot area on both sides of the net.
4. How to Serve in Pickleball
- Positioning: Stand behind the baseline on the right-hand side.
- Technique: The serve must be underhand, and the ball should be hit below the waist.
- Direction: The serve should be aimed diagonally across the court to the opponent’s service box.
5. The First Two Bounces
- Why It Matters: The ball must bounce once on the server’s side and once on the receiver’s side after the serve. This helps ensure a fair start and makes quick volleys harder right away.
- How to Practice: Start by serving and letting the ball bounce twice in a practice game to get a feel for it.
6. Rallying and Scoring Points
- Rallying: Hit the ball back and forth over the net. Players should aim to place the ball strategically to keep the opponent moving.
- Scoring:
- Games are typically played to 11 points, and a team must win by at least 2 points.
- Only the serving side can score points.
7. Avoiding the Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone)
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- What Is the Kitchen? The 7-foot zone near the net where you can’t hit volleys.
- Tactic: Players need to step back after hitting a shot to avoid getting caught inside this area.
8. Developing Strategies
- Dinking: A soft, controlled shot that lands in the opponent’s kitchen, forcing them to play a challenging return.
- Lob and Smash: Use lobs to push opponents back and smashes to take control of the game.
9. Common Mistakes to Avoid

- Faulty Serves: Ensure the serve is underhand and stays in bounds.
- Stepping Into the Kitchen: Be cautious not to volley while standing in the kitchen, as it’s an immediate fault.
- Overhitting: Control your power to avoid sending the ball out of bounds.
10. Practicing and Improving
- Drills for Beginners:
- Serve Practice: Aim for different sections of the service box to improve accuracy.
- Dinking Drills: Work on soft shots with a partner.
- Join a Pickleball Group: Practice with others to get comfortable with gameplay and tactics.
Summary
Pickleball is a fantastic, easy-to-learn game that’s perfect for players of all ages and skill levels. By following these steps and practicing regularly, you’ll be able to improve your game and enjoy the fast-paced fun that pickleball has to offer.
FAQs
No, serves and all shots should be underhand when serving. However, during play, overhead shots like smashes are allowed.
A game to 11 points can last anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the pace of play.
Not at all! With just a few games, most players pick up the basics quickly.