10 Simple Steps to Play Pickleball Like a Pro

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

how do you play pickleball step by step

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

how do you play pickleball step by step
  • 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

Can you hit overhand in pickleball?

No, serves and all shots should be underhand when serving. However, during play, overhead shots like smashes are allowed.

How long does a typical game last?

A game to 11 points can last anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the pace of play.

Is pickleball hard to learn?

Not at all! With just a few games, most players pick up the basics quickly.

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