Learn the rules, scoring, and strategies of America's fastest-growing sport. Whether you're brand new or brushing up on the basics, this guide covers everything you need to start playing pickleball.
The fastest-growing sport in America explained
Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It's played with a paddle and plastic ball on a court smaller than tennis, making it accessible to all ages and fitness levels.
With over 36 million players in the US, pickleball has exploded in popularity. It's easy to learn, social, and provides great exercise without being too physically demanding.
Play pickleball as singles (1v1) or doubles (2v2). Doubles is the most popular format, promoting teamwork and strategy. The smaller court keeps the action fast and exciting.
The essential rules every player needs to know
Serve underhand, hitting below your waist. Serve diagonally to the opposite service court. The serve must clear the net and the kitchen line. You get one serve attempt.
After the serve, each team must let the ball bounce once before hitting. The return of serve must bounce, then the third shot must bounce. After that, you can volley.
You cannot volley (hit in the air) while in the kitchen or touching the kitchen line. You CAN enter the kitchen to play a ball that has bounced.
Only the serving team can score. Games go to 11, win by 2. In doubles, both players serve before losing serve (side out), except the first service of the game.
Master the pickleball serve with these tips
The serve must be underhand with an upward arc. Your paddle must contact the ball below your waist (navel level). No overhand serves allowed in pickleball.
Always serve diagonally to the opposite court. If you're serving from the right side, the ball must land in the opponent's right service court (your diagonal).
Both feet must be behind the baseline when serving. You cannot step on or over the line until after you hit the ball. Stay balanced for a consistent serve.
How to keep score in pickleball doubles and singles
In doubles, call three numbers: serving team score - receiving team score - server number. Example: "4-2-1" means serving team has 4, receiving has 2, and it's the first server. When the first server loses the rally, the second server (server 2) serves. When server 2 loses, it's a side out.
In singles, just call two numbers: server score - receiver score. Example: "7-5" means server has 7, receiver has 5. Serve from the right when your score is even, from the left when odd.
Games are played to 11 points and you must win by 2. If tied 10-10, play continues until someone leads by 2 (like 12-10 or 15-13).
Unlike rally scoring in volleyball, only the serving team can score points in pickleball. If the receiving team wins the rally, they get to serve but don't get a point.
At the start of the game, the first serving team only gets one server (not two). This balances the advantage of serving first. Call the score "0-0-2" to indicate this.
Tips to improve your game as a beginner
The team that controls the kitchen line usually wins. After your third shot, move forward toward the net. Most points are won with soft shots (dinks) at the kitchen line.
A dink is a soft shot that lands in the opponent's kitchen. It's the most important shot in pickleball. Dinking forces errors and sets up winning shots.
Pickleball rewards patience over power. Wait for a high ball to attack. Trying to hit winners from the baseline usually results in errors. Play smart, not hard.
Call "mine" or "yours" on every ball. Cover middle balls together. Move as a unit with your partner - when they move up, you move up. Teamwork wins games.
When returning serve, hit deep to the baseline. This keeps the serving team back and gives you time to move to the kitchen line. Depth beats power.
Most points are lost on errors, not won on winners. Focus on consistency first. A ball in play puts pressure on your opponent. Let them make the mistake.
Common questions about how to play pickleball
Pickleball is a paddle sport combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It's played on a 20x44 foot court with a plastic ball and composite paddles. It's easy to learn, fun to play, and suitable for all ages.
You need a pickleball paddle (wooden ones start around $15, composite $50-150), pickleballs (plastic balls with holes), and athletic shoes with non-marking soles. Many parks provide paddles and balls for beginners.
After the serve, each team must let the ball bounce once before hitting it. The serve must bounce, then the return must bounce. After these two bounces, players can volley (hit in the air) or play off the bounce.
The kitchen rule prevents players from camping at the net and smashing every ball. It makes the game more strategic and accessible - you have to earn your way to attacking positions with good shot placement.
A typical game to 11 points takes 15-25 minutes. Most casual play sessions involve playing multiple games, often rotating partners. A good pickleball session is usually 1-2 hours.
Yes! Pickleball provides moderate cardio, improves hand-eye coordination, and burns 250-400 calories per hour. It's lower impact than tennis but keeps you moving. Players of all fitness levels can enjoy it.
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