Serve underhand, let it bounce twice, and avoid the kitchen line.
Pickleball is easy to learn, fun to master, and kind on the joints. In this guide on pickleball how to play, I blend court-tested tips with the official rules. I have taught beginners at busy parks and coached league players. You will get clear steps, smart drills, and simple cues that work on day one.
What Is Pickleball? Court, Gear, And Basic Setup
Pickleball is a paddle sport on a badminton-size court. The net is lower than tennis. Games are fast, social, and easy for all ages.
Court size is 20 by 44 feet for both singles and doubles. The non volley zone, called the kitchen, is 7 feet from the net on both sides. The net height is 36 inches at the posts and 34 inches in the center.
You need a paddle, a few outdoor balls, and court shoes. A light paddle helps control. A heavier paddle adds power. Try both and note your arm feel after play.
Scoring uses side out scoring to 11, win by 2. Only the serving team can score. Doubles is the most common format.
If you searched pickleball how to play, start here. Learn the space, the tools, and the goal. The rest builds on this base.
The Core Rules You Must Know
You serve underhand from behind the baseline. The ball must hit your paddle below your waist. Aim the serve to the opposite service box.
There is a two bounce rule. After the serve, the return must bounce. After the return, the next shot must also bounce. After that, you may volley.
Stay out of the kitchen when you volley. You can step into the kitchen after the ball bounces. Your body, paddle, or hat cannot touch the kitchen on a volley.
Only the serving team scores points. In doubles, both players serve each turn except at the start of the game. You call the score as server score, receiver score, and server number one or two.
Faults include hitting long or wide, hitting the net on a serve, or stepping into the kitchen on a volley. Learn these fast to play with confidence.
These steps are the core of pickleball how to play. Nail them and the game flows with ease.
Step-by-Step: Pickleball How To Play Your First Game
Follow these steps for your first round. Keep it simple and fun.
- Warm up with soft dinks near the net. Get a feel for the ball.
- Decide who serves first. Start on the right service box.
- Call the score out loud before each serve.
- Serve deep to the backhand if you can.
- Let the return bounce. Hit it deep and toward the middle.
- Move to the kitchen line with your partner. Stay balanced.
- Keep your paddle up in front of your chest.
- Aim for long rallies. Win points by avoiding errors.
I teach new players one cue at a time. Stand tall at the kitchen. Bend your knees. Keep your paddle quiet. Those cues help every skill level.
If you want a fast start on pickleball how to play, print these steps. Bring them to the court and check them between games.
Essential Shots And Technique Fundamentals
Master a few shots and your game jumps fast. Form beats force in this sport.
- Serve. Use a smooth motion and a relaxed grip. Aim deep and to the edges.
- Return. Hit deep to keep servers back. Cross court returns give more room.
- Dink. A soft shot that lands in the kitchen. Keep your wrist firm and your swing short.
- Volley. Contact in front of your body. Punch with your shoulder, not your wrist.
- Third shot drop. A soft shot after the return that drops in the kitchen. It lets you move up to the net.
- Drive. A flat, fast shot when the ball sits up. Aim at hips or feet.
Grip pressure should be light, like holding a tube of toothpaste with the cap off. Move your feet first, then swing. Keep your eyes quiet at contact.
When I learned the third shot, I missed many into the net. My coach said, lift with the legs and finish high. That cue fixed my arc in one session.
Study these moves if you want the full picture on pickleball how to play. Small upgrades here pay off in every rally.
Smart Strategy For Doubles And Singles
Doubles is about control and court coverage. Play high percentage shots.
- Get to the kitchen line as a team. Hold that line together.
- Aim most dinks to the middle. It avoids the sharp angle.
- Attack pop ups at shoulder height or lower. Aim to the feet.
- Use the middle on returns and drives. Force doubt and misreads.
- Switch or stay on your side based on traffic. Talk early and often.
Singles rewards depth and fitness. Keep it simple.
- Serve deep and wide. Open space for the next shot.
- Return deep to the backhand. Move in and take time away.
- Use down the line when the middle is closed.
- Keep the ball in play. Errors decide many points.
In league play, I call it the rule of two. Two deep shots, then move up. It works in both formats.
If your goal is to master pickleball how to play, start with shape and depth. Flashy winners come later.
Drills And Practice Plans For Fast Progress
Drills turn good days into good habits. Keep sessions short and focused.
- Serve and target. Aim to four corners. Ten serves per spot.
- Return deep. Partner serves. You return cross court to a cone.
- Dink to a box. Both players aim to a small square. First to 20.
- Third shot ladder. Start at the baseline. Hit three drops to the kitchen. Move closer if you miss.
- Volley to volley. Quick hands near the net. Count clean contacts.
Weekly plan for busy players.
- Day one. Serve plus third shot drop. Twenty minutes.
- Day two. Dink plus volley. Twenty minutes.
- Day three. Play games to 11. Work on footwork.
Track your misses. Are they long, wide, or in the net. Fix one miss at a time.
This plan is a proven path for pickleball how to play. Consistent reps beat random play.
Common Mistakes And How To Fix Them
I see the same errors on new courts every week. They are easy to correct.
- Floating serves. Use more height and hit through the ball.
- Late contact. Get the paddle up and ready before the bounce.
- Camping at the baseline. Move forward after the return.
- Wild swings in the kitchen. Shorten the swing and soften the grip.
- Kitchen foot faults. Call out kitchen when you or a partner get close.
My early pain points were all about balance. I stood tall and reached. Now I bend the knees and move the feet first. The fix felt slow at first. Then my control shot up.
If you ask me about pickleball how to play the right way, I say this. Control beats power until the ball pops up.
Safety, Etiquette, And Game Culture
Pickleball is social and safe when you follow a few norms.
- Warm up your joints. Ankles, knees, hips, and shoulders.
- Wear court shoes with a firm side wall. Running shoes can roll.
- Call lines loud and clear. Give the benefit of the doubt.
- Call out ball on when it rolls onto your court. Stop play at once.
- Rotate in with others at busy courts. Use a fair paddle queue.
Stay hydrated. Rest when your feet feel heavy. Many injuries happen late in play. Good habits keep you on the court and in the game.
These norms are part of pickleball how to play in any city. People notice and respect good court manners.
How To Start Today: Finding Courts, Partners, And Leagues
You can start this week with a simple plan.
- Search local parks or clubs for open play times.
- Bring two balls and a spare paddle for a friend.
- Ask the group host for beginner games.
- Take one clinic to learn rules and court terms.
- Join a social ladder or a beginner league next month.
Look for official rule summaries updated this year. They are clear and short. A 2023 report showed massive growth in players. Courts fill fast, so plan your times.
If you want a fast track on pickleball how to play, mix learning with play. One clinic, three play days, and ten minutes of drills. You will feel the jump in two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions of pickleball how to play
How do you score in pickleball?
Only the serving team can score. Games go to 11 and must be won by 2.
What is the kitchen and why does it matter?
The kitchen is the non volley zone near the net. You cannot volley while touching it.
What is the two bounce rule?
The serve must bounce. The return must also bounce. After that, either side may volley.
What paddle should a beginner use?
Choose a midweight paddle with a comfortable grip. Control is more important than power at first.
Can I play singles with the same court?
Yes, singles uses the same 20 by 44 foot court. Footwork and depth matter even more.
How do I learn pickleball how to play if I am alone?
Use a backboard for dinks and volleys. Serve to targets and track results.
What shoes are best for pickleball?
Use court shoes with good lateral support. They help prevent slips and ankle rolls.
Is pickleball hard on the body?
It is low impact compared to many sports. Warm up and good shoes reduce risk.
Conclusion
Pickleball rewards smart moves, not brute force. Learn the rules, build a few core shots, and hold the kitchen line. Use simple drills and fix one small habit each week.
You now have a clear path for pickleball how to play, from serve to strategy. Grab a paddle, invite a friend, and try these steps today. Want more guides and drills? Subscribe, share your progress, or ask a question in the comments.