Serve underhand, let it bounce twice, avoid the kitchen, score to eleven.
If you have wondered how do you play pickleball, you are in the right place. I teach new players every week, and I know what trips people up. This friendly guide breaks down the rules, gear, court, and steps in plain words. Stick with me, and how do you play pickleball will feel simple and fun.
What You Need to Play Pickleball
You do not need much gear. That is part of the charm. You can start on a budget and upgrade later.
- Paddle Choose a light to medium weight paddle that feels comfy.
- Ball Use outdoor or indoor balls based on the court surface.
- Shoes Wear court shoes with good grip and side support.
- Court A 20 by 44 foot court with a net. Many parks have it.
I keep a spare paddle for friends. It lowers the barrier and builds a fun vibe. If you ask me how do you play pickleball with cheap gear, I say start simple and focus on form. Upgrade as your game grows.
Court and Lines Explained
The court is small. It is the size of a badminton court. That makes rallies fast and close.
- Baseline The line at the back of each side.
- Sidelines The long lines that mark width.
- Non-volley zone The kitchen. It is a 7 foot zone on each side of the net.
- Service boxes Two boxes on each side, right and left.
The net is 36 inches at the posts and 34 inches in the middle. Learning where to stand is key. If you ask how do you play pickleball the right way, start by knowing these lines well.
Core Rules: How Do You Play Pickleball Step by Step
Here is the flow that I teach on day one. It makes sense fast.
- Decide teams. Doubles is most common. Singles works too.
- Start serve from the right box. Serve must go diagonal and land in the box.
- Use an underhand serve. Hit the ball below your waist with a low paddle.
- Two-bounce rule. The serve must bounce once. The return must bounce once.
- After two bounces, you may volley or hit after a bounce.
- Do not volley in the kitchen. You may step in to hit a bounce.
- Rally until someone faults. Only the serving team can score.
- Serve moves side to side with each point won in doubles.
- After both partners serve and fault, the serve goes to the other team.
- Games often go to 11. Win by 2.
New players ask, how do you play pickleball without breaking rules? Think bounce, bounce, then play. That tip saves many points.
Scoring Made Simple
Scoring is the part that feels odd at first. It soon clicks.
- Only the serving team scores points.
- Most games go to 11. You must win by 2.
- Doubles calls use three numbers. Server score, receiver score, server number.
- At the start, the serve is 0-0-2. That gives the first team only one server.
Here is an example. You and your partner start. You serve from the right at 0-0-2. You win the rally. The score is 1-0-2. You switch sides and serve from the left. If you fault, your partner serves at 1-0-1. Ask yourself how do you play pickleball and keep score. Then repeat this call.
Serving Rules and Rotations
A good serve sets the tone. Keep it simple and legal.
- Serve underhand. Contact below the waist. Paddle head below the wrist.
- You may use a drop serve. Let it fall, then hit after the bounce.
- Serve crosscourt and clear the kitchen line.
- No let serves. If the ball hits the net and lands in, it is live.
In doubles, the right-hand player serves first when your score is even. When your score is odd, the left-hand player serves first. When friends ask how do you play pickleball with clean serves, I tell them to aim deep, slow, and safe.
The Kitchen and the Two-Bounce Rule
The kitchen is the non-volley zone. Know it well. It keeps the game fair and fun.
- No volley while your feet touch the kitchen or the line.
- You may step in after the ball bounces.
- Watch your momentum. Do not fall into the kitchen after a volley.
The two-bounce rule says the serve must bounce in the receiver’s box. The return must bounce on the server’s side. Then you can volley. If you ask how do you play pickleball around the net, remember this: respect the kitchen and let two bounces happen first.
Basic Strategy for Beginners
Smart moves beat hard shots. Aim for control, not power.
- Keep serves deep. That pushes returners back.
- Return deep and to the middle. It buys time to reach the kitchen.
- Move forward with your partner as a team.
- Dink soft at the kitchen. Wait for a high ball to attack.
When people ask me, how do you play pickleball with better results fast, I say this. Win with fewer errors. Place the ball more than you smash it.
Drills to Learn Fast
These drills build skill fast. I use them with new players.
- Drop and hit Stand at the baseline. Drop the ball. Hit slow and deep.
- Shadow split steps Practice small hops as your rival hits. Stay light.
- Dink rally Stand at the kitchen. Trade soft shots crosscourt.
- Third-shot drops Aim to land soft shots in the kitchen after the return.
Do 10 minutes per drill. Film a few points and check footwork. Practice is how do you play pickleball at a higher level without guessing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these to save a lot of points.
- Rushing the net before the second bounce. Wait, then close in.
- Floating returns short. Aim deep to the baseline.
- Smashing everything. Choose soft shots until you see a high ball.
- Stepping into the kitchen on a volley. Control your follow-through.
I learned the kitchen rule the hard way. I lost match points by falling in after a smash. Now I say, how do you play pickleball clean near the net? Land on balance and stop your body.
Safety, Etiquette, and Community Tips
Stay safe, be kind, and you will always have partners.
- Warm up for five minutes. Do easy swings and light steps.
- Call lines loud and fair. Give your rivals the benefit of doubt.
- Say the score before each serve. Keep the game clear.
- Rotate into games at busy courts. Use paddle stacks or boards.
I keep water and a spare towel in my bag. Little habits like that make play smooth. If a friend asks how do you play pickleball and make friends, I say help pick up balls and cheer good shots.
Frequently Asked Questions of how do you play pickleball
How big is a pickleball court?
It is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. The kitchen is a 7 foot zone on each side of the net.
What is the best paddle for beginners?
Choose a midweight paddle with a comfy grip. Graphite or composite faces are both fine to start.
Can I volley in the kitchen?
No. You cannot volley while you touch the kitchen or its line. You may step in to hit a ball that has bounced.
How do I keep score in doubles?
Only the serving team scores. Call server score, receiver score, and server number 1 or 2.
Is a net-clip serve a let?
No. If the serve hits the net and lands in the correct box, it is live. Play the point.
What shoes should I wear?
Wear court shoes with stable sides and good grip. Running shoes can roll on quick stops.
How do you play pickleball if I have tennis habits?
Focus on soft hands near the net. Aim for control, shorter swings, and lots of dinks.
Conclusion
You now know how do you play pickleball from serve to score. Keep the serve underhand, respect the two-bounce rule, and watch the kitchen. Practice soft shots, stay calm, and move with your partner.
Grab a friend, find a local court, and play a short game to 11. Keep asking how do you play pickleball better each week. Track one habit to improve. Want more tips like this? Subscribe, share your questions, or drop a comment with your best beginner win.