Learn how to play pickle ball: serve underhand, honor two bounces, reach 11 points.
If you’re curious about how to play pickle ball, you’re in the right spot. I coach new players often and teach clinics at local clubs. This guide shares clear steps, friendly tips, and common mistakes to avoid. Stick with me, and you’ll feel game-ready by the end.
Pickleball basics: court, lines, and gear at a glance
Pickleball uses a 20-by-44-foot court, the same size for singles and doubles. The net is 36 inches high at the posts and 34 inches at the center. That seven-foot area on each side of the net is the non-volley zone, also called the kitchen.
If you are new and want to know how to play pickle ball, start here. You need a paddle, a plastic ball with holes, and court shoes. Wear light layers and bring water. Most public courts have open play times.
Key areas to spot on the court:
- Baseline: Back line where you serve from.
- Sidelines: Outer edges that define in or out.
- Centerline: Splits the service boxes.
- Non-volley zone line: Seven feet from the net on each side.
Rules and scoring made simple
You score only on your serve. Most games go to 11, win by 2. Tournament play can go to 15 or 21, also win by 2.
A core rule in how to play pickle ball is the double-bounce rule. The serve must bounce once on the receiver’s side. The return must bounce once on the server’s side. After those two bounces, you can volley or hit off the bounce.
Serving is underhand. Contact the ball below your waist. The paddle head must be below your wrist at contact. Serve cross-court into the diagonal box.
Score is called in a three-number format in doubles. Say server score, receiver score, then 1 or 2 for the server number. The starting score is 0-0-2 by tradition.
Step-by-step: how to play pickle ball in your first game
You do not need much gear to start. Follow this easy plan.
- Warm up for five minutes. Light jog, shoulder circles, and gentle dinks.
- Decide on singles or doubles. Doubles is friendlier and easier to learn.
- Choose who serves first. Start at 0-0-2 and serve from the right side.
- Serve underhand cross-court. Aim a safe arc deep in the box.
- Let the return bounce. Hit a soft, high ball back if you need time.
- Rally with control. Keep it in play. Aim three feet inside lines.
- Move to the kitchen line. Split step and keep your paddle up.
- Play to 11, win by 2. Switch sides when the first team reaches 6.
- Rotate servers in doubles. Each side gets two servers except at the game start.
Serving and return fundamentals
Serving sets the tone in how to play pickle ball. A steady serve beats a risky blast. Aim deep and wide to press your opponent back.
Simple serve keys:
- Stance: Feet shoulder-width, front foot toward target.
- Contact: Below waist, paddle traveling up and forward.
- Target: Deep corner of the box, three feet inside lines.
- Routine: One or two bounces, breathe, swing smooth.
Return like a pro:
- Let it bounce and hit deep to middle. That buys time.
- Lift with legs, not wrist. Keep the ball simple and safe.
- After contact, move forward and get to the kitchen line.
The kitchen (non-volley zone) made easy
You cannot volley while standing in the kitchen. Do not step on the line during a volley. You can enter the kitchen anytime to play a ball that bounced.
Mastering the kitchen is key to how to play pickle ball well. Think of it like a chessboard edge. Control the line and you control the point. Keep your paddle up and your steps short.
Kitchen tips:
- Dink soft and cross-court to create space.
- Avoid big backswings. Use a gentle push.
- Watch for pop-ups. Attack only when the ball sits high.
Essential shots and when to use them
These shots unlock how to play pickle ball at a higher level. Start slow. Add pace later.
Core shots to learn:
- Serve: Underhand, deep, and consistent.
- Return: Deep to middle to cut angles.
- Dink: Soft shot that lands in the kitchen. Use patience.
- Drive: Fast, waist-high ball to pressure the body.
- Drop: Soft arc from mid-court that lands in the kitchen.
- Volley: Contact in the air with a short punch.
- Lob: High arc over opponents who crowd the net.
- Block: Quiet paddle, absorb pace on fast balls.
When I teach beginners, I start with dinks and drops first. Power comes later. Soft control wins more points than wild swings.
Strategy for singles and doubles
In doubles, how to play pickle ball differs from singles. Doubles is about teamwork, placement, and holding the kitchen line together. Singles is about fitness, depth, and moving your rival.
Simple doubles rules of thumb:
- Get both players to the kitchen line fast.
- Hit middle to create doubt and force errors.
- Attack up, not down. Aim at shoulders or paddle hip.
- Communicate often. Call shots early and loud.
Singles keys:
- Serve deep and return deep. Depth is your best friend.
- Use short angles to pull your foe off court.
- Follow your shot and cover open space.
- Mix drops and drives to keep them guessing.
Drills to learn how to play pickle ball fast
Use these drills to speed up how to play pickle ball. Ten minutes a day beats one long session a week.
Easy partner drills:
- Kitchen dinks: Cross-court for five minutes. Count clean shots.
- Volley to volley: Gentle pace, focus on quiet hands.
- Third shot drops: Feed from baseline. Land soft in the kitchen.
- Target serves: Aim cones in each service box.
Solo drills:
- Wall dinks: Stand close and push soft, low shots.
- Shadow swings: Practice serves and drops without a ball.
- Footwork ladder: Fast steps build balance and speed.
Gear, shoes, and picking the right paddle
The right paddle changes how to play pickle ball. Look for a midweight paddle, about 7.8 to 8.4 ounces. A larger sweet spot forgives mishits.
Paddle face and core:
- Graphite or carbon fiber faces add control and feel.
- Fiberglass adds pop, which helps on drives.
- Polymer cores are quiet and common, with soft touch.
Shoes matter more than you think. Use court shoes with lateral support. Avoid running shoes, which can roll on quick stops. Add a light overgrip for a drier handle.
Safety, etiquette, and common mistakes
Warm up for five minutes and cool down for two. Bend knees on low balls. Stay hydrated and rest if you feel lightheaded.
Court etiquette:
- Call scores loud and clear.
- Make your own line calls fair and fast.
- Return stray balls on a bounce for safety.
- High-five good shots, even from rivals.
Common errors when learning how to play pickle ball:
- Rushing the net before the second bounce. Be patient.
- Swinging big in the kitchen. Keep strokes short.
- Aiming for lines too early. Aim heavy margin first.
- Holding breath on key points. Breathe out on contact.
Frequently Asked Questions of how to play pickle ball
How do I hold the paddle as a beginner?
Use a continental grip, like a hammer hold. It works for serves, volleys, and dinks.
What is the best way to learn how to play pickle ball fast?
Start with dinks, drops, and deep serves. Play doubles to get more reps and feedback.
Can I volley in the kitchen?
No, you cannot volley while touching the kitchen or its line. You can step in to play a bounced ball.
How does scoring work in doubles?
You score only on your serve and call three numbers. Server score, receiver score, and server 1 or 2.
What is the third shot drop?
It is the soft shot after your serve and their return. You arc it into the kitchen to move forward safely.
Do I need special shoes?
Yes, wear court shoes with side support and grippy soles. They reduce slips and protect your ankles.
How long does a typical game last?
Most games take 10 to 20 minutes. It depends on rallies and how balanced the teams are.
Conclusion
You now have the core rules, key shots, and simple drills. Keep your serve steady, honor the two bounces, and own the kitchen line. That is the heart of how to play pickle ball at any level.
Take the next step and schedule one open play session this week. Bring a friend, print these tips, and test one new skill per game. Want more guides like this? Subscribe for weekly pickleball tips or drop a question in the comments.