Beginner’s Guide to Pickleball Rules, Gear & Tips for Your First Game
Let’s be honest—pickleball has taken the world by storm, and for good reason. This quirky sport combines the best of tennis, ping pong, and badminton into a game that’s ridiculously easy to pick up and just as easy to fall in love with. Whether you’re 15 or 75, the simplicity of how to play pickleball means anyone can step onto a court and get started. With a few basics under your belt, you’ll quickly see why it’s become the go-to pastime for communities everywhere.
Pickleball Equipment Needed
Before you dive in, you’ll need a few essentials:
Pickleball Paddle: Choose a paddle that feels comfortable in your hand—there are graphite, composite, and wooden options, each with their own perks.
Pickleball Balls: These look like wiffle balls, designed with holes to slow things down a bit so you can actually enjoy the rallies.
A Pickleball Court: Most local parks or recreation centers have them now, and many tennis courts have added pickleball lines.
Optional Extras: Some folks love the feel of moisture-wicking shirts or pickleball-specific shoes. They’re not mandatory, but they can up your comfort level.
Details how pickleball began in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, created by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum – USA Pickleball
Basic Rules of Pickleball
Serving to Start a Rally
Serving kicks off each point. You’ll use an underhand stroke, making sure to hit below your waist, and serve diagonally into the opponent’s box. Easy enough, right?
The Famous Two-Bounce Rule
Here’s one of the pickleball rules for beginners that trips people up: after the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before anyone can volley it out of the air. This rule keeps the game more strategic and less like a frantic ping pong match.
Watch Out for Faults
Common faults? Hitting the ball out of bounds, not clearing the net, or volleying before the two bounces are complete. It happens—laugh it off and keep playing.
The Non-Volley Zone (a.k.a. “The Kitchen”)
This is a 7-foot zone on either side of the net where volleying is forbidden. You can step into the kitchen to hit a ball that’s bounced—but no smashing it out of the air. This little rule is pickleball’s secret sauce, adding finesse and forcing clever shot placement.
Scoring and Announcing
Only the serving team can score points. Games usually go to 11 points, but you’ve got to win by at least 2 points. Before each serve, call out the three-number score (your team’s score, opponent’s score, and your server number—1 or 2). It sounds complicated at first, but you’ll be rattling it off like a pro soon.
Types of Pickleball Shots
Drives: Fast, low shots aimed deep in your opponent’s court.
Drop Shots: Soft, arching hits that land just over the net.
Dinks: The bread and butter of the kitchen—gentle shots meant to drop in softly.
Volleys: Hitting the ball out of the air—just remember, not in the kitchen!
Lobs: High shots to push your opponents back.
Overheads: Your chance to smash it when a ball comes floating high.
Notes it was the fastest‑growing sport in the U.S. from 2021 to 2024, with around 19.8 million players in 2024 – Wikipedia
Playing Strategies and Tips for Beginners
Want to level up fast? Keep these beginner pickleball tips close:
Get to the Kitchen Line: The sooner you and your partner are up at the non-volley line, the more control you’ll have.
Keep That Paddle Up: Don’t let it droop by your knees—hold it high, ready to block or dink.
Master the Drop Shot: A well-placed drop slows the pace and can trip up aggressive opponents.
Aim for Deep Serves and Returns: Pin them back so you can ease into the kitchen line.
Finding a Place to Play
Thanks to pickleball’s surge in popularity, finding a place to play is easier than ever. Use apps and online pickleball court finders. Or simply check your local parks and rec—many tennis facilities now have pickleball lines or dedicated courts.
At the end of the day, pickleball is more than a sport—it’s a chance to meet neighbors, laugh off some awkward misses, and get in a little cardio while you’re at it. So grab a paddle, find a court, and enjoy learning the game. The pickleball community is famously welcoming, and you’ll pick up the rhythm before you know it. Who knows? You might even start calling out “11-9-2!” in your sleep.
The post Beginner’s Guide to Pickleball Rules, Gear & Tips for Your First Game appeared first on Eagle Glen Golf Club.