Everything You Need to Know About Pickleball for Beginners

So, you’ve heard the buzz , and now you’re eager to play pickleball? Welcome aboard! In this guide, we’ll take you through the ins and outs of this exciting sport, from the essential equipment to the layout of the pickleball court, to mastering the basic rules and techniques for beginner players. Knowing the basics will give you a big advantage over the other pickleball beginners, so lace up your sneakers, grab a paddle, and let’s get started on your pickleball journey!

Playing Pickleball: A Beginner’s Guide

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America for a reason – for pickleball beginners, it’s relatively easy to get started, and you don’t have to be a former college tennis player to play pickleball! Combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, pickleball is an accessible and social game that’s perfect for players of all ages and skill levels.

Whether you’re a seasoned racket sports enthusiast or a complete beginner, pickleball offers plenty of opportunities for fun, fitness, and friendly competition. So, are you ready to play pickleball and join the growing community of pickleball beginners?

Get familiar with basic rules, shots & strategies for singles/doubles, then get your paddle and gear up with the right equipment, pickleball court layout & terminology!

What is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a unique paddle sport that’s been taking the nation by storm lately (though it was first invented in the 1960s). Played on a badminton-sized court with a pickleball net, players use solid paddles to hit a lightweight, perforated plastic ball (similar to a wiffle ball) back and forth over the net. The game can be played as singles or doubles and is governed by a simple set of rules, making it easy for newcomers to pick up and enjoy.

Paddles range in price from $20 to $350. The ball itself has different characteristics depending on whether you’re playing indoors or outdoors, so make sure you choose the right type for your playing environment.

And of course, don’t forget to wear the right shoes and comfortable, breathable attire! Tennis shoes are fine, but you can also see our recommendations for the best pickleball shoes here.

Why Play Pickleball?

There are plenty of reasons to play pickleball, from its accessibility to people of all ages and fitness levels, to the health benefits and social opportunities it provides. Pickleball courts are popping up in community centers, YMCA facilities, retirement communities, and even backyards all over the country.

The sport emphasizes lateral movements, making it a great workout for your entire body, and its focus on the double bounce rule and non-volley zone adds an exciting strategic element to the game.

Plus, with its welcoming community of players and growing popularity, there’s never been a better time to start playing pickleball!

Essential Pickleball Equipment

Before stepping on the court, ensure you’re equipped with the necessary gear which includes a pickleball paddle, balls, and suitable footwear and attire.

This section delves into the variety of paddles, balls, attire and accessories you pickleball beginners can choose from, preparing you for your first game.

Pickleball Paddle

20

When it comes to pickleball paddles, you have several options to choose from, including:

• Wooden paddles: the most affordable option, but heavier and less durable
• Composite paddles: made from fiberglass or carbon fiber, lightweight and resilient but more expensive
• Graphite paddles: a good combination of light weight and power, can be on the pricier side

The ideal pickleball paddle for you hinges on your personal preferences, play style, and budget. Finding a paddle with a grip, handle and paddle head that matches your ability, physique and playing style is crucial, and it’s wise to avoid low-quality, cheap paddles.

To avoid irritating your opponents, you’ll also want to make sure your paddle is sanctioned by USA Pickleball (a requirement if you ever move on from your local courts to competitions). See our list of recommended paddles here. Many players have multiple paddles in their collection, so feel free to experiment and discover the perfect fit for you.

Pickleball Balls

Pickleball balls come in two main varieties: indoor and outdoor. Indoor balls are designed for control and precision. They have a softer, quieter bounce and fewer holes. Outdoor balls are heavier and made to be more durable.

Footwear and Attire

Wearing the right footwear and attire is crucial for both safety and comfort when playing pickleball. Running shoes are not recommended, as they lack the lateral support needed for the side-to-side movements common in pickleball. Instead, opt for tennis shoes court shoes designed specifically for racket sports.

In terms of clothing, choose breathable, comfortable garments that allow for easy movement and help keep you cool during play. Don’t forget to accessorize with a hat or visor and sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun!

Pickleball Bags

A pickleball bag is an essential accessory for any pickleball player. These bags are designed to hold all your pickleball gear, including paddles, balls, water bottles, towels, and even personal items like keys and cell phones.

Pickleball bags come in various sizes and styles, from backpacks to duffel bags, and many feature specialized compartments for your paddles and balls, as well as extra pockets for other essentials. Some bags even have insulated pockets to keep your drinks cool during play.

Having a dedicated pickleball bag makes it easy to keep your gear organized and transport it to and from the court. It’s a worthwhile investment for both beginner and seasoned players.

The Pickleball Court: Layout and Terminology

Now that you’re familiar with the equipment, let’s familiarize ourselves with the pickleball court. This section will explore the court dimensions and key terms associated with the playing area, providing you with the confidence to step onto the court.

Court Dimensions

A standard pickleball court measures 20 feet wide by 44 feet long, making it slightly smaller than a tennis court but the same size as a doubles badminton court. The court is divided into several areas, including service boxes on either side of the net, a non-volley zone (also known as the “kitchen”) close to the net, and a centerline that divides the court in half.

The net is 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches high at the center (slightly lower than a tennis court net).

Key Court Terms

To become a proficient pickleball player, understanding some key court terms is essential. Here are a few important terms to know. 

• Baseline: The baseline runs parallel to the net at the ends of the court.
• Sidelines: The sidelines run the length of the court.
• Non-volley zone (kitchen): The kitchen is 7 feet from the net to the kitchen line and 20-foot wide area on either side of the net where volleys are not allowed.

The service area is marked by a centerline and is where players must serve the ball from.

Mastering the Basic Rules of Pickleball

With an understanding of the court and equipment, let’s delve into the basic pickleball rules. This section covers fundamental pickleball rules for beginners, encompassing:

1. Serving
2. Scoring
3. The double bounce rule
4. The kitchen rules

The rules for serving in volleyball are as follows:

1. The serving team starts on the right-hand side of the court.
2. The server must serve the ball diagonally to the opponent’s service area.
3. After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce once before hitting it back over the net.
4. The serving team must also let the ball bounce once after the return shot. This is known as the “double bounce rule” and helps to prevent the serving team from gaining too much of an advantage at the start of each rally.

Points are awarded when the opposing team is unable to return the ball. This could be from hitting the ball out of bounds or a fault, such as stepping into the non-volley zone before the ball bounces. The game is played until one team reaches 11 points. To win, the team must be ahead by two points. And unlike tennis, only the serving team can score points. 

Serving and Scoring

To serve in pickleball, you must:

• Use an underhand motion with a low-to-high swing
• Contact the ball below your waist
• Have at least one foot touching the ground behind the baseline
• Not step into the court or outside the designated service area
• Ensure the ball clears the non-volley zone
• Land the ball between the sideline and baseline on the diagonal service court.

In doubles play, each player on the serving team gets to serve before the serve passes to the receiving team. In singles play, the server switches sides depending on their score: if it’s even, they serve from the right court, and if it’s odd, they serve from the left court.

Points can only be scored by the serving team, and the first team to reach 11 points with a two-point lead wins the game. If a team reaches 11 points when the other team as 10 points, the game continues.

The Double Bounce Rule

The two bounce rule, also known as the double bounce rule, is a fundamental rule in pickleball that aims to level the playing field and make the game more challenging. After the ball is served, the receiving team must let it bounce once before they can hit it. The serving team must wait until the ball has bounced once after the return shot. Only then can they hit it.

The two bounce rule prevents either team from gaining an unfair advantage at the beginning of each rally and encourages longer, more strategic rallies.

Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen) Rules

In the kitchen, certain shots are strictly prohibited. Players may not hit the ball out of the air (volley) while standing in the non-volley zone. They may, however, hit the ball after it has bounced in the non-volley zone past the kitchen line.

Players who step into the kitchen while hitting a volley commit a fault, resulting in a loss of the point. It’s essential to be aware of your position on the court and avoid stepping into the non-volley zone while executing volleys.

Basic Pickleball Shots and Techniques

With the rules in mind, let’s master some fundamental pickleball shots and techniques. In this section, we’ll guide you through serves, groundstrokes, volleys, dinking, and lobbing.

Mastering these shots and techniques will give you a solid foundation for your pickleball game and help you develop your own unique style of play.

Serve Techniques

There are several serve techniques to choose from in pickleball, and practicing them will help you score points. You should generally try to serve deep, with a more aggressive shot that targets your opponent’s backhand (generally on their left side in singles) and keeps them pinned to the baseline. You can begin your serve with a drop serve by letting the ball bounce off the ground before hitting it of your opponent’s kitchen, or hitting a more traditional volley serve where the ball does not first contact the ground (generally a more advanced technique where more power will be needed).

When practicing your serves, focus on the following:

• Proper foot placement
• Stance
• Paddle grip
• Finding a target and aiming for it consistently

Experiment with different types of serves to find the ones that work best for your playing style.

Groundstrokes and Volleys

Groundstrokes and volleys are two common shots used in pickleball. Groundstrokes are executed after the ball has bounced on your side of the court and can be used to move your opponent around the court, setting up opportunities for more aggressive shots.

Volleys, on the other hand, are hit out of the air before the ball hits the ground and can be used to apply pressure on your opponent or finish a point quickly. When practicing these shots, work on your timing, footwork, and hand-eye coordination to ensure you’re making clean, accurate contact with the ball.

Dinking, Lobbing and the Overhead Smash

Dinking and lobbing are softer shots used in pickleball strategy to keep your opponent off balance and create openings for more aggressive shots. Dinking involves gently tapping the ball just over the net, aiming for the non-volley zone (often on the third shot), while lobbing involves hitting a high, arcing shot that forces your opponent to move back towards the baseline.

Both shots require precision, touch, and an understanding of your opponent’s positioning and tendencies. Practice these shots regularly to incorporate them effectively into your game strategy.

Lastly, there is the overhead smash – a powerful shot that looks exactly as it sounds when you embarrass your opponent by crushing their lob or high bounce at its highest point.

Developing Your Pickleball Strategy

Armed with a firm grasp of the basic rules, shots, and techniques, let’s turn our attention to crafting a potent pickleball strategy.

In this section, we’ll offer guidance on creating winning strategies for both singles and doubles play.

Singles Strategy

In pickleball singles play, your strategy should focus on:

• Exploiting your opponent’s weaknesses
• Minimizing your own unforced errors
• Mixing up your shots, including groundstrokes, volleys, dinks, and lobs, to keep your opponent guessing
• Creating opportunities for more aggressive shots

Pay attention to your opponent’s tendencies and adjust your strategy accordingly. For example, if your opponent struggles with their backhand, target that side of the court with your serves and groundstrokes.

In singles, the serve is done from the right side when the server’s score is even and from the left side when the server’s score is odd.

Remember to be patient, as singles play can be more physically demanding than doubles, and conserving your energy for key points can be crucial.

Doubles Strategy

When playing doubles, communication and court positioning are key elements of a successful strategy. Make sure to communicate with your partner throughout the doubles game well, calling out shots and coordinating your movements to cover the court effectively.

The When serving, the player on the right side of the court serves first, diagonally to the opposite court. After the first volley is concluded, if a point is scored, the players switch sides and the same player serves. If a fault occurs and your team loses a rally, the serve passes to the second server. When the second server loses the serve, the serve moves to the returning team. 

Work on your shot selection, as well-placed shots can create openings for your partner to attack. For example, use dinks and drop shot techniques to draw your opponents towards the net, then follow up with a well-executed lob to force them back to the baseline.

Don’t be afraid to take aggressive shots and switch positions with your partner during rallies, as this can create confusion for your opponents and open up opportunities for winning shots.

Practice and Progression: Improving Your Pickleball Skills

Regardless of your current knowledge about pickleball, there’s always room for improvement. This final section concentrates on methods to augment your pickleball skills, including drills, exercises, and educational resources.

By dedicating time to practice and progression, you’ll not only become a better player, but also have more fun on the court.

Drills and Exercises

There are numerous drills and exercises that can help you improve specific aspects of your pickleball game. Here are a few examples:

• Practice your serves by aiming for different areas of the court
• Work on your footwork with agility ladder exercises
• Improve your accuracy by setting up targets on the court and trying to hit them consistently

Other useful drills include practicing volleys against a wall, working on your hand-eye coordination with ball toss exercises, and sharpening your reaction time with quickness drills.

By incorporating these drills and exercises into your practice routine, you’ll see improvements in your game and overall confidence on the court.

Learning Resources

There are many learning resources available to help you further your pickleball knowledge and skills. Online tutorials, instructional videos, and books can provide valuable tips and advice on strategy, technique, and more. USA Pickleball is a great starting point.

Additionally, consider joining a local pickleball club or signing up for lessons with a certified instructor to receive personalized guidance and feedback. By making use of these resources and dedicating time to practice, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a pickleball pro.

Summary

In conclusion, pickleball is a fun, social, and accessible sport that offers countless opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels to enjoy. By mastering the basic rules, shots, and techniques, developing effective strategies for singles and doubles play, and dedicating time to practice and progression, you’ll not only improve your pickleball skills but also have a blast on the court. So grab your paddle, hit the court, and start making a racket in the world of pickleball!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to learn pickleball?

For the beginner players, seek out an experienced player who can give you the necessary guidance and then head to a court for lessons.

Watching online tutorials is also recommended for a greater understanding of the game.

What are 3 skills needed to play pickleball?

To be a successful pickleball player, you need to master dinking and dink volleys, attack from the non-volley zone line, and reset or block from mid-court.

These three skills will ensure your success on the court!

What do you need for pickleball for beginners?

To get started in pickleball, you’ll need a paddle, some shoes for the court, a place to play, and basic game knowledge.

You can choose from wooden or composite paddles, but the best paddle for beginners is one that fits your level of skill and budget.

Is pickleball easy on your body?

Pickleball is an accessible, low-impact sport that is easy on the body due to its smaller court size and lightweight paddles. While it can take a toll on older players with arthritis or balance issues, proper warm-up and technique can reduce the risk of injury.

With pickleball, you can get some movement in and enjoy the benefits of healthy bones, joints, and muscles.