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How to Play Pickleball: A Beginner Guide
8 min read
Last updated November 6, 2026
To start playing pickleball, get a paddle and a few plastic balls, then find a local court. Learn the underhand serve, the two-bounce rule and the kitchen zone. Most games go to 11 points, and you must win by 2.
Pickleball mixes tennis, badminton and ping-pong. It is easy to learn and fun for every age.
Key Takeaways
- You need a paddle, balls and court shoes.
- Serve underhand and diagonally.
- Let the ball bounce once on each side first.
- Stay out of the kitchen when you volley.
- Games usually go to 11, win by 2.
On This Page
- What You Need
- Basic Rules
- How to Start Playing Step by Step
- How Scoring Works
- Beginner Tips
- Why Pickleball Is So Popular
- Understanding the Court
- The Kitchen Rule Explained
- The Two-Bounce Rule
- Choosing a Paddle
- Indoor vs Outdoor Balls
- Basic Shots to Learn
- Warm Up Before You Play
- Pickleball Etiquette
- Shoes and Clothing
- How to Find Beginner Games
What You Need
Start with a mid-weight paddle. Many beginner sets include two paddles and four balls.
Wear court shoes with good side support. Running shoes can roll on quick side steps.
11Points win most pickleball games, as long as you lead by 2.
Basic Rules
The court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. A net crosses the middle.
USA Pickleball publishes the official rules of the game.
The area 7 feet from each side of the net is the non-volley zone. Players call it the kitchen.
How to Start Playing Step by Step
1. Find a Court
Check parks, gyms and community centers. Many host free beginner nights.
2. Learn the Serve
Hit underhand below your waist. Aim diagonally into the opposite box.
3. Follow the Two-Bounce Rule
The serve must bounce once. The return must bounce once too.
Quick tip. After the return, move up toward the kitchen line. Most points are won near the net.
4. Respect the Kitchen
Do not hit the ball in the air while standing in the kitchen.
5. Play Doubles First
Doubles means less running. It helps you learn faster.
Have you played pickleball?
- Yes, I play often
- A few times
- Not yet, but I want to
- No interest
How Scoring Works
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Side out | Serve passes to the other team |
| Score call | Your score, their score, server number |
| Win | First to 11, ahead by 2 |
| Fault | A shot out, into the net or a rule break |
Only the serving team can score a point.
Use this calculator to plan your weekly play time.
Weekly play planner
Good to know. Indoor and outdoor balls differ. Outdoor balls have smaller holes and feel harder.
- Pickleball paddle
- Indoor or outdoor balls
- Court shoes
- Water bottle
- Comfortable athletic clothes
- Towel
Beginner Tips
Keep your paddle up and in front of you. Quick hands win short rallies.
Aim for soft shots into the kitchen, called dinks. They slow the game and force mistakes.
Stay Safe on the Court
Warm up for five minutes before you play. Light jogging and arm swings work well.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains the health benefits of staying active.
Do not back up quickly to chase high balls. Turn and move sideways to avoid falls.
Find Your Pickleball Group
Join a local club or app group to find players at your level. Most groups welcome beginners.
Search local courts with the Places2Play court finder.
Try a lesson or clinic in your first month. A coach can fix small habits early.
Add to calendar
Why Pickleball Is So Popular
Pickleball has grown quickly across the United States and beyond. People of all ages enjoy it.
The game is easy to learn. Most beginners can rally within their first hour.
The court is smaller than a tennis court, so there is less running. That makes it friendly for older adults and new players.
It is also very social. Most games are doubles, and players often rotate partners.
Understanding the Court
A pickleball court is the same size for singles and doubles. It measures 20 feet wide and 44 feet long.
| Court Area | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Baseline | The back line where you serve |
| Sidelines | The lines on each side of the court |
| Centerline | Divides the left and right service areas |
| Non-volley zone | The 7-foot area next to the net, often called “the kitchen” |
| Net | Hangs 36 inches high at the sides and 34 inches in the middle |
Many tennis courts have pickleball lines painted on them. Look for the extra lines when you visit a local park.
The Kitchen Rule Explained
The non-volley zone confuses many beginners. It is the area right next to the net on both sides.
You cannot hit a volley while standing in the kitchen. A volley means hitting the ball before it bounces.
You may step into the kitchen to hit a ball that has already bounced. Then step back out before you volley again.
This rule stops players from crowding the net and smashing every shot. It keeps the game fair and fun.
The Two-Bounce Rule
After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before anyone can volley.
The receiving team must let the serve bounce. Then the serving team must let the return bounce.
After those two bounces, players may volley or let the ball bounce. This rule creates longer rallies.
Choosing a Paddle
Paddles come in many weights and materials. Beginners do not need an expensive one.
| Paddle Feature | What It Affects |
|---|---|
| Weight | Lighter paddles give control, heavier ones add power |
| Grip size | A good fit prevents wrist and elbow strain |
| Face material | Affects spin and feel |
| Core thickness | Thicker cores feel softer and more controlled |
A mid-weight paddle works well for most beginners. Try a friend’s paddle before you buy.
Indoor vs Outdoor Balls
Pickleball balls are plastic with holes. Indoor and outdoor balls differ.
- Indoor balls. Softer, with larger holes. They bounce well on gym floors.
- Outdoor balls. Harder, with smaller holes. They resist wind better.
Use the right ball for the surface. Outdoor balls can crack in cold weather, so keep spares.
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Basic Shots to Learn
A few key shots will carry you through your first games.
The Serve
Serve underhand and diagonally into the opposite service box. Contact the ball below your waist.
The Return
Hit a deep return to push your opponents back. Then move up toward the kitchen line.
The Dink
A dink is a soft shot that drops into your opponent’s kitchen. It is a key part of strategy at higher levels.
The Volley
Hit the ball in the air before it bounces, from outside the kitchen. Keep your paddle up and ready.
Warm Up Before You Play
Quick movements and sudden stops can strain muscles. A short warm-up helps prevent injury.
- Walk or jog lightly for a few minutes.
- Do arm circles and shoulder rolls.
- Stretch your legs, especially calves and hamstrings.
- Hit a few easy dinks with a partner.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shares tips for starting physical activity safely.
Pickleball Etiquette
Good manners make the game more fun for everyone.
- Call the score clearly before each serve.
- Make fair line calls on your side.
- Wait for a point to end before crossing behind a court.
- Return stray balls to the court they came from.
- Tap paddles with opponents after the game.
Be patient with new players. Everyone was a beginner once.
Shoes and Clothing
Wear court shoes with good side support. Running shoes are built for forward motion and can roll on quick side steps.
Choose comfortable, breathable clothing. Bring a hat and sunscreen for outdoor games.
How to Find Beginner Games
Many places now offer pickleball for new players. Look for sessions marked “beginner” or “open play.”
Check community centers, parks departments and local gyms. Many host weekly clinics at low cost.
Open play lets you join games with strangers. Players often rotate after each game, so you meet many people.
Pickleball Mistakes to Avoid
New players often make a few common mistakes. Fixing them helps you play better and stay safe.
- Standing too far back after serving
- Swinging too hard on every shot
- Stepping into the kitchen zone to volley
- Skipping a warm-up
Focus on control instead of power. Soft, steady shots win many points.
Find Players Near You
Pickleball is very social, so finding partners is easy. Many places welcome beginners.
Check local parks, gyms and community centers for open play times. Ask about beginner clinics.
Play Safely
Wear court shoes with good grip and drink plenty of water. Stop if you feel pain.
Most of all, have fun and enjoy meeting new players.
Try this today. Find one public court near you and check its open play hours. Bring a friend and a borrowed paddle this weekend.
Test Yourself
What is the kitchen in pickleball?
- The rest area
- The non-volley zone near the net
- The back line
You cannot volley while standing in the kitchen.
How must you serve in pickleball?
- Underhand and diagonally
- Overhead like tennis
- Straight ahead
The serve goes underhand to the opposite box.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pickleball hard to learn?
No. Most people can rally after one session.
Can I play pickleball indoors?
Yes. Many gyms have indoor courts for winter.
What paddle should a beginner buy?
A mid-weight paddle gives good control and power.
Is pickleball good exercise?
Yes. It builds balance, speed and heart health.
What is the kitchen in pickleball?
It is the 7-foot non-volley zone next to the net. You cannot volley while standing in it.
What is the two-bounce rule?
The ball must bounce once on each side after the serve before anyone can volley.
What size is a pickleball court?
It measures 20 feet wide and 44 feet long for both singles and doubles.
What shoes should I wear for pickleball?
Wear court shoes with good side support instead of running shoes.
Wrapping Up
Grab a paddle and find a beginner night near you this week. You will be rallying in no time.
Keep moving all season with our winter activity ideas. Catch the big games with our National Football League (NFL) Thanksgiving schedule.
Found this useful?
Editor’s Note
This guide is accurate as of November 6, 2026. Local leagues may use slightly different rules.
Spot an error in this article? Please contact us at support@digieh.com or read our Corrections Policy.
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