How to Play Pickleball: An Intro for Beginning Players

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and for good reason. It’s easy to learn, fun to play, and great for players of all ages. If you’re new to the game, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from basic rules to game flow—so you can start playing with confidence.

What is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s played on a court that is 44 feet long by 20 feet wide, about one-fourth the size of a tennis court. The game is typically played in doubles, but singles is also an option.

The court is divided into three key areas:

• The right service box
• The left service box
• The kitchen (non-volley zone)

Understanding these areas is crucial for learning how to play the game correctly.

Three Fundamental Pickleball Rules

Pickleball has a few unique rules that set it apart from other paddle sports. Mastering these will help you avoid common mistakes and play smarter.

1. The Serve Rules

Every rally starts with a serve, and there are a few key things to remember:

• The serve must be hit underhand, with contact made below the waist.
• The paddle must make contact with the ball below the wrist.
• At least one foot must be on the ground behind the baseline when serving.
• The ball must be hit diagonally across the court, landing beyond the kitchen line.

If the ball lands on the kitchen line, it’s a fault. However, if it lands on any other line (excluding the kitchen line), it is considered in.

Players can also use a drop serve, where the ball is dropped from any height and hit after it bounces.

2. The Two-Bounce Rule

Unlike in tennis, where players can serve and immediately rush the net, pickleball requires a two-bounce sequence before volleys can be played.

• After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce before returning it.
• The serving team must also let the return bounce before hitting the ball again.
• Once both bounces occur, players can start volleying as long as they are not inside the kitchen.

This rule prevents aggressive serve-and-volley play and encourages longer rallies.

3. The Kitchen Rule (Non-Volley Zone)

The kitchen is the area extending seven feet from the net on both sides. Many new players get confused by the kitchen rule, so here’s what you need to know:

• You cannot volley the ball while standing in the kitchen or touching the kitchen line.
• If your momentum carries you into the kitchen after a volley, it’s a fault.
• If the ball bounces in the kitchen, you can step in to return it.
• You can stand in the kitchen as long as you are not volleying the ball.

Some beginners think they must wait for the ball to bounce before stepping into the kitchen, but that’s not true. If you anticipate a short shot, you can step in early and be ready to return the ball.

How to Score in Pickleball

Pickleball uses a unique scoring system that can be confusing at first, but it becomes easier with practice.

• Games are played to 11 points, and you must win by two.
• Only the serving team can score points.
• If the serving team wins a rally, they score a point and switch sides.
• If the serving team loses a rally, the serve switches to their partner in doubles or to the other team in singles.

Scoring Format in Doubles

In doubles, the score consists of three numbers:

[Your Team’s Score] – [Opponent’s Score] – [Server Number]

For example, if the score is 4-2-1:

• Your team has four points.
• The opposing team has two points.
• The server is the first server of the team.

When the first server loses a rally, the serve switches to the second server. Once the second server loses, the other team gets the serve, known as a side out.

At the start of every game, the first team to serve begins at 0-0-2. This means they only get one serve before a side out, ensuring no team has an early advantage.

Five Ways to Win a Rally in Pickleball

A rally is the sequence of play that happens between the serve and the end of a point. You can win a rally in five ways:

• Your opponent hits the ball out of bounds.
• Your opponent hits the ball into the net.
• Your opponent lets the ball bounce twice on their side.
• Your opponent violates a kitchen rule, such as stepping into the kitchen on a volley.
• Your opponent gets hit by the ball before it bounces.

Beginner Pickleball Strategy: How to Play Smarter

Once you understand the rules, strategy becomes the key to winning more games. Here are a few beginner-friendly tips:

• Get to the kitchen line as quickly as possible. The team that controls the net usually wins.
• Hit deep serves and returns. This forces your opponent to move and makes it harder for them to attack.
• Use soft shots (dinks) to control the pace. Dinking helps slow the game down and forces errors.
• Communicate with your partner. Doubles pickleball requires teamwork to cover the court effectively.
• Be patient. Many beginner mistakes come from trying to hit winners too soon. Wait for the right opportunity to attack.

Final Thoughts: What to Do Next

Pickleball is easy to learn but takes time to master. Focus on the basic rules, scoring system, and strategy to build a solid foundation.

If you would like a more complete guide to how to start playing pickleball, check out our Free Guide for Beginners

If you want to improve faster, consider joining Better Pickleball Academy, where you can access coaching, step-by-step tutorials, and exclusive training sessions designed for all skill levels.