In this video on how to play pickleball for beginners, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know before stepping on the court so you feel confident and comfortable your very first time.
Let’s start with the pickleball court.
It’s the same size as a badminton court. It’s 44 feet from the baseline all the way over to the other baseline, and then it’s 20 feet across. There’s no court difference for singles or doubles. And unlike tennis, pickleball doubles is the most popular form of the sport.
Pickleball is played with a paddle.
Don’t call it a racket (that’s a dead giveaway that you are a new player 😆). Most beginner paddles cost somewhere between $50 and $100, and you’ll see paddles go up to $300 plus. But the good news is that many facilities have paddles that you can use while you’re learning to play.
Start safely by wearing the right shoes.
You’ll find that pickleball has a lot of lateral movement, and shoes such as walking shoes, running shoes, and cross-training shoes are all built for forward motion. When you come to the court, you want a court shoe that supports you as you move from side to side. Most often, you’ll see tennis shoes or basketball shoes. But yes, there are pickleball-specific shoes.
The score in pickleball has three numbers.
Learning how to keep score can be one of the toughest things a new player faces (It was for me!). But don’t worry, there are generally a lot of players willing to help you! The first number is my team’s score when I’m serving. The second number is the return team’s score (my opponent’s.) And the third number is which server I happen to be.
Watch the full video as we discuss more about the appropriate attire to wear and some of the rules and etiquette that you’ll want to know before you hit the courts. If you are ready for more, get our FREE Beginner’s Guide and Video course from the pickleball professionals at Better Pickleball.
CJ Johnson
Hey there — I’m a professional three-sport athlete and coach who has spent my entire adult life earning a living from playing and coaching sports. Since I started coaching more than three decades ago, one thing has remained the same: My commitment to see students not as they are but as what they can become and to move heaven and earth to help them realize their untapped potential. You should know that when it comes to helping pickleball players over 50 live their best lives on and off the courts, I'm an expert. Good pickleball is not just technique; it's the mind and body working holistically. That's why I'm also a personal trainer and weight management specialist. When I’m chillin', you'll find me watching Star Trek with my husband John and our two fur babies, Shirley and Ralph. (Yes, Happy Days)