Pickleball is a fun sport you can play with friends or family. It is easy to learn and good for all ages. This guide will help you understand how to play pickleball step by step.
What Is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a paddle sport. It is a mix of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. You play on a small court with a net. Players use a paddle and a plastic ball with holes.
The game can be played as singles (one player on each side) or doubles (two players on each side).
Pickleball Court and Equipment
The pickleball court looks like a small tennis court. It is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. The net is 36 inches high at the sides and 34 inches in the middle.
Equipment needed:
- Paddle: A solid paddle made of wood or composite materials.
- Ball: A plastic ball with holes, similar to a wiffle ball.
- Net: A net that divides the court in half.
Starting the Game: The Serve
The game starts with a serve. You must serve underhand. The ball must go diagonally to the opposite service box.
Here are the key points about serving:
- Stand behind the baseline when you serve.
- Hit the ball underhand.
- The ball must bounce once in the opposite service box before the receiver hits it.
The Two-Bounce Rule
This is an important rule in pickleball. After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before players can hit it in the air.
- First, the ball bounces on the receiver’s side.
- Then, it bounces on the server’s side.
- After these two bounces, players can volley, or hit the ball before it bounces.
The Non-Volley Zone (The Kitchen)
The kitchen is the area close to the net. It is 7 feet from the net on both sides.
Rules about the kitchen:
- You cannot hit the ball in the air while standing in the kitchen.
- You can only hit the ball in the kitchen if it bounces first.
- This rule stops players from smashing the ball right at the net.
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How to Score Points
In pickleball, only the serving team can score points. Here is how scoring works:
- If your team wins a rally while serving, you get a point.
- You keep serving if you win points.
- If your team loses the rally, the serve passes to the other team. This is called a “side out.”
- Games usually go to 11 points. You must win by 2 points.
Playing Doubles and Singles
You can play pickleball alone or with a partner. Here are some tips for each style:
Doubles
- Two players on each side.
- Players take turns serving.
- Good teamwork helps cover the court.
Singles
- One player on each side.
- More running is needed to cover the court.
- Focus on hitting the ball where your opponent cannot reach.
Basic Pickleball Skills
Pickleball is easy to learn, but some skills help you play better.
- Serving: Practice a steady underhand serve.
- Dinking: A soft shot near the net that is hard to return.
- Volleys: Hitting the ball before it bounces, usually near the net.
- Groundstrokes: Hitting the ball after it bounces, like in tennis.
Strategy Tips for Playing Well
Here are simple tips to play better pickleball:
- Hit the ball low and soft. This makes it hard for the opponent to return.
- Try to stay near the middle of your side. This helps you cover more court.
- Use dinks when near the net to control the game.
- Watch your opponent’s moves and be ready to change your shot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
New players often make these mistakes:
- Serving too high or not diagonally.
- Hitting volleys from inside the kitchen.
- Not letting the ball bounce twice after the serve.
- Standing too far back or too close to the net all the time.
Summary of Pickleball Rules
| Rule | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Serve | Underhand, from behind baseline, diagonally to opposite box. |
| Two-Bounce Rule | Ball bounces once on each side before volleying. |
| Kitchen | No volleying in the kitchen; ball must bounce first. |
| Scoring | Only serving team scores points. Win by 2 points. |
| Winning | First to 11 points (or other agreed limit) wins. |
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Pickleball Is Fun and Easy
Pickleball is a great way to stay active and have fun. You do not need to be very fast or strong. The game uses simple rules and easy skills.
Try playing with friends or family. Soon, you will enjoy the game and get better. Remember, the key is to practice and have fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Pickleball And How Is It Played?
Pickleball is a paddle sport combining tennis, badminton, and ping-pong rules.
How Do You Serve In Pickleball Correctly?
Serve underhand, diagonally to the opposite service box, behind the baseline.
What Is The Two-bounce Rule In Pickleball?
The ball must bounce once on each side before volleying is allowed.
Where Is The Non-volley Zone In Pickleball?
The non-volley zone, or kitchen, is near the net where volleying is forbidden.