What Is Pickleball?
Between its quirky name and recent surge in popularity, many people have been asking, “What is pickleball?†Like tennis or badminton, pickleball is a court sport featuring two or four players, paddles, a perforated plastic ball, and a 34-inch net.
Searching for a fun activity the whole family could get involved in, two fathers created the game in 1965. Over the next few years, they fine-tuned how to play pickleball until an official sports corporation was formed in 1972. As an activity for all ages and skill levels, pickleball has continued to sweep the nation, with an estimated 36 million players enjoying the game as of 2023.
What Do I Need to Play Pickleball?
Before learning how to play pickleball, it’s important to get the right equipment. Luckily, pickleball does not require much to get started. For beginners, start with the following:
- A paddle
- A set of pickleball
- Close-toed shoes you can comfortably move around in
- A friend to play singles or three friends to play doubles
Dedicated players may also be interested in:
- Advanced paddles
- Paddle covers and backpacks
- Paddle grips
- Edge guards
- Sport apparel
Where Do I Find a Pickleball Court?
Those asking how to play pickleball often follow shortly with the question, “Where can I play pickleball?â€
While pickleball can be played indoors, outdoors, and even on the go with travel nets, the best place to begin playing is at an indoor court. Indoor courts cut out poor weather conditions—including wind and rain—and extend the playing season to all year round. Indoor courts also have more even and consistent surfaces and are highly maintained.
Pickleball Gameplay Fundamentals
Understanding the Court
The court is divided into four quadrants and a non-volley zone within seven feet of the net. This zone is known as the “kitchen†(more on that below).
Serving
The game begins with each of the four players standing in one corner quadrant, as seen above.
The server will serve the ball underhand across the net to the quadrant diagonal from the service area. During the serve, the ball cannot land in the kitchen.
Note: The ball may hit the net on a serve but must still clear the kitchen to be valid.
For the initial two rounds of rally (the serve shot and the first return), the ball must bounce at least once before volleying can begin.
In doubles, both players on a team serve the ball. Server one continues until a rally is lost, and the second player serves until another rally is lost. Once both servers have lost, the opposing team serves.
Rallying
After a successful serve and return, the ball is officially in play. To score, the opposing sides will hit the ball back and forth until the ball lands out of bounds, gets stuck in the net, double-bounces, or is hit illegally.
During a rally, the ball can bounce only once before returning, or it can be volleyed with no ground contact.
The Kitchen
A ball is never allowed to be volleyed in the kitchen. Volleying in the kitchen will result in a lost point. However, if the ball bounces in the kitchen, a player may enter the kitchen to return the ball.
Scoring
Scoring is the final step in how to play pickleball. Each game is played to eleven points and must be won with a lead of two points.
Only the serving team can score a point. The opposing team does not gain a point if you lose a rally while serving.
See More Pickleball Tips and Tricks
I’m Ready to Improve My Game
Whether a beginner or an advanced competitor, pickleball players looking to improve their game and reach the next level can succeed with individualized coaching. To advance your skills, start with a free lesson from one of our seasoned staff.
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