The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Pickleball: From Zero to Hero

Welcome to the fastest-growing sport in the world! If you've heard the unique "pop" sound of a pickleball and are curious to learn more, you've come to the right place. This guide will provide everything you need to go from a complete newbie to a confident player ready to step onto the court.

1. What is Pickleball? 

Pickleball is a paddle sport that creatively combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It's played on a badminton-sized court with a slightly modified tennis net, using a solid paddle and a lightweight plastic ball with holes. It can be played as singles or doubles, with doubles being the most popular format.

2. Why is Pickleball So Popular?

Its explosive growth is no accident. It's fueled by several key advantages：

A. Easy to Learn

The rules are simple and the court is small. You can learn the basics in just 20-30 minutes and have a fun, rallying game going almost immediately. There's a very low barrier to entry, making it less intimidating than many other racquet sports.

B. Highly Social 

The court is small enough for easy conversation, and the game's pace is perfect for socializing. It's common to play "round robin" style games, mixing up partners and opponents. The community around pickleball is famously welcoming and inclusive.

C. Great Exercise, Less Strain

Don't be fooled—it's a fantastic workout that improves cardio, agility, and reflexes. However, because the court is smaller and there's less running and overhead hitting than tennis, it's much easier on the joints (knees, shoulders, etc.). This makes it ideal for all ages and fitness levels.

3. The Absolute Basics: What You Need to Know

The Court

Size: 20' x 44' (same as a doubles badminton court).

The Net: 36 inches high at the sidelines, 34 inches in the center.

The Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone - NVZ): This is the 7-foot area on both sides of the net. You cannot volley (hit the ball in the air) while standing in this zone.

Equipment

Paddle : Larger than a ping-pong paddle but smaller than a tennis racket. Beginner paddles are often made from composite materials (fiberglass) and are very affordable.

Ball : A lightweight plastic ball with holes, similar to a wiffle ball. Indoor balls have larger holes and are softer, while outdoor balls have smaller, more numerous holes and are harder to withstand wind.

Shoes : Court shoes designed for tennis or volleyball are best. Running shoes are not recommended as they don't provide the necessary lateral support.

How to Play: The Short Version

Serve : Must be underhand, contact below the waist. You serve diagonally crosscourt.

The Two-Bounce Rule: After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce once. Then the serving team must also let the return bounce once. After these two bounces, players can either volley (hit in the air) or play it off the bounce.

Rallying : Keep the ball in play until one team faults (hits it out of bounds, into the net, or volleys from the Kitchen).

Scoring : Games are typically played to 11 points, win by 2.

Important: You can only score points when your team is serving.

4. Your First Game: What to Expect 

Go to a local court! The best way to learn is by doing.

Most players are incredibly friendly to newcomers. Don't be afraid to say, "I'm new, any tips are appreciated!"

Focus on getting the ball over the net and into the court. Don't worry about power; control is king.

Remember the Kitchen rule! It's the most common mistake beginners make.

Have fun! It's a game, and everyone was a beginner once.

Pickleball Rules Crash Course: Learn How to Play in 10 Minutes

1. The Court & The "Kitchen"

The court is the size of a badminton doubles court. The 7-foot area on both sides of the net is called the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ), or more commonly, "The Kitchen." This is the most important rule area!

You cannot volley (hit the ball in the air) while standing in the Kitchen.

2. The Serve

The serve must be hit underhand (below your waist). You serve diagonally to the opposite service court.

Only the serving team can score points.

The server must keep one foot behind the baseline until the ball is struck.

3. The Two-Bounce Rule

 This is the second most important rule! After the ball is served:

The receiving team must let it bounce.

Then, the serving team must let the return bounce.

After these two bounces, players can either volley (hit it in the air) or play it off the bounce.

Why? This rule eliminates the serve-and-volley advantage and creates longer, more strategic rallies.

4. Rallying & Scoring

After the two-bounce rule, keep the ball in play! A fault (point for the other team) occurs if:

The ball is hit out of bounds.

The ball is hit into the net.

Scoring is unique:

Games are typically played to 11 points, and you must win by 2.

The score is called out as three numbers: “ Serving Team Score - Receiving Team Score - Server Number (1 or 2)”

Example

If your team is serving, has 5 points, the other team has 3 points, and you are the first server on your team, you would call out:

"5 - 3 - 1"

Quick-Start Summary 

Serve underhand and diagonally.

Let it Bounce Twice: The receiver AND then the server must let the first shot bounce.

Stay out of the Kitchen to volley. You can only be in it if the ball bounces first.

Rally until someone faults.

Only the serving team scores points.

Congratulations! You now know 95% of what you need to play a game. Now go out and have fun!

BHI Pickleball-Customize your own paddle