Pickleball for Beginners: A Simple Guide

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world today. It’s fun, easy to learn, and great for people of all ages. You’ll find people playing it in parks, schools, and even community centers.

If you have never played before, don’t worry. This guide will help you learn what pickleball is, how to play it, and why so many people enjoy it.

What Is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a paddle sport that mixes parts of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. You play it with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes. The game can be played indoors or outdoors, and it can be played as singles (one player on each side) or doubles (two players on each side).

The court is smaller than a tennis court, so you don’t have to run too much. That makes it easy for kids, adults, and seniors to play together.

How Pickleball Started

Pickleball began in 1965 on Bainbridge Island in the United States. Three friends (Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum) created the game for their families. They wanted something fun to play during summer but didn’t have all the equipment for badminton.

So, they used ping-pong paddles, a plastic ball, and a lowered badminton net. That was the start of pickleball! Over time, the game became popular all over America and now, people play it around the world.

Why Everyone Loves Pickleball

Pickleball is simple, fun, and social. Here are some reasons why it’s so popular:

1. Easy to Learn

The rules are simple, and you can start playing on your first day. Even beginners can enjoy full games after just a few tries.

2. Great for All Ages

Kids, adults, and seniors can all play together. You don’t have to be super fit or strong to enjoy it.

3. Social and Friendly

Pickleball is often played in doubles, so it’s a great way to make friends and meet new people.

4. Low-Impact Sport

It’s gentle on your knees and joints. You move around, but not as much as in tennis, so it’s safer for older adults.

5. Affordable to Play

You don’t need expensive gear. A paddle, a few balls, and a court are all you need.

Understanding the Pickleball Court

A pickleball court looks like a smaller tennis court. It measures 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. The net is lower in the middle (34 inches) and higher on the sides (36 inches).

Here are the main parts of the court:

• Baseline: The line at the very back.
  
• Sidelines: The lines on each side of the court.
  
• Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen): A 7-foot area near the net where you cannot hit the ball in the air.
  
• Service Areas: The boxes where the serve must land diagonally.
  

What You Need to Play Pickleball

You don’t need much equipment to start playing pickleball.

1. Paddle

The paddle is bigger than a ping-pong paddle but smaller than a tennis racquet. Paddles can be made of wood, plastic, or graphite.

2. Ball

The ball is light and has holes in it. Outdoor balls are a bit heavier than indoor balls.

3. Shoes

Wear court shoes with a good grip so you can move safely. Running shoes are not ideal since they don’t give enough side support.

4. Net

A pickleball net is lower than a tennis net. You can buy a portable one or use a shared court at your local park.

Basic Rules of Pickleball

The rules are easy to follow. Here’s how it works:

1. Serving

• Serve underhand and hit the ball below your waist.
  
• The serve must land in the diagonal box on the other side.
  
• The ball must go past the kitchen line.
  
• If the ball touches the net but lands in the right box, it’s called a let serve. You can try again.
  

2. Scoring

• Only the serving team can score points.
  
• Games are usually played to 11 points, and you must win by 2 points.
  
• You score when the other team makes a mistake or breaks a rule.
  

3. Double-Bounce Rule

Each side must let the ball bounce once before hitting it in the air. That means the ball bounces once after the serve and once after the return.

4. Kitchen Rule

You can’t hit the ball in the air while standing inside the kitchen area. You can step in only after the ball bounces.

How to Play a Game

Here’s what happens in a normal doubles game:

1. The player on the right side serves first, hitting the ball diagonally.
   
2. The receiving team lets the ball bounce before hitting it back.
   
3. The serving team also lets it bounce once before returning it.
   
4. After that, both teams can hit the ball in the air or let it bounce.
   
5. The rally continues until someone hits the ball out, into the net, or breaks a rule.
   
6. When a team wins a point, the server switches sides and serves again.
   
7. When both players on a team lose their serve, the other team gets a turn.
   

Pickleball Words to Know

• Dink: A soft shot that lands in the kitchen.
  
• Volley: Hitting the ball before it bounces.
  
• Fault: A rule break or mistake.
  
• Rally: The time the ball is in play.
  
• Erne: A fancy shot taken close to the net from the side of the court.
  

Health Benefits of Pickleball

Pickleball is not just fun, it’s good for your health too!

1. Good Exercise

It works your arms, legs, and core muscles. It helps improve balance and coordination.

2. Great for the Heart

Moving around the court gives you a mild to moderate workout that’s great for your heart.

3. Stress Relief

Playing with friends helps reduce stress and keeps your mood positive.

4. Safe for the Body

It’s a low-impact sport, so it’s easier on your joints than sports like basketball or running.

Tips for Beginners

Here are some easy tips to help you start strong:

1. Learn the Rules First

Take time to learn the basics before playing. Watching a few online videos can also help.

2. Focus on Control

Try to hit the ball gently and accurately. Don’t swing too hard.

3. Talk to Your Partner

If you play doubles, always call out shots and work as a team.

4. Watch Your Feet

Stay out of the kitchen unless the ball bounces. This is one of the most common beginner mistakes.

5. Warm Up

Stretch before and after playing to avoid soreness.

Where to Play Pickleball

You can play pickleball almost anywhere now. Many parks, gyms, and schools have courts. You can also buy a portable net and set it up in your driveway or backyard.

You can find pickleball clubs and groups in your area through community centers or online apps. Joining a group is a great way to learn faster and have fun.

Pickleball as a Professional Sport

Pickleball has become a real sport with tournaments and professional players. The USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) manages the rules and organizes championships.

There are now pickleball leagues, sponsorships, and even televised events. Players travel around the world to compete in matches and win prizes.

Schools are also adding pickleball to their sports programs to teach kids teamwork and fitness.

Why You Should Try Pickleball

Pickleball is more than just a game. It’s a fun, friendly way to stay active and meet people. You can start at any age, and you don’t need fancy equipment or special skills.

Whether you want to play for fun or improve your fitness, pickleball is a great choice. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s one of the world’s most loved sports.

So grab a paddle, invite some friends, and get ready to enjoy the game that everyone’s talking about!

Disclaimer:

This article is for general information only. If you have health problems, check with your doctor before starting any new sport or physical activity.