Have you heard about pickleball and wondered what all the fuss is about? This sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong has become the fastest-growing sport in America, and for good reason. If you’re completely new to pickleball, this guide will give you everything you need to know to take your first steps on the court.
What exactly is pickleball?
Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court (20 x 44 feet) with a net that’s lower than tennis (36 inches at the ends, 34 in the center). Players use solid paddles—larger than ping-pong paddles but smaller than tennis rackets—to hit a perforated plastic ball similar to a wiffle ball.
Basic Equipment: What You Need to Get Started
The Paddle For beginners, a medium-weight paddle (7.5-8.5 oz) is ideal. You don’t need to break the bank; there are excellent beginner options between $30-60. Look for paddles with a comfortable grip and a surface that offers good control rather than power.
The Ball Pickleballs come in indoor and outdoor varieties. Outdoor balls are slightly heavier with smaller holes, while indoor balls are lighter with larger holes. Most recreational centers provide balls, so don’t worry about buying your own initially.
Footwear Court shoes with good lateral support are essential. Tennis shoes work perfectly, but avoid running shoes as they don’t provide adequate side-to-side stability.
Clothing Comfortable athletic wear that allows for easy movement is all you need. Many players prefer moisture-wicking fabrics, especially for outdoor play.
Understanding the Court and Basic Rules
Court Layout The court is divided into several key areas:
- Service areas: Two boxes on each side where serves must land
- Non-volley zone (The Kitchen): A 7-foot area on both sides of the net where you cannot hit the ball in the air
- Baseline: The back line of the court
Scoring Basics Pickleball uses a unique scoring system that can seem confusing at first:
- Only the serving team can score points
- Games are typically played to 11 points (must win by 2)
- Scores are called as three numbers: your score, opponent’s score, and server number
The Double Bounce Rule This is pickleball’s most important rule: the ball must bounce once on each side before players can start volleying (hitting the ball in the air).
Essential Shots Every Beginner Should Learn
The Serve Always served underhand with the paddle below your waist. The serve must be diagonal and land in the opposite service box. Start with a simple, consistent serve rather than trying to be powerful.
The Return Focus on getting the ball back deep and giving yourself time to get to the net. A high, arcing return is often more effective than a hard, low shot.
The Dink A soft shot hit from the non-volley zone that lands in your opponent’s kitchen. This is arguably the most important shot in pickleball and requires finesse rather than power.
The Drive A harder, faster shot typically used from the baseline. Use this sparingly and strategically rather than relying on power.
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
Staying at the Baseline Many beginners, especially those with tennis backgrounds, stay back. In pickleball, you want to get to the net as quickly as safely possible.
Hitting Everything Hard Pickleball rewards placement and strategy over power. Focus on consistent, controlled shots rather than trying to blast winners.
Forgetting the Kitchen Rules You cannot step into the non-volley zone to hit a ball in the air, and you cannot volley a ball while any part of your body is in the kitchen.
Not Communicating in Doubles If you’re playing doubles, communicate with your partner about who’s taking which shots, especially down the middle.
Your First Game: What to Expect
Your first pickleball experience will likely be overwhelming in the best way possible. The scoring might confuse you, you’ll probably hit several balls into the net, and you might find yourself in the wrong position more than once. That’s completely normal!
Focus on these basics in your first few games:
- Keep the ball in play rather than going for winners
- Stay positive and have fun
- Ask questions—the pickleball community is incredibly welcoming
- Don’t worry about perfect technique initially; focus on consistency
Finding Your Pickleball Community
Local Recreation Centers Most community centers now offer pickleball courts and beginner programs. Many provide paddles and balls for newcomers.
Beginner Clinics Look for “Learn to Play” or beginner clinics in your area. These are perfect for learning proper technique and meeting other new players.
Pickleball Apps and Websites Apps like “Places2Play” can help you find courts and players in your area. Many local Facebook groups also organize casual games for beginners.
Building Your Skills: Next Steps
Once you’ve played a few games and caught the pickleball bug (which almost everyone does), consider:
Taking Lessons A few lessons with a certified instructor can dramatically improve your game and help you avoid developing bad habits.
Joining a League Many communities offer beginner-friendly leagues that focus on fun and learning rather than intense competition.
Watching and Learning YouTube has countless pickleball tutorials, and watching higher-level play can help you understand strategy and shot selection.
Why You’ll Love Pickleball
What makes pickleball special isn’t just the game itself—it’s the community. You’ll find players of all ages and skill levels who are eager to help newcomers learn. The sport is accessible enough that you can have fun from day one, yet complex enough to keep you improving for years.
The combination of strategy, athleticism, and social interaction creates an addictive experience that keeps players coming back. Whether you’re looking for gentle exercise, competitive sport, or simply a fun way to meet people, pickleball delivers.
Conclusion
Starting any new sport can feel intimidating, but pickleball’s welcoming community and accessible gameplay make it easier than most. You don’t need to be a great athlete or have extensive racquet sport experience to enjoy pickleball. All you need is curiosity, comfortable shoes, and a willingness to try something new.
Ready to give it a try? Contact your local recreation center or visit JoliSports to find beginner-friendly courts and programs near you. Your pickleball journey starts with a single serve—make yours today!