What Is Pickleball and Why Everyone Is Playing It
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, blending elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis into one exciting and beginner-friendly game. If you’ve ever asked “what is pickleball?” or wondered how to play pickleball, you’re not alone.
This pickleball beginner guide is designed for absolute beginners who want a clear, no-confusion path to learning the game. Whether you’re young, senior, athletic, or just getting back into fitness, pickleball offers low-impact movement, fast learning curves, and a strong social community.
By the end of this blog, you’ll confidently understand:
- What pickleball is
- How to play pickleball step by step
- Pickleball rules for beginners
- Scoring, serving, and court layout
- Essential beginner tips to improve fast
Pickleball is a paddle sport played with a solid paddle and a lightweight plastic ball on a court smaller than a tennis court. It’s commonly played as doubles (2 vs 2), though singles play is also popular for fitness and practice.
The objective is simple: hit the ball over the net into your opponent’s court so they cannot legally return it.
Key features that define pickleball:
- Small court (20 × 44 feet)
- Underhand serving
- Strategic soft shots called dinks
- A unique rule called the non-volley zone (kitchen)
These features make pickleball easier to learn than tennis and more accessible than many racket sports.
A Brief History of Pickleball
Understanding the history of pickleball adds context to its beginner-friendly design.
Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, when a group of friends wanted a backyard game everyone could play. Using a badminton court, ping-pong paddles, and a perforated ball, they created what would eventually become a global sport.
Today, pickleball is played in:
- Community parks
- Indoor sports facilities
- Retirement communities
- Competitive tournaments worldwide
Why Pickleball Is Perfect for Beginners
Pickleball continues to attract new players because it’s:
- Easy to learn
- Low impact on joints
- Highly social
- Playable indoors or outdoors
Many beginners can rally within their first session, making learn pickleball for beginners a quick and rewarding experience.
Pickleball Court Dimensions Explained
Understanding pickleball court dimensions helps beginners visualize gameplay and follow rules more easily.
Standard Court Size
- Width: 20 feet
- Length: 44 feet
- Same size for singles and doubles
Important Court Areas
- Baseline: Where serves are made
- Service Courts: Diagonal boxes where serves land
- Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen): 7 feet from the net on each side
- Net Height: 36 inches at sides, 34 inches at center
Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen) Explained
The kitchen prevents aggressive net play. Players cannot volley the ball while standing in this zone, but they may enter it after the ball bounces.
Essential Pickleball Equipment for Beginners
Choosing the right pickleball equipment for beginners makes learning smoother and safer.
1. Pickleball Paddle vs Tennis Racket
Pickleball paddles are solid (no strings) and lighter than tennis rackets.
- Wood paddles: Affordable but heavier
- Composite/graphite paddles: Better control and feel (recommended)
2. Pickleball Balls
- Indoor balls: Softer, fewer holes
- Outdoor balls: Harder, more holes, wind-resistant
3. Shoes & Clothing
Wear court shoes with lateral support and breathable athletic clothing.
Pickleball Rules for Beginners (Simplified)
Learning pickleball rules for beginners comes down to a few core principles.
Serving Rules
- Serve underhand
- Paddle contacts ball below waist
- Serve diagonally
- Ball must clear the kitchen
The Two-Bounce Rule
- Serve must bounce once
- Return must bounce once
- Only then can volleys begin
Faults Include
- Hitting into the net
- Ball landing out of bounds
- Volleying inside the kitchen
- Violating the two-bounce rule
Pickleball Scoring Explained
Pickleball scoring explained simply:
- Games to 11 points
- Must win by 2
- Only the serving team scores
Doubles Scoring Format
Called as:
Server score – Receiver score – Server number
Example: 4-2-1
How to Play Pickleball: Step-by-Step Beginner Guide
Step 1: Grip & Ready Position
Use a relaxed handshake grip. Knees bent, paddle up.
Step 2: How to Serve in Pickleball
Serve underhand, diagonally, with control—not power.
Step 3: Return the Serve
Let the ball bounce, then return deep.
Step 4: Move to the Kitchen Line
After the double bounce, advance forward.
Step 5: Basic Shot Types
- Groundstroke
- Volley
- Dink
- Lob
Step 6: Play the Rally
Focus on consistency and placement.
Basic Pickleball Strategies for Beginners
- Control over power
- Move up to the kitchen line
- Hit to the middle
- Communicate in doubles
These basic pickleball strategies help beginners win more points without advanced techniques.
Common Pickleball Mistakes (and Fixes)
Avoid these early:
- Staying at baseline
- Swinging too hard
- Kitchen foot faults
- Skipping warm-ups
Indoor vs Outdoor Pickleball
- Indoor pickleball: Slower, controlled
- Outdoor pickleball: Faster, wind-affected
Both are great for recreational pickleball play.
Best Pickleball Tips for Beginners
- Practice dinks and serves
- Play consistently
- Join open play sessions
- Warm up every time
Ready to Start Playing Pickleball?
Pickleball is easy to learn, fun to play, and endlessly social. With this pickleball beginner guide, you now understand what pickleball is, how to play pickleball, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Grab a paddle, step on the court, and enjoy one of the most welcoming sports communities in the world.
FAQs: Pickleball for Beginners
What is pickleball?
Pickleball combines tennis, badminton, and ping-pong on a smaller court using paddles and a perforated plastic ball. Perfect for all ages and fitness levels.
What are the basic court dimensions?
Standard court measures 20 feet wide by 44 feet long, same for singles or doubles. Features a 7-foot non-volley zone (kitchen) on each side of the net.
How do you serve in pickleball?
Underhand serve from behind the baseline, paddle below waist, diagonally across court clearing the kitchen. One foot must stay grounded.
What is the two-bounce rule?
After serving, the ball must bounce once on the receiver’s side, then once on the server’s side before volleys are allowed. Prevents aggressive kitchen play early.
What is the kitchen/no-volley zone?
7-foot area from net where volleys prohibited. Stepping into the kitchen during volley is the fault, but groundstrokes allowed.
What equipment do beginners need?
Paddle ($30-80), pickleballs (indoor/outdoor), court shoes. No need for expensive gear initially.
How many players per game?
Doubles (4 players) most popular for beginners. Singles also played but were more physically demanding.
Can beginners play competitively?
Yes, recreational leagues use skill ratings (2.0-5.0+). Tournaments offer beginner divisions.
What is scoring in pickleball?
Only serving team scores (11/15/21 points to win by 2). Even games start right-side serve.
How long is a typical pickleball game?
30-45 minutes for recreational doubles matches. Continuous rally scoring keeps games fast-paced.
What are common beginner faults?
Serving underhand below waist, volleying in kitchen, not clearing kitchen on serve, wrong server order.
Is pickleball good cardio exercise?
Excellent—combines lateral quickness, core stability, upper body power. Full-body workout with social benefits.
Where can beginners find courts?
Beginners can find pickleball courts at public parks, gyms, and recreation centers. However, for a truly beginner-friendly experience, Pickleball Place CT is an excellent choice—open to all ages, offering a welcoming environment and indoor pickleball courts so weather never affects play.
Do I need prior sports experience?
No—simpler rules than tennis, smaller court. Most learn the basics in the first session.
How much does pickleball cost to start?
$50-100 total (paddle + balls + shoes). Cheapest racquet sport to begin.
