Curious about pickleball? You’ve probably heard your friends raving about it or seen people playing at the park. This beginner’s guide will walk you through the essential rules, tips, and techniques to get you started with pickleball, the fastest-growing sport that’s perfect for anyone looking for a fun way to stay active, make friends, and enjoy the sunshine. Whether you're new to the game or just need a refresher, this guide has everything you need to know.
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What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It’s played on a smaller court with a net that’s slightly lower than a tennis net. The game is played with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes, making it easy to pick up but challenging enough to keep you engaged. With its low-impact nature, pickleball is ideal for players of all ages, fitness levels, and abilities.
Pickleball Rules: The Basics
Understanding the rules of pickleball is the first step to confidence. Here’s a breakdown of the essential rules:
The Court: A pickleball court is a rectangle, standing at 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, divided into two sides by a net that stands 3 feet high.
The Game: Pickleball is played with 2-4 players. Got the whole crew on the court? Play Bump Out! Extra players stand to the side, and if a current player makes an error, they step out and a new player takes their place.
The Serve: The game begins with a serve. The server must stand behind the baseline and hit the ball underhand, you want to make sure it lands diagonally across the court into the opponent’s area. The serve must clear the net and the non-volley zone (AKA the kitchen). You only get one serve attempt per point.
The Kitchen: The non-volley zone, commonly known as the kitchen, is a 7-foot area on both sides of the net. You cannot step into the kitchen to hit a volley (a ball hit before it bounces) unless the ball has already bounced in the kitchen.
Scoring: Scoring works a bit differently depending on how many players there are on the court, but games are usually played to 11 points, and you must win by 2 points. Only the serving team can score points. Points are scored when the opposing team commits a fault, such as hitting the ball out of bounds or into the net.
Faults: A fault occurs when the ball is hit out of bounds, doesn’t clear the net, or is volleyed from within the kitchen. Committing a fault results in the loss of serve or a point for the opposing team.
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What to Bring to the Pickleball Court
To get started with pickleball, you’ll need to bring the right gear to the court:
Pickleball Paddle: Pickleball paddles are smaller than tennis racquets but larger than ping-pong paddles. They come in materials like wood, composite, and graphite. Our lightweight, hardwood paddles are a great choice for beginners.
Pickleball: The ball used in pickleball is a perforated plastic ball, similar to a wiffle ball. Make sure to have a few extra balls on hand, as they can sometimes get lost during a match.
Court Shoes: Proper footwear is crucial. Pickleball involves quick movements, so choose court shoes that provide stability, traction, and support.
Comfortable Clothing: Wear breathable, moisture-wicking clothing to stay cool and comfortable during play. A hat or visor can also be helpful if you’re playing out in the sun. Don't forget sunscreen!
Water Bottle and Towel: Stay hydrated and keep a towel handy to wipe off sweat. Pickleball can be a great workout, especially during long matches.
Pickleball Tips and Techniques for Beginners
Now that you know the rules and what to bring, it’s time to dive into some tips and techniques to help you improve your game:
Keep the Ball Low: Aim to keep your shots low over the net. This makes it harder for your opponent to attack and gives you control of the game. Low shots are especially effective when serving or returning.
Master the Dink Shot: The dink is a soft shot that lands in your opponent’s kitchen, forcing them to hit upwards. It’s a strategic move that can disrupt your opponent’s rhythm and create opportunities for you to score.
Communicate with Your Partner: In doubles, communication is key. Talk to your partner about who will take each shot and cover different areas of the court. Good communication can prevent mistakes and improve your overall gameplay. A good pickleball partner = good vibes on the court.
Be Patient and Strategic: Don’t always go for the big smash. Sometimes, it’s better to play it safe and wait for the right opportunity for an attack shot. Focus on consistency and control rather than power.
Practice Regularly: Like any sport, practice is crucial in pickleball. Spend time working on your serve, dinks, volleys, and footwork. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become on the court. You can practice against a wall on any hard surface, such as against a wall in your garage!
Pickleball is a fantastic way to stay active, meet new people, and have fun. Whether you’re playing with friends or joining a local league, this should help you get started on the right foot. Remember, the key to winning at Pickleball is to enjoy the game, have fun with friends, and get some movement out in the sun (do it for your mental health, your brain will thank you!). So grab your paddle, your friends, and hit the court!
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Why you'll love them:
- Hardwood Paddles: Lightweight and durable – perfect for endless games
- Hand-Wrapped Handles: Stylish black handles for a comfy, secure grip
- Honeycomb Core: More control, more power – just what you need to ace your shots
- Protective Edge Guard: Keeps your paddle flexible and durable
- Double-Sided Print: Cool designs on both sides because, why not?
Choose From:
- Single Paddle (A solo style flex)
- The Beginner Set - perfect for when you’re just starting out as a beginner, giving as a gift, or maybe you just want a matching set. Includes two paddles of the same design*, two pickleballs and a vinyl carrying case. (*We are unable to mix and match designs for The Beginner Set at this time.)