Learning how to Play Pickleball: A Beginner's Guide

Get Started with Pickleball in your area

Are you itching to take up a new hobby that'll give you a good workout while still being kind on your knees and elbows? Or maybe you're looking to make new friends in your community? Look no further than pickleball! 

The pickleball craze has taken over the world for good reason — unlike other racket sports, it offers an approachable and gentle mix of fun, fitness, and friendship. (Fun fact:  our survey found that 53% of side-hustle pickleball coaches prefer giving lessons to their full-time day job.) 

If you’re ready to head out to the local pickleball court for the first time but don’t know what to expect, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to get up to speed on how to play pickleball as a beginner. 

Getting Started with Pickleball

Diving into the world of pickleball is easier than you think. You’ll need to:

1. Gear up. Buy, rent, or borrow a pickleball paddle, a few pickleball balls (they’re similar to wiffle balls), and some comfortable sportswear and sneakers. 

2. Find a court. Pickleball courts are popping up everywhere these days — they’re usually the same size as badminton courts and can be found in many local gyms, community centers, or outdoor parks. Whether you’re an indoor enthusiast or love the fresh air, there’s a court out there for you.

3. Bring a friend (if you want). Pickleball is as social as you want it to be. You can play singles and focus on your personal skills, or double the fun by playing doubles. Don’t have a partner? No worries! Pickleball communities are known for being friendly — it’s a fantastic way to meet new people who share your newfound interest.

Learning the Basics of Pickleball

Getting a handle on the basic rules of pickleball is key to enjoying the game. Here’s a quick and easy breakdown of how to play pickleball:

• Start with the serve: Every game of pickleball begins with an underhand serve. When you serve, aim diagonally across the court — this adds a strategic element to the game and ensures fair play.

• Let the ball bounce: After the serve, the ball must bounce once before it's returned, and then it must bounce again on the serving side. This “two-bounce rule” is crucial as it prevents players from smashing the ball too close to the net, keeping the game friendly and fun.

• Avoid power volleys at first: Initially, focus on getting the ball over the net and within the court boundaries. These gentle, strategic plays at the net are called dink shots. As you get more comfortable, you can start experimenting with more powerful volleys from further away.

If you’re taking a beginner’s lesson for the first time, expect to practice using the paddle and ball rather than immediately jump into a game. For example, Michael Mata, a pickleball coach from Cerritos, CA, has his students doing wall drills, hand-eye coordination drills with the ball and paddle, and footwork drills. 

Singles vs Doubles

Debating about whether to fly solo or team up? Ask yourself:

• How much of a workout am I looking for? Singles is more physically demanding, requiring you to cover the entire court by yourself.

• Am I looking for a strategic challenge? Singles focuses more on individual strategy and skill, while doubles involves teamwork and coordinated strategies with your partner.

• Do I want a social experience? Though singles pickleball is still interactive, doubles offers a more social experience, as you play and communicate with a teammate.

• Am I worried about space and movement? In singles, you have more court space to manage; alternatively, in doubles, court awareness and avoiding collisions with your partner are key.

• How do I handle pressure? Singles places all the pressure on you to perform. In doubles, the pressure is shared, which can be reassuring for some players.