The Easiest Way To Start Playing Pickleball!
Understanding the Rules of Pickleball: A Beginner’s Guide
LEARN HOW TO PLAY PICKLEBALL. BUY THIS BOX.
Pickleball is one of the most rapidly growing sports in the world—and for good reason. It’s fast-paced, highly social, and fun for players of all ages and athletic abilities.
But because pickleball blends elements of badminton, tennis, and ping pong, it comes with a unique set of rules that aren’t always intuitive, even for seasoned athletes.
Once you understand them, the rules of pickleball feel simple. But in your first few games, you might find yourself asking, “Wait, was that out?” “Do we switch sides now?” or “Did your side just earn that point?”
The good news? When the rules are explained clearly, they click quickly.
Why Understanding Pickleball Rules Matters
If you’re new to the game, it can be tempting to just “wing it” and pick up the rules of pickleball as you go. While this can work in one-off situations, learning the official pickleball rules early will:
- Generate many more invitations for you to join in social play
- Minimize common mistakes that slow down the game
- Help you play with a wider variety of partners
- Pave an easy transition into more competitive play
- Provide a stronger platform for focusing on strategies and technique
A little time spent learning the basics can make your first games far more enjoyable, keeping you from feeling lost or frustrated. And it will quickly pay off as you loosen up and watch your skills improve one game at a time.
PICKLEBALL BASICS
Pickleball is played on a court similar in size to a badminton court, using a paddle and a plastic ball with holes. It can be played as singles or doubles, with doubles being more common. The goal is simple: hit the ball over the net and into the opponent’s court without letting it bounce more than once on your side.
Points can only be scored by the serving team, and games are typically played to 11 points (win by two). When serving, players must use an underhand stroke and hit the ball diagonally across the net. One unique rule is the “double bounce” rule: after a serve, each team must let the ball bounce once on each side of the net before they can volley (hit the ball out of the air). This encourages longer rallies and more strategic play.
Another essential rule is the non-volley zone or “kitchen,” a 7-foot area on both sides of the net. Players cannot hit the ball out of the air while standing in this zone. This rule prevents aggressive net smashes and keeps the game more balanced.
PICKLEBALL FLASHCARDS HELP EASE THE LEARNING CURVE
For those learning how to play pickleball for beginners, focusing on the core rules will help ease the learning curve. Our philosophy is to break it all down, one concept at a time. No need to memorize an entire rule book at once!
Ready to get started? The ultimate beginner’s guide awaits you! With our 60-card pickleball crash course in a box, you’ll find everything you need to confidently step onto the court and start playing. Learn the essentials and jump into the action quickly with Pickleball In A Flash.