Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and for good reason. It’s easy to learn, requires minimal equipment, and can be played by people of all ages and skill levels. If you’re interested in getting started with pickleball but don’t know where to begin, this guide will walk you through the steps.
Learn the Basics of Pickleball
Before you hit the court, it’s important to understand the basic rules of the game.
- Court Size and Setup: A pickleball court is similar to a badminton court, measuring 20 feet wide by 44 feet long. It has a net in the middle that’s 36 inches high at the sides and 34 inches high in the middle. The court has a non-volley zone, commonly called the “kitchen,” located 7 feet on either side of the net. You can’t volley (hit the ball in the air) when standing in this area.
- How the Game is Played: Pickleball can be played in singles (1 vs 1) or doubles (2 vs 2). The game starts with an underhand serve, and the serve must land in the opponent’s diagonal service box. The ball must bounce once on each side of the net before volleys are allowed, following the two-bounce rule. Points can only be scored by the serving team, and games are typically played to 11 points.
Gather the Right Equipment
Getting started with pickleball is easy because you don’t need a lot of equipment.
- Pickleball Paddle: A pickleball paddle is a bit larger than a ping-pong paddle and usually made of composite materials like wood, graphite, or fiberglass. For beginners, a simple, lightweight paddle is perfect.
- Pickleball: The ball used in pickleball is made of plastic and has holes, similar to a wiffle ball. There are slight differences between indoor and outdoor pickleballs, so choose the right one depending on where you’re playing. Outdoor pickleballs are usually heavier and have smaller holes to account for wind.
- Court or Net: While dedicated pickleball courts are becoming more common, many people play on tennis courts with portable pickleball nets. Some tennis courts are even marked with pickleball lines. Check your local parks or recreation centers for available courts, or set up your own net on any flat surface.
Find a Place to Play
Once you have your equipment, the next step is to find a pickleball court. Here are a few options:
- Public Parks and Recreation Centers: Many parks and community centers now have dedicated pickleball courts, often with regular hours for open play.
- Tennis Courts: Some tennis courts are marked with lines for pickleball, or you can bring a portable pickleball net and set it up on a tennis court.
- Pickleball Clubs: Some regions have pickleball clubs that organize regular games and events. Joining a club can be a great way to meet other players and get advice as you start.
Learn the Key Skills
Before you jump into a game, practice these key skills to improve your gameplay:
- Serving: The serve in pickleball must be hit underhand, with the paddle contacting the ball below your waist. Practice your serve to ensure it lands in the correct diagonal service box.
- Dinking: A dink is a soft, controlled shot that lands just over the net in your opponent’s non-volley zone (the kitchen). Dinking is a key part of the game because it forces your opponents to move forward and limits their ability to hit powerful shots.
- Volleys: Once the ball has bounced on each side of the court, you can start volleying (hitting the ball out of the air). Mastering volleys helps you control the pace of the game and puts pressure on your opponents.
- Positioning: In doubles pickleball, positioning is crucial. Work on moving with your partner, staying close to the net when possible, and maintaining good communication during the game.
Start Practicing
The best way to learn pickleball is to practice. Once you’re comfortable with the rules and have practiced the key skills, you can start playing casual games with friends or fellow beginners. Here’s how to approach your practice:
- Drills: Set up some simple drills, such as practicing serves or dinking with a partner. You can also find beginner pickleball tutorials online with helpful drills for improving your technique.
- Join Open Play Sessions: Many community centers and clubs host open play sessions where anyone can come and join a game. This is a great opportunity to learn from more experienced players and get a feel for competitive gameplay.
Play Your First Game
Once you’ve practiced, it’s time to play your first game! Don’t worry if you make mistakes at first—pickleball is meant to be fun and social, so just focus on enjoying the game. Here are a few tips for your first game:
- Keep the Ball Low: Try to hit the ball so it stays low over the net. This makes it harder for your opponents to hit strong volleys back at you.
- Communicate with Your Partner: In doubles, good communication is essential. Call out shots, especially when you’re deciding who should go for the ball.
- Have Fun: Pickleball is a social game, and most players are more focused on having fun than winning. Relax, enjoy the experience, and don’t be afraid to ask for tips from more experienced players.
Join a Pickleball Community
Once you’ve gotten a taste of pickleball, you might want to get more involved. Here’s how you can do that:
- Find Local Pickleball Leagues or Tournaments: Many areas have recreational pickleball leagues where you can sign up for regular matches or compete in friendly tournaments.
- Join a Pickleball Club: Clubs are a great way to meet other players, get more playing time, and improve your skills. You can even find online communities where players share tips, arrange meetups, and discuss all things pickleball.
Starting pickleball is simple, and it’s a sport that offers endless fun and fitness benefits. Whether you’re looking to play casually or want to get more competitive, pickleball has something for everyone. Grab a paddle, find a court, and start playing—it’s an easy game to learn and a great way to stay active!