Pickleball for beginners: the rules and what to bring

Pickleball is easy to start and hard to put down. You can learn the basics in one session, which is a large part of why it has spread so quickly. This guide covers the rules you need for your first game.

The court

A pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, the same size as a doubles badminton court. A net splits it in the middle. On each side, a 7-foot strip next to the net is the non-volley zone, called the kitchen.

The basic rules

• The serve is underhand and goes diagonally across the court to the receiver's service box.
• Double bounce: after the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before anyone can volley it (hit it out of the air).
• No volleying in the kitchen. You cannot hit the ball out of the air while standing in the non-volley zone, or on its line.
• Only the serving side scores. Games are usually played to 11 points and you must win by 2.
• A ball that lands on a line is in. A ball that hits the net on a serve and lands in the correct box is played.

How scoring works in doubles

In doubles, the score is called as three numbers: your side's points, the other side's points and which server you are (1 or 2). Each side gets two servers per turn, apart from the very first serve of the game, which gets one. Have someone call the score out loud before every serve and most arguments never start.

What to bring

• A paddle. If you do not have one, ask the venue whether it lends or rents them before you go.
• Balls. Indoor and outdoor balls are different: outdoor balls are harder with smaller holes, and indoor balls are softer. Use the type that matches the court.
• Court shoes or non-marking sports shoes with good grip. Running shoes are built for forward motion and can roll on side-to-side moves.
• Water, a towel and a cap or sunglasses if you are playing outdoors.

Your first game

Keep your first games relaxed. Focus on getting the serve in, letting the ball bounce on the return, and staying out of the kitchen. Everything else comes with practice, and most players are happy to explain a rule if you ask.