How to Play Pickleball?

June 10, 2025

Pickleball is a fun, easy-to-learn sport played on a small court with a paddle and a plastic ball. It combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Whether you play singles or doubles, the goal is to score points by hitting the ball over the net without mistakes. If you’re looking to start playing pickleball or just want to find out more information about this rapidly growing sport, here’s a handy guide with everything you need to know about how to play pickleball.

Who can play pickleball?

Pickleball is for everyone – kids, adults, seniors, beginners, and athletes alike. It’s easy on the joints and suitable for all fitness levels. People of all backgrounds can enjoy it socially or competitively, making it a perfect way to stay active, meet friends, and have fun regardless of age or skill.

How to start playing pickleball

To begin playing pickleball, first locate a nearby court—many community centers and parks offer them. You’ll need a paddle and pickleball balls; beginner clinics or lessons often provide the necessary equipment. Learn the fundamental rules by joining a class or watching online tutorials. The game is played on a 20-by-44-foot court with a net at its center. While you can play singles (by yourself) or doubles (with a partner), doubles is generally more popular for beginners. Dedicate time to practicing your serve, returns, and keeping score. Enjoy the learning process and remember to be patient; consistent practice will naturally lead to improved skills and fitness.

Rule #1: Each rally begins with a serve

Every pickleball rally begins with a serve. The player on the right side of their court serves diagonally to the opponent’s service court. The serve must clear the kitchen area, also known as the no-volley zone, near the net. Serves can be executed in two ways:

Volley Serve: The traditional method where the ball is hit directly out of the air. For this serve, your paddle must move in an upward arc, and contact with the ball must be made below your waist.

Drop Serve: An alternative where you drop the ball and hit it after it bounces. Both serve types require an underhand stroke.

Rule #2: The Two-Bounce Rule

Before any player can hit the ball out of the air (a volley), the ball must first bounce once on each side of the net. It makes sure players take their time getting to the net, which helps keep the game balanced. If you hit the serve before the ball bounces, it is called a fault, and you do not win the point.

Rule #3: Points End with a Fault or Winning Shot

Following the serve, a point continues until a fault is committed or a winning shot is made. Common faults include:

A serve not landing in the correct service court.
The ball going out of bounds.
The ball hitting the net and falling back on your side.
The ball bouncing twice before being returned (violating the two-bounce rule). When a fault occurs, the rally ends, resulting in a side-out (if the serving team faulted) or a point for the serving team (if the receiving team faulted).

Rule #4: The Kitchen Rule (No Volley Zone)

The “kitchen,” or non-volley zone, is the 7-foot area extending from the net on both sides of the court. Players are strictly prohibited from volleying the ball (hitting it out of the air) while standing within this zone or touching its line. If you are in the kitchen, you must let the ball bounce before hitting it. Additionally, you cannot step into or touch the kitchen or its line during or immediately after hitting a volley. This rule is crucial for player safety and fairness, preventing players from dominating rallies directly at the net.

Rule #5: You only win points on your serve

In pickleball, you can only score points when your team is serving. If you win a point on your serve, you continue serving and switch sides with your partner. If you lose a point while serving, your teammate takes over serving. When both players on your team lose their serves, the other team gets the serve. This keeps the game moving and gives each team a fair chance to score.

Rule #6: Announce the Score Before Serving

Players must call out the score using three numbers before each serve to ensure clarity and track game progress. The format is: Serving Team’s Score – Receiving Team’s Score – Server Number (1 or 2). For example, “4-2-1” means the serving team has 4 points, the receiving team has 2 points, and the first server of the team is serving. At the very beginning of the game, the score is announced as “0-0-2” because, uniquely, the first serving team of the match only gets one server before a side-out.

Rule #7: First team to 11 points wins – but you must win by 2

The first team wins a game to reach 11 points, but they must be at least 2 points ahead to win. If the score is tied 10-10, play continues until one team leads by two points. Because of this rule, games may stay exciting for longer, often ending with scores like 12-10 or 15-13. It gives both sides a chance to win, so each point is vital until the final results are in.

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Essential Gear for Playing Pickleball

Before you start playing pickleball, you’ll need a few essentials.

Basic Gear: A pickleball paddle and pickleballs are fundamental. If your local court lacks a net, a portable pickleball net is also necessary.
Proper Attire: Wear comfortable sportswear and court-specific shoes designed for quick lateral movements. This will enhance your performance and help prevent injuries.
Court Access: Secure a local pickleball court or a suitable space where you can set up a temporary court.
Rules Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with the latest pickleball rules. Understanding the rules ensures fair play and maximizes your enjoyment of the game.

Where can I play pickleball?

Pickleball is growing fast, with over 270 dedicated venues across the UK. To find a place near you, check with your local sports clubs or community centres. These may already offer pickleball sessions. If there’s no dedicated court, don’t worry. You can easily convert existing courts to play pickleball.

Tennis courts work great since you can fit up to four pickleball courts on one tennis court by marking smaller boundaries and lowering the net to 34 inches at the center. Badminton courts can also be used, though they are smaller, so you might need to adjust the playing area or play casual games. This flexibility makes pickleball accessible almost anywhere with a flat surface and a net.

How to set up a pickleball court

Setting up a pickleball court is simple, especially if the lines are already marked. Most dedicated pickleball courts come with permanent lines, so you just need to set up the net. Use a portable net designed for pickleball, and place it at the center of the court. The net height should be 34 inches (86.36 cm) at the center and 36 inches (91.44 cm) at the sidelines.

If you’re converting a tennis or badminton court, mark the pickleball boundaries using tape or chalk. The court should measure 44 feet long and 20 feet wide. Make sure to mark the non-volley zone (the kitchen), which extends 7 feet from the net on both sides. Once the net and lines are in place, check that everything is level and secure. Now, your court is ready for a fun pickleball game!

Types of shots in pickleball

Drives: Powerful groundstrokes hit off the bounce, typically from the baseline, using forehand or backhand swings to pressure opponents.
Drop Shots: Soft shots aimed to land in the opponent’s kitchen from the back court. Thus, forcing them to move forward and disrupting their rhythm.
Dinks: Gentle, controlled shots played close to the net into the kitchen. These are designed to create a tactical battle and prevent aggressive returns.
Volleys: Shots struck out of the air before the ball bounces, only allowed outside the kitchen zone for quick exchanges.
Lobs: High shots sent deep to push opponents away from the net.
Overheads: Attacking shots hit above the head to counter lobs effectively.

How to Serve in Pickleball

Every pickleball rally starts with the serve, whose primary purpose is to put the ball into play, unlike the power serves often seen in tennis. According to USA Pickleball Official Rules, there are two legal serve types:

Volley Serve (Traditional): The ball is hit directly out of the air. Key requirements include:
- The serve must be hit with an underhand stroke.
- Contact with the ball must be made below the server’s waist.
- The paddle’s arm must be moving in an upward arc.
- The highest point of the paddle head must be below the wrist when it strikes the ball.
Drop Serve: The server drops the ball, and it is then hit after it bounces. This type of serve also requires an underhand stroke.

USA Pickleball updated the pickleball rules in 2021 to allow for a “drop serve”.

Where to serve in pickleball

When serving, stand behind the baseline, ensuring neither foot touches the baseline or sidelines. You must remain behind the baseline until the opponent has returned the ball and the serving team’s “third shot” has been played. Moving forward prematurely risks violating the two-bounce rule, which mandates that the ball must bounce twice (once on each side) before volleys can occur.

Where to stand when serving

Stand behind the baseline when serving, with neither foot touching the baseline or sideline. Remain behind the baseline until the ball is returned and the third shot is played. Moving forward too soon risks breaking the two-bounce rule, which requires the ball to bounce twice before volleys.

Serving Strategies

While the goal of the pickleball serve is to place the ball in play, you can use it to your advantage. Here are three strategies for improving your pickleball serve:

Serve deep: Short serves cause your opponent to run toward the kitchen line. You want to keep them back as long as possible, so a deep serve is best.

Hit a weakness: Serving to your opponent’s weaker side (forehand or backhand) may result in more errors or weaker returns by them.

Add spin (advanced): By changing the angle of your paddle on your serve follow-through, you can introduce spin. Spin can throw your opponents off guard and cause unforced errors on the return.

What is an illegal serve in pickleball?

An illegal serve in pickleball is any serve that violates any of the serving rules. Just remember:

The serve not landing in the opposite diagonal service court.
The serve not being hit underhand with an upward motion.
Contact with the ball being made above the server’s waist.
The server’s feet touching or crossing the baseline (or sidelines) during the serve.
Serving out of turn or in the incorrect order.
The serve landing in the kitchen (non-volley zone), including the kitchen line.
The ball failing to clear the net.

Breaking any of these pickleball rules results in an illegal serve.

Types of Serving Mistakes

Foot Faults: If any part of the server’s foot touches the baseline or extends beyond it during the serve, it’s a foot fault and results in a fault.
Pre-Spun Serve: The ball must be dropped naturally for a drop serve or struck cleanly for a volley serve. Adding spin before contact is illegal.
Net Fault: If the ball touches the net and doesn’t land in the proper service area, or falls into the kitchen, including the line, the serve is invalid.
Wrong Target Area: Serving to the wrong court (not diagonal) causes a fault.
Out-of-Bounds Serve: A ball served beyond the sideline or baseline, or into the kitchen, results in loss of serve.

Starting a Game & Keeping Score

A pickleball game begins with a serve, but who serves first? According to the USA Pickleball rulebook, any fair method works – coin toss, paddle spin, or local court rules. Once the serving team is chosen,the player on the right side of their court serves first, announcing the score as “0-0-2.” This unique initial score indicates that both teams have 0 points, and the server is designated as the “second server” (as the first serving team traditionally only gets one serve before a side-out in the opening sequence). Only the serving team can score points. After a fault or rally loss, a side out occurs and the serve moves to the opponent. From then on, each team gets two serves per possession (first and second server) before the other team takes over.

Two Important Rules to Know

The Double Bounce Rule: This rule helps maintain fair and controlled play. After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce once before returning it. Then, the serving team must also let the return bounce before hitting it back. Only after these two bounces can players start volleying (hitting the ball in the air without a bounce). This prevents immediate net play and encourages longer rallies.
The Kitchen Rule: The non-volley zone, commonly called “the kitchen”, is a 7-foot area on both sides of the net. Players are not allowed to volley the ball (hit it out of the air) while standing inside the kitchen or touching the kitchen line. You may only enter the kitchen if the ball bounces there first. This rule discourages smashes at the net and promotes skillful, strategic play instead of power-dominated shots.

Together, these two pickleball rules are the foundation of fair pickleball. They ensure rallies are longer, safer, and more strategic, making the game accessible and enjoyable for all skill levels.

What are the three numbers in a pickleball score?

In pickleball, the score is announced using three numbers in this order: Serving Team’s Score – Receiving Team’s Score – Server Number. For instance, a score of “4-2-1” means:

The serving team has 4 points.
The receiving team has 2 points.
The first server of the serving team is currently serving.

Teams typically get two chances to serve (a first and second server) before a side-out occurs. The only exception is at the very beginning of the game, where the first serving team only gets one server, which is why the opening score is “0-0-2.”

Do you have to call a pickleball score out loud?

Yes, players are required to call the score out loud before every serve in pickleball. This helps avoid confusion, ensures both teams are on the same page, and maintains the official flow of the game, especially in competitive or tournament play.

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How to play pickleball doubles

Pickleball doubles is played with two players on each side of the court and is the most popular format. The game starts with the player on the right side serving diagonally. Players must follow the two-bounce rule, the ball must bounce once on each side before volleys begin. Only the serving team can score. When the first server faults, the second teammate serves. After both players lose a rally, a side out occurs, and the serve passes to the opponents. Effective doubles strategy includes communication, court coverage, and dinking near the kitchen to control the pace and win points.

How to play pickleball singles

Pickleball singles is similar to doubles but with just one player per side. The game starts with a serve from the right side when the score is even and from the left when it’s odd. Players must follow the two-bounce rule, and there’s no second server, once you lose a rally, your opponent serves. Scoring uses only two numbers: your score and your opponent’s. The server switches sides after every point they win. Court coverage is more demanding than in doubles, making movement and shot placement key. All other rules, including faults and kitchen violations, remain the same.

Can you play pickleball by yourself?

Absolutely! Practicing pickleball by yourself is an excellent way to enhance your skills and fitness. Try drills like “paddle up” or “selfie ball bounce” to boost coordination and reflexes. Use a practice wall or rebound net to hit the ball repeatedly, working on accuracy and shot control. Practice hitting the ball many times on either a practice wall or rebound net to improve your shot control. Portable nets or targets help simulate real play. For advanced training, a pickleball machine offers varied feeds to mimic game situations. These tools allow you to train effectively anytime, even without a partner, ensuring you stay sharp and ready for your next match. Solo practice is a valuable component of improving your pickleball game.

Tips for pickleball beginners

Here are some key tips to help beginners improve and win more games:

Move to the kitchen after returning serve: Don’t stay at the baseline, taking control near the net puts pressure on your opponents.
Keep your paddle up and ready: Hold it around chest height for quicker reactions; holding it low slows your response time.
Use a loose grip on touch shots: Aim for a light grip (around 3/10 tightness). A tight grip makes your dinks and drop shots pop up too much.
Avoid flicking your wrist on dinks: Move your arm as one unit from the shoulder for more control and precision.
Bend your knees and stay low: A stable, low stance improves both power and accuracy on drives and touch shots.
Skip risky lobs: Since pickleball courts are small, lob shots are lower percentage. Focus on dinks and consistent plays instead.
Be patient and save power for advantage shots: Hitting everything hard often leads to mistakes.
Practice drop shots often: The drop shot is tricky but essential. Drill it repeatedly with a partner or machine.
Serve and return deep: This forces your opponent back, making it harder for them to attack.
Practice regularly and consider coaching: Drilling specific shots boosts your skill faster than casual play alone.
Invest in a good paddle: A quality paddle can noticeably improve your game. Try a paddle quiz to find one that fits your style.

Where to Play Pickleball

Finding a place to play pickleball is easier than ever, thanks to its growing popularity. Here’s where you can typically find courts:

Dedicated Pickleball Courts: Many local parks, recreation centers, gyms, and sports clubs now offer dedicated pickleball facilities. These venues often host beginner-friendly sessions, group classes, and open play times, making it simple to get started and connect with other players.

Converted Courts: Don’t have a dedicated pickleball court nearby? No problem! You can easily set up temporary courts on existing tennis or badminton courts. Simply use a portable net and temporary court lines to mark out the pickleball boundaries. This flexibility makes pickleball accessible almost anywhere with a flat surface.

At FindYourFit, we believe wellness should be easy and accessible. Whether you join us at Delhi pickleball tournaments or one of our wellness festivals, workshops, or sports retreats, you’ll find opportunities to get active with pickleball and other exciting activities. Get ready to find your fit, wherever you choose to play!