How to Play Pickleball

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Players use solid paddles to hit a perforated plastic ball over a net on a court roughly one-third the size of a tennis court. The game can be played as singles or doubles, with doubles being the most common format.

Origins

Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by three fathers looking to entertain their bored children. Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum created the game using improvised equipment and rules borrowed from other racket sports. The name’s origin remains debated, with stories involving either the Pritchard family dog named Pickles or the term “pickle boat” from crew racing.

The sport grew slowly for decades before experiencing explosive growth in the 2010s and 2020s. By 2023, pickleball had become one of the fastest-growing sports in North America, with millions of players across all age groups.

Equipment

The Paddle

Pickleball paddles are solid and made from composite materials or graphite, with wooden paddles still available primarily for casual recreational play. Standard paddles measure roughly 7-8 inches wide and 15-16 inches long. Beginners often start with mid-weight paddles (7.3-8.3 ounces) that balance power and control.

For detailed recommendations, see our guide to beginner paddles.

Paddle faces can be textured or smooth, affecting spin potential. The grip circumference ranges from 4 to 4.5 inches, with smaller hands generally preferring thinner grips. Unlike tennis rackets, pickleball paddles have no strings.

The Ball

Regulation pickleballs are plastic with circular holes, resembling wiffle balls. Indoor balls have larger holes (typically 26) and are lighter, while outdoor balls have smaller holes (typically 40) and are heavier to withstand wind. The ball diameter is approximately 2.9 inches.

Outdoor balls are harder and more durable but can crack in cold weather. Indoor balls are softer and quieter but wear out faster on rough surfaces.

Court Dimensions

A pickleball court measures 20 feet wide by 44 feet long for both singles and doubles play. The net height is 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center. A regulation net spans the entire width of the court.

The court includes several key zones. The non-volley zone, commonly called “the kitchen,” extends 7 feet from the net on both sides. Service areas are divided into right and left sides by a centerline. The baseline marks the back boundary of the court.

Apparel

Players should wear comfortable athletic clothing that allows free movement. Court shoes with non-marking soles provide the best traction and lateral support. Running shoes lack adequate side-to-side stability for the quick directional changes pickleball requires.

In outdoor play, sun protection including hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen is essential. Many players wear moisture-wicking fabrics to stay comfortable during extended play.

Rules

Basic Scoring

Games are typically played to 11 points, and a team must win by 2 points. Tournament matches may play to 15 or 21 points. Only the serving team can score points.

The score is announced as three numbers in doubles: serving team’s score, receiving team’s score, and the server number (1 or 2). For example, “5-3-2” means the serving team has 5 points, the receiving team has 3 points, and the second server is serving.

In singles, only two numbers are called: the server’s score first, then the opponent’s score.

The Serve

The serve must be made underhand with contact below the waist. For a volley serve (hit out of the air), the arm must move in an upward arc, and the paddle head must be below the wrist at contact. The server must keep both feet behind the baseline until after striking the ball.

Alternatively, players can use a drop serve, where the ball is dropped and hit after it bounces. This method, added to the rules in 2021, has fewer restrictions on paddle position and motion.

The serve is made diagonally cross-court, landing in the opponent’s service area. The ball must clear the non-volley zone. If the ball touches the net but lands in the correct service area, it’s a let serve and is replayed with no penalty.

In doubles, both players on the serving team get to serve before the serve passes to the opponents, except at the start of each game when only one player serves. The starting team begins at “0-0-2” to account for this advantage.

Double Bounce Rule

After the serve, each side must make one groundstroke before volleys are allowed. This means the receiving team must let the serve bounce, and the serving team must let the return bounce. After these two bounces, players can volley the ball or play it off the bounce.

This rule prevents the serving team from rushing the net immediately and creates longer rallies. It’s one of the most fundamental rules that distinguishes pickleball from other racket sports.

Non-Volley Zone

The non-volley zone, or kitchen, is the 7-foot area on both sides of the net. Players cannot volley the ball while standing in this zone or even on the kitchen line. A volley is any shot taken before the ball bounces.

Players can enter the kitchen to play a ball that has bounced. However, momentum cannot carry a player into the kitchen after hitting a volley outside the zone. This includes stepping on the kitchen line with any part of your foot.

Faults

A fault occurs when a rule is violated, ending the rally. Common faults include hitting the ball out of bounds, failing to clear the net, volleying from the kitchen, violating serving rules, or letting the ball bounce twice on your side before returning it.

In doubles, a fault on serve means the serve passes to the partner (if it’s the first server) or to the opposing team (if it’s the second server). A fault during a rally results in a point for the opponent if they were serving, or a side-out if the team committing the fault was serving.

Techniques

The Serve

The most reliable serve is a deep serve to the opponent’s baseline, keeping them back and preventing an aggressive return. Aim for the centerline between opponents in doubles to create confusion about who should return.

Varying serve placement prevents opponents from anticipating. Target the backhand side, which is typically weaker for most players. Soft serves to the kitchen line can catch opponents off guard, though this leaves less margin for error since the serve cannot touch the kitchen line.

Practice consistency before power. A serve that reliably lands in play is more valuable than an occasionally powerful serve mixed with frequent faults. Advanced players can add spin by changing the paddle angle on the follow-through to throw opponents off guard.

The Return of Serve

The return of serve should typically be deep, pushing the serving team back from the net. Aim for the middle of the court in doubles to minimize angles and create uncertainty between opponents.

A high, soft return gives your team time to advance to the non-volley line. Avoid hitting returns that land short, as these give the serving team an easy opportunity to attack. After returning serve, transition quickly to the kitchen line to establish a strong court position.

The Dink

A dink is a soft shot hit from the non-volley zone that arcs over the net and lands in the opponent’s kitchen. This is perhaps the most important shot in pickleball, as much of high-level play involves dinking rallies.

Good dinks stay low over the net, making them difficult to attack. The goal is to force opponents to hit up on the ball, creating opportunities for put-away shots. Patience during dinking exchanges is essential.

Practice dinking cross-court, which provides more net clearance and a longer distance, reducing errors. Straight-ahead dinks are more aggressive but riskier. Use a loose grip (around 3 out of 10 tightness) on dinks for better control, and avoid flicking your wrist. Move your arm as one unit from the shoulder for more consistent placement.

Drop Shots

Drop shots are played from the back of the court, typically as a third shot after the serve and return. These soft shots aim to land in the opponent’s kitchen, allowing your team to move forward to the net.

The third shot drop is one of the most important shots to master for advancing your game, as it neutralizes the receiving team’s advantage and lets the serving team reach the kitchen line safely.

The Drive

A drive is a hard, low shot typically used to return serves or to attack high balls. The ball is hit with topspin to help it drop quickly into the court. Drives are aimed at opponents’ feet or down the sidelines.

When hitting drives, keep the ball low to prevent easy volleys. Drives directed at the opponent’s body can be particularly effective, as these are difficult to handle cleanly.

The Lob

A lob is a high, arcing shot hit over opponents’ heads when they’re positioned at the kitchen line. Effective lobs land deep in the court, forcing opponents to retreat.

Use lobs sparingly, as predictable lobs are easy to track down and return. The best lobs go to the backhand side or down the middle in doubles. Windy conditions make lobs riskier, as the ball becomes difficult to control. For beginners, lobs are generally low-percentage shots—focus on dinks and consistent play instead.

Volleying

Volleys are shots taken before the ball bounces. Strong volleying skills allow players to control the net and put away high balls. Keep your paddle up in a ready position (above your chest) when at the net for faster reactions.

Punch volleys with a short, compact motion rather than taking large swings. This increases control and reaction time. Volleys should be directed downward when possible, aiming for opponents’ feet or open court.

Overheads

Overheads are shots hit above the head with a motion similar to a tennis serve, used to attack lobs before they bounce. These aggressive shots help maintain net control when opponents attempt to lob over you.

Positioning

In doubles, both players should generally move forward and backward together, maintaining a side-by-side formation. The strongest position is both players at the kitchen line, controlling the net.

Avoid standing in “no man’s land” between the baseline and kitchen line, where you’re vulnerable to balls hit at your feet. Move quickly to the kitchen line after the two required bounces.

The receiving team can use a “one-up, one-back” formation, with one player at the kitchen line since the serve will bounce on their side first. This allows the player at the net to immediately start volleying after their partner returns serve.

In singles, court coverage requires more movement. Stay near the centerline to minimize the distance to either sideline. Good footwork and anticipation are crucial.

Strategy

Communication

In doubles, constant communication prevents confusion and collisions. Call “mine,” “yours,” or “bounce” to clarify responsibilities. Discuss strategy between points and during timeouts.

Establish which player takes balls hit down the middle before the game starts. Many teams use the rule that the player with the forehand takes middle balls.

Shot Selection

Choose shots based on court position and the opponent’s weaknesses. When both teams are at the kitchen line, patient dinking is usually the best approach until someone makes a mistake or pops the ball up.

Attack high balls aggressively, but resist the urge to overpower low balls. Hitting a low ball hard often results in errors or easy returns for opponents.

Mix up pace and placement to keep opponents guessing. A pattern of predictable shots allows opponents to anticipate and position themselves optimally.

Mental Game

Pickleball requires focus and emotional control. Avoid frustration after errors, as negative emotions affect subsequent play. Reset mentally between points.

Watch the ball rather than anticipating where opponents will hit. Many errors occur from watching opponents instead of tracking the ball.

Stay patient during long rallies. Many points are won not by spectacular winners but by opponents making mistakes. Consistent, controlled play beats erratic aggressive play.

Common Mistakes

Rushing Forward

Beginners often rush to the net immediately after serving or returning. Remember the double bounce rule requires both teams to let the ball bounce once before volleys are allowed. The serving team should remain behind the baseline until after the third shot is hit. Advancing too quickly results in difficult half-volley shots.

Kitchen Violations

Stepping into the kitchen to volley is the most common fault among new players. Be aware of your foot position, especially after hitting volleys near the line. Even touching the line with your toe while volleying constitutes a fault.

Overhitting

New players frequently try to hit the ball too hard, especially on dinks and third-shot drops. Pickleball rewards control and placement over power. Reduce your swing speed and focus on ball placement.

Poor Court Coverage

Leaving gaps in doubles coverage allows opponents to exploit open spaces. Stay connected with your partner and move as a unit. Don’t get “stacked” or bunched together on one side of the court.

Watching Opponents

Watching where opponents are positioned rather than tracking the ball leads to missed shots. Keep your eyes on the ball through contact and follow through.

Incorrect Paddle Position

Holding your paddle at your waist slows reaction time. Keep your paddle in front of you in the ready position, above your chest, for faster responses to quick exchanges at the net.

Poor Body Mechanics

Failing to bend your knees and get low reduces both power and accuracy. Whether hitting drives or touch shots, getting low and hitting from a stable base improves shot quality significantly.

Practice Tips

Solo Drills

Practice serving to specific targets using cones or markers. Consistent serving builds confidence and starts points on strong footing.

Wall practice develops consistency. Hit dinks, drives, and volleys against a wall to improve timing and control. Mark a line on the wall at net height (34 inches) as a target. Some players set up portable nets or use dink pads designed for wall practice.

Consider a rebounder for quieter solo practice. These can be set up in driveways or yards and can be tilted at different angles to produce different return shots.

For serious improvement, a pickleball machine can feed you every possible combination of speed, angle, spin, and direction, allowing you to practice real-game scenarios with over 150 balls at a time.

Partner Drills

Dinking drills with a partner develop touch and patience. Stand at opposite kitchen lines and dink cross-court, focusing on keeping the ball low and consistent. Gradually increase the length of rallies.

Practice the third shot drop, where the serving team hits a soft shot that lands in the opponent’s kitchen after the return of serve. This is one of the most important shots to master for advancing your game.

Game Scenarios

Play games focusing on specific aspects, such as keeping all shots low or never hitting the ball hard. These constraints force you to develop particular skills.

Play skinny singles, using only half the court. This drill improves precision and shot placement while providing a good workout.

Doubles Play

Doubles is the most popular format in pickleball. The player on the right side of the court always starts the serve. Both players get to serve before a side-out occurs, except at the beginning of each game when the starting team only gets one serve.

After winning a point, servers switch sides with their partner and continue serving to the opposite opponent. When your team loses the rally, your partner begins serving. Once both players have lost their serves, a side-out occurs and the opposing team begins serving.

The receiving team can position one player up at the kitchen line and one back to receive serve, since the two-bounce rule allows the front player to volley immediately after their partner returns.

Singles Play

Singles pickleball follows the same basic rules as doubles with a few key differences. Only two numbers are called for the score: the server’s score first, then the opponent’s score.

The serve is always made from the right side when the server has an even number of points (0, 2, 4, etc.) and from the left side when the server has an odd number of points (1, 3, 5, etc.).

There’s only one serve per rotation. If the server loses a rally, a side-out occurs immediately and the serve goes to the opponent. Neither player switches sides when the receiver wins a rally—only the server switches sides after winning points.

Singles requires more court coverage and movement, making good footwork and conditioning essential.

Starting Game

To determine who serves first, use any fair method such as a coin flip or local court custom. The player on the right side of the serving team serves first, announcing “0-0-2” as the starting score. The “2” indicates the starting team is at their second server position, meaning when they lose this first rally, a side-out immediately occurs.

This rule gives the receiving team a small advantage to offset the serving team’s ability to score first.

Finding Games

Most communities now have dedicated pickleball courts at recreation centers, schools, and parks. Many facilities offer open play times where players of all levels can participate.

Local pickleball clubs organize regular play sessions and often have Facebook groups or websites listing locations and times. USA Pickleball is searchable by location. Online court finders can show you over 17,000 places to play, with details about court amenities, lines, nets, and hours.

Tennis courts can be adapted for pickleball using portable nets and temporary lines. Many tennis facilities now offer pickleball play during designated hours.

Always check whether courts require reservations or fees before arriving.

Progression

Beginners should focus on consistency and rules understanding before developing advanced shots. As basic skills solidify, work on the third shot drop and dinking, which separate intermediate players from beginners.

Intermediate players refine positioning, develop more shot variety, and improve strategic thinking. Understanding when to be patient versus when to attack becomes crucial.

Consider taking lessons from certified instructors to accelerate improvement and correct technical flaws early. Many communities offer beginner clinics and group lessons at reasonable prices. Private lessons or beginner clinics are often the best way to learn the basics, and many facilities provide equipment if you’re not ready to invest in gear yet.

Tournament play, even at beginner levels, provides valuable competitive experience and exposes players to different playing styles. USA Pickleball sanctions tournaments across the country with divisions for all skill levels.

Pickleball’s accessibility makes it enjoyable from day one, while its strategic depth provides endless room for improvement. The combination of physical activity, social interaction, and competitive challenge explains why so many players become passionate about the sport.

FAQs

Research

Casual players (1-7 times/year) grew 56% to 13.6M in 2024 – SFIA
82% of Americans express interest in learning pickleball – Yahoo Finance
Over 1M children under 18 started playing in 2023 – SFIA
32% growth in casual players since August 2022 – APP

Related Articles

• Serving Rules and Techniques
• Understanding Pickleball Scoring
• Drills to Improve Fast
• Doubles Strategy Guide
• Choose Your Paddle