Pickleball is one of the easiest racquet sports to pick up. It's social, it's quick to learn, and you can have a proper rally in your first session. Here's everything you need to get on court.
Video: Pickleball Basics, The Ultimate Beginner's Guide (PrimeTime Pickleball, YouTube)
What is pickleball?
Pickleball is played on a small court, about a third the size of a tennis court, with a low net, solid paddles and a light plastic ball with holes. Most social games are doubles, so you'll usually play with a partner against another pair.
How a game works
- Serve underhand, diagonally across the court.
- Let it bounce twice: the return of serve must bounce, then the serving team's next shot must bounce too. After that, you can volley (hit it in the air).
- Stay out of the kitchen when volleying: the 7-foot zone each side of the net is the non-volley zone.
- Win rallies, win points. Games are usually played to 11, and you need to win by 2.
What you need
- A paddle
- Indoor or outdoor balls to suit where you play
- Court shoes with good side-to-side support (not running shoes)
- Comfortable clothes and a water bottle
Your first session
- Find a social or beginner session near you. Many clubs lend paddles.
- Learn the serve and the two-bounce rule first. That's 80% of the game.
- Practise dinking: soft shots into the kitchen. It's the heart of pickleball.
- Don't worry about the score. Everyone was new once, and pickleball players are a welcoming bunch.
Quick answers
Is pickleball easy to learn?
Yes. Most people can rally in their first session. The rules are simple and the court is small, so there's less running than tennis.
Do I need my own paddle to start?
Not for your first session, as many clubs lend them. Once you're playing regularly, your own paddle makes a big difference to comfort and control.
Ready for your own? See why the SHEGO Comfort Control is designed for women.
