Yes—you can play pickleball with 2 people. It’s called singles and it’s a blast.
If you’ve wondered can you play pickleball with 2 people, you’re in the right place. I coach players from first-timers to league regulars, and singles is often where skills jump fast. This guide breaks down rules, gear, tactics, and drills so you can master two-player play with confidence and have fun right away.
Singles pickleball basics: rules and court
So, can you play pickleball with 2 people? Yes—singles is fast, simple, and very skill-focused.
Key singles rules you should know:
- Court size is the same as doubles: 20 by 44 feet.
- Serve is underhand, below the waist, and diagonal crosscourt.
- Two-bounce rule applies. The serve and the return must each bounce once.
- Only the server can score. Games are usually to 11, win by 2.
- In singles, you serve from the right when your score is even, left when it’s odd.
- No volleys in the non-volley zone (the kitchen). If you step on the NVZ line during a volley, it’s a fault.
Why singles feels different:
- You cover the whole court alone. Footwork and stamina matter more.
- Points are shorter at first, then grow longer as your touch and placement improve.
- You control the pace. Smart targets beat raw power.
Why playing with 2 people is great
If you wonder can you play pickleball with 2 people for a better workout, the answer is a big yes. Singles boosts cardio, footwork, and mental toughness.
Top benefits:
- Fitness gains fast. Your legs, core, and lungs get real work.
- Clear feedback. Every shot is yours, so you learn faster.
- Court awareness. You learn angles, depth, and high‑percentage targets.
- Flexible schedule. You only need one partner and one court.
From my coaching notes:
- Beginners get steadier in two weeks of consistent singles.
- Intermediate players learn to recover center faster and cut off angles.
- Many doubles teams improve after a month of weekly singles.
Gear and court setup for two-player games
Before you try, can you play pickleball with 2 people on any court? Yes. Use a standard court with a regulation net and boundary lines.
What you need:
- Two paddles with good control. A midweight paddle suits most players.
- Outdoor or indoor balls that match your surface.
- Comfortable court shoes with lateral support.
- Water, hat, sunscreen, and a towel for longer sessions.
Court setup tips:
- Check net height at 34 inches in the center.
- Remove stray balls. They cause slips.
- If lines are faint, add tape or chalk for clarity.
Scoring, serving, and rotation in singles
Many players ask, can you play pickleball with 2 people and keep standard scoring? Yes. Singles uses rally opportunities like doubles, but only the server can score.
How scoring works:
- Call the score as server’s points only (no server numbers in singles).
- Serve from the right when your score is even, left when it’s odd.
- Win by 2. Standard games go to 11, but you can play to 15 or 21.
Serving tips:
- Aim deep and to the backhand when possible.
- Add shape. A higher, deep serve buys time to get set.
- Mix pace. Change rhythm to force short returns.
Strategy that wins in two-player pickleball
If you ask, can you play pickleball with 2 people and still dink? Yes, but singles favors depth and pace first. You will still use soft shots when the time is right.
High-percentage patterns:
- Serve deep, return deep, then attack the next short ball.
- Pin the backhand, then change direction to open space.
- Keep the ball in front of you. Recover to the center after each shot.
Net play:
- Close the net behind a strong approach. Keep your paddle up.
- Volley to big targets, not lines. Aim at hips or feet to draw errors.
Footwork cues:
- Split-step as your opponent hits.
- Move with quick, small steps. Plant before contact.
- After wide shots, recover one step inside the middle.
Drills for two people that build real skills
When friends ask me, can you play pickleball with 2 people and still practice? Yes. Two players can run great, simple drills.
Warm-up flow (5–8 minutes):
- Crosscourt dinks to both sides.
- Mini-volley exchanges from the NVZ line.
- Soft resets from midcourt.
Skill drills:
- Deep serve and deep return. Track depth with a target cone.
- Approach and volley. One player feeds, the other approaches and volleys five balls, then switch.
- Third-ball drop to the kitchen. Aim to land soft in the NVZ.
Fun pressure sets:
- Play to 5 with serve to one target only.
- Two-in-a-row challenge. You must win two points to earn one on the board.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
So, can you play pickleball with 2 people safely at any age? Yes, with smart habits. Avoid these common errors.
Mistakes to skip:
- Camping at the baseline. You give away the net.
- Pulling the trigger too soon. Set up your attack first.
- Floating short serves and returns. Depth wins singles.
Safety tips:
- Warm up ankles, calves, and shoulders.
- Stop on wet or dusty courts. Clean the surface or reschedule.
- Hydrate before, during, and after.
Fun variations for two-player sessions
Bored? Can you play pickleball with 2 people and mix in games? Try these formats to keep it fresh.
Game ideas:
- Australian formation. Receiver and server both stand on the same side; switch after return.
- Only forehands. Forces footwork and early preparation.
- Half-court singles. Play on one half to sharpen accuracy.
- Serve-and-volley only. Great for learning net pressure.
Scoring twists:
- Play to 7, win by 1 for quick rounds.
- Bonus balls. Earn two points if you hit a clean passing shot.
How singles improves your doubles game
Clients ask, can you play pickleball with 2 people to get better at doubles? Yes. Singles sharpens the tools you need in pairs.
Carryover skills:
- Better serves and deeper returns. You start points on your terms.
- Stronger footwork and recovery. You will own the middle more often.
- Cleaner volleys and resets under pressure.
Team benefit:
- Singles teaches patience and shot selection.
- It also builds confidence in big moments.
Simple buying guide for two-player play
New players ask, can you play pickleball with 2 people using beginner paddles? Yes. Start with control, then add power.
What to look for:
- Paddle: Medium weight, textured face for spin, cushioned grip.
- Ball: Outdoor balls for rough courts, indoor balls for wood or rubber floors.
- Shoes: Court shoes with stable sides and non-marking soles.
Budget tip:
- Try demo paddles at local clubs.
- Upgrade only after 10–15 sessions when you know your style.
Frequently Asked Questions of can you play pickleball with 2 people
Can you play pickleball with 2 people?
Yes. It’s called singles, and it follows the same core rules as doubles. You use the full court.
Is singles harder than doubles?
Singles is more physical because you cover more ground. It rewards fitness, depth, and placement.
Do I need different equipment for singles?
No. The same paddle and balls work. Many players prefer a control-focused paddle for accuracy.
How do you keep score in singles?
Only the server scores. Serve from the right on even points and left on odd points.
Are there different rules for the kitchen in singles?
No. The non-volley zone rules are the same. You cannot volley while touching the NVZ line or inside it.
What is a good way to start practicing singles?
Warm up with dinks and volleys, then drill deep serves and returns. Finish with short games to 7.
How long does a singles game usually take?
Casual games to 11 often take 10–20 minutes. It depends on rallies and rests.
Conclusion
Yes, singles is real pickleball and a great way to grow fast. You now know the rules, smart gear choices, winning patterns, and easy drills that keep two-player sessions fun and productive. The next step is simple: book a court, grab a friend, and play your first race to 11 today. Want more tips? Subscribe for weekly drills, or drop your questions in the comments so I can help you improve.