How Do You Play The Game Pickleball: Easy Rules & Tips

Stand behind the baseline, serve underhand, let it bounce twice, rally, and score to 11.

If you have asked how do you play the game pickleball, you are in the right place. I coach new players often, and I know what helps a first game click. This guide breaks down how do you play the game pickleball with clear rules, step-by-step play, and simple tips. Keep reading to learn the basics, avoid common mistakes, and feel ready for your first match.

What Is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a paddle sport on a small court with a net. It blends tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Games are quick, social, and easy to learn. That is why many people ask how do you play the game pickleball and jump in fast.

You can play singles or doubles. Most parks and community centers host open play. The court is 44 by 20 feet, with a 7-foot non-volley zone called the kitchen on each side of the net.

Court, Equipment, and Setup

Pickleball needs a flat court and a net at 34 inches in the center. The lines mark the baseline, sidelines, centerline, and kitchen. Bring a paddle and a ball with holes. Wear court shoes for better grip and support.

What to use:

Paddle Lightweight composite or graphite paddles are popular. Choose a grip that fits your hand.
Ball Outdoor balls are firmer with smaller holes. Indoor balls are softer with larger holes.
Shoes Court shoes reduce slips and help your knees.
Extras A hat, water, and a small towel help on hot days.

Personal tip I learned to size my grip by the pointer finger test. When I hold the paddle, one finger should slide between my palm and fingers. It saves my elbow.

Basic Rules at a Glance

Here are the rules you need to start:

Serve underhand. Contact the ball below your waist. Hit it diagonally crosscourt.
One serve attempt. Let serves that clip the net and land in count as in.
Double bounce rule. The serve must bounce once, and the return must bounce once.
Kitchen rule. Do not volley while standing in the kitchen. You can step in to play a ball that bounces.
Scoring. Only the serving team scores. Play to 11, win by 2. Some games go to 15 or 21.

If friends ask how do you play the game pickleball, share this list. It gets them in the game in minutes.

Step-by-Step: How to Play a Point

Follow this simple flow for each rally:

The server calls the score, then serves underhand to the diagonal box.
The returner lets the ball bounce and hits it back.
The serving team lets that shot bounce too. Now both sides can volley or groundstroke.
Rally continues. Keep the ball in. Avoid the kitchen on volleys.
If the receiving side makes an error, the server scores and serves again. If the serving side errs, the serve moves to the partner or to the other team.

In coaching, I say this out loud during drills. It helps players remember how do you play the game pickleball in real time.

Scoring and Serving Rotation

Doubles scoring uses three numbers. Server score, receiver score, and server number (1 or 2). The first serve of a game starts on the right side as server 2, which limits the first team to one fault before service passes.

Serving rotation basics:

Serve from the right when your score is even. Serve from the left when it is odd.
If you win a point, switch sides with your partner and serve again.
When you lose a rally, the serve passes to your partner. After both servers lose, the serve goes to the other team.

Many players learn scoring by writing it on a wristband. You can do the same while learning how do you play the game pickleball.

Singles vs Doubles Differences

Singles uses the same court size. The kitchen still applies. The main differences:

One server and one receiver. No server number.
Serve right if your score is even. Serve left if odd.
More court to cover. Fitness and placement matter more.

I suggest beginners start with doubles. It is easier to learn how do you play the game pickleball when you share the court.

Strategy for Beginners

Start with control, not power. Aim deep and wide. Keep the ball low.

Key tips that work fast:

Target the middle. It causes confusion and is a safe spot.
Keep serves and returns deep. This buys you time to reach the kitchen line.
Dink with a purpose. Soft shots to the kitchen force errors.
Move as a team. In doubles, slide together like you are tied with a rope.

If you wonder how do you play the game pickleball at a higher level, focus on footwork and shot choices first. Power comes later.

Common Mistakes and Safety Tips

New players often rush the net and forget the double bounce rule. Many swing like tennis and pop the ball up.

Avoid these mistakes:

Standing in the kitchen after a volley. Step out before you hit.
Over-swinging on dinks. Use soft hands and short swings.
Late split step. Land on both feet as your rival hits. You will react faster.
Poor shoes. Running shoes can slide. Court shoes grip better.

Stay safe with a dynamic warmup. Do ankle circles, hip openers, and light shuffles. I once skipped warmup and strained a calf. It cost me two weeks off court. Do not repeat my mistake as you learn how do you play the game pickleball.

Drills to Improve Fast

Short daily drills speed up your progress. Ten minutes a day helps a lot.

Try these:

Serve targets Place four targets and hit 20 serves. Aim for depth first.
Return deep Practice crosscourt returns with a partner. Focus on height and depth.
Dink ladder Start close. Move back two steps after five clean dinks.
Third-shot drop Feed a deep ball. Practice a soft arc that lands in the kitchen.
Volleys at the line Quick hands. Keep the paddle up and punch forward.

These build core skills behind how do you play the game pickleball. Track makes, not misses, to keep it positive.

Gear Buying Guide

You do not need pricey gear to start. Choose comfort and control.

Look for:

Paddle Weight between 7.5 and 8.2 ounces suits many. Lighter helps control. Heavier adds power.
Shape Standard shapes are easy to handle. Elongated paddles add reach.
Surface A textured face adds spin but control matters more at first.
Balls Use outdoor balls if you play outside. They last longer in wind and sun.
Shoes Flat, stable shoes with non-marking soles protect your joints.

When friends ask how do you play the game pickleball with the right gear, I tell them this rule. Buy midline, not bottom or top shelf, until your style is clear.

Where to Play and Court Etiquette

Most towns have courts at parks and gyms. Many set up open play times. You can also tape lines on a tennis or gym court.

Simple etiquette:

Paddle tap before and after games. It keeps things friendly.
Call the score loud and clear before you serve.
Respect lines. If it is close and you are unsure, call it in.
Keep the ball when others are playing. Roll it behind the baseline, not through a point.

Good manners make learning how do you play the game pickleball fun for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions of how do you play the game pickleball

What is the kitchen in pickleball?

The kitchen is the non-volley zone near the net. You cannot volley while standing in it, but you can step in to play a ball that bounces.

What is the double bounce rule?

After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before volleys are allowed. This slows the start and makes rallies fair.

How do I hold the paddle as a beginner?

Use a continental grip, like shaking hands with the handle. It lets you switch between forehand and backhand with ease.

How long is a typical game?

Most games go to 11 points, win by 2. In events, you may play to 15 or 21.

Can I smash from the kitchen?

You can only smash if you are not in the kitchen or touching its line. If the ball bounces in the kitchen, you may step in and hit.

What scores do I call in doubles?

Say server score, receiver score, then server number. For example, 5-3-1.

How do you play the game pickleball indoors vs outdoors?

Indoors uses a softer ball and may play a bit slower. Outdoors adds wind and sun, so aim lower and hit deeper.

Conclusion

You now know the core of how do you play the game pickleball. Serve underhand, honor the double bounce, and protect the kitchen. Play deep, aim middle, and move your feet with balance. Small daily drills and kind etiquette turn a beginner into a steady partner fast.

Grab a paddle, find a court, and play two games this week. You will learn more in 20 minutes than by reading 20 pages. Want more guides and drills on how do you play the game pickleball? Subscribe for weekly tips, ask a question in the comments, or share your first win with the community.