Start with basics: serve deep, let two bounces, control the kitchen line.
If you came here to master how to.play pickleball, you’re in the right place. I’ve taught dozens of new players, and I’ll show you the rules, the gear, and the simple moves that work right away. This friendly guide breaks down how to.play pickleball step by step, with tips I use on court every week.
What Is Pickleball and Why It’s Exploding
Pickleball blends the best of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. You play on a small court with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes. The game is quick, social, and easy on the body.
The court is 20 by 44 feet. The net sits at 34 inches in the center. There is a 7-foot non-volley zone near the net. People call it the kitchen. If you want to learn how to.play pickleball, start by knowing the court zones.
Most games go to 11 points, win by 2. Only the serving team scores. Doubles is the most common format, but singles works well too.
Gear You Need to Start
You do not need much to begin. Borrow gear if you can. Then upgrade when you love it.
- Paddle Pick a midweight paddle. Aim for 7.5 to 8.5 ounces. A larger sweet spot helps new players.
- Ball Use outdoor balls with 40 holes for outside. Use indoor balls with 26 holes for gyms.
- Shoes Wear court shoes with good grip. Running shoes can slip on hard courts.
- Extras Bring water, a small towel, and a hat or sunglasses if you play outside.
From my coaching, the best early spend is on shoes. Stable feet prevent ankle pain. If a friend asks how to.play pickleball with a budget, I tell them to buy shoes first, then a decent paddle.
Court Layout and Key Rules to Know
The layout is simple once you see it in action. The non-volley zone (kitchen) is a 7-foot strip on both sides of the net. You can step in to hit a ball only after it bounces. Do not volley while touching the kitchen.
The two-bounce rule keeps rallies fair. The serve must bounce. The return must bounce. After that, you can volley or hit off the bounce.
Serving is underhand. Contact the ball below your waist. You can use a drop serve if that feels more natural. There are no let serves in standard rules. If the serve clips the net and lands in, play on.
Faults happen when you hit out, into the net, volley in the kitchen, or miss the serve box. Knowing these basics is a big step in how to.play pickleball.
How to Play Pickleball Step-by-Step
Here is the simple path I use with new players.
- Find your spot Stand behind the baseline to serve. Face the diagonal service box.
- Start the point Use an underhand serve. Aim deep to the back third of the box.
- Expect the bounce Let the return bounce. Take a simple, steady swing back deep.
- Move to the line After your third shot, move forward with your partner to the kitchen line.
- Rally with control Keep the ball low and crosscourt. Aim to outlast, not out-hit.
- Score the point Only the serving team scores. Call the score before each serve as server score, receiver score, server number.
- Rotate servers In doubles, both partners serve each turn, except the first service of the game starts with the second server.
- Switch sides Switch ends when the first team reaches 6 points in games to 11, if the group prefers, or follow event rules.
If you want an easy path for how to.play pickleball, remember this flow. Serve deep, return deep, hit a soft third shot, then own the kitchen line.
Serving and Returning Fundamentals
A good serve sets up the point. Keep it simple. Stand tall, relax your grip, and swing through the ball. Aim for deep and safe before you aim for power. Mix in serves to the backhand for pressure.
For the return, aim deep crosscourt at the server’s feet. This buys you time to reach the kitchen line. Depth beats speed. A deep return is the best tip I give anyone asking how to.play pickleball at a beginner level.
If the toss and contact feel awkward, try the drop serve. Drop the ball from your hand. Let it fall. Then hit it off the bounce with an underhand motion.
The Kitchen Made Simple
The kitchen is about control. Do not volley with feet on or over the line. Let short balls bounce in the kitchen, then push them back with a soft stroke.
Play soft when you are near the net. Think of dinks as gentle nudges. You want to move your rival side to side. The player who handles the kitchen well already knows a key part of how to.play pickleball.
When the ball pops up above net height, attack with a safe punch. Aim for open space, not the lines.
Doubles Strategy That Works on Day One
Great doubles is about teamwork and court zones. Move as a pair. When one steps in, the other steps in. When one steps back, both reset.
- Own the middle Most balls go through the center. Talk about who takes the middle.
- Target the backhand Most players guard the forehand better. Make the backhand work.
- Hit at feet Balls at feet are hard to attack. You get soft replies you can use.
- Be patient Build the point. Force an error. Then finish strong.
When friends ask me how to.play pickleball in doubles, I tell them this: win the middle, then win the kitchen.
Common Mistakes and Quick Fixes
Too much power is the top error. Slow down and place the ball deep. Soft beats hard at the kitchen.
Standing flat-footed is next. Stay on your toes. Use small steps. Meet the ball early.
Crowding the baseline on the return is common. Stand a step back to handle deep serves. One of my rules for how to.play pickleball is simple: give yourself space, then move in with purpose.
Drills and a 7-Day Practice Plan
Short, focused reps work best. Ten minutes a day can change your game fast.
Day plan
- Day 1 Dinks crosscourt, 50 each side.
- Day 2 Serves to the back third, 40 balls.
- Day 3 Returns deep crosscourt, 40 balls.
- Day 4 Third-shot drops from mid-court, 30 clean.
- Day 5 Volleys at the kitchen, 50 controlled.
- Day 6 Footwork ladders or side steps, 10 minutes.
- Day 7 Play a game and track unforced errors.
Solo options
- Serve targets Place two small towels deep. Hit 20 serves to each.
- Wall work Use a smooth wall. Tap dinks at waist height for 3 minutes.
- Shadow steps Practice split step and side shuffle in your living room.
Use this plan if you’re learning how to.play pickleball without a partner. It builds touch fast.
Safety, Etiquette, and Pickleball Culture
Warm up for five minutes. Do light swings and leg moves. This cuts injury risk. Hydrate early, not just at the end.
Call the score loud before each serve. Own your line calls and give benefit of doubt to your rival. Say good shot. Rotate in games at busy courts. It’s the open-play way.
If a ball rolls in from another court, stop play and replay the point. Sharing space with care is part of how to.play pickleball with respect.
Advanced Tips When You’re Ready to Level Up
Add a third-shot drop from the baseline. Use a smooth, open face and finish forward. When rivals float a ball, attack with a compact swing to the middle.
Learn to reset in the transition zone. Use a soft block with a loose grip. Aim to land the ball in the kitchen.
Try stacking if you have a strong forehand side. This keeps your best shots in the middle. Many players who ask how to.play pickleball end up here in week four or five.
Frequently Asked Questions of how to.play pickleball
What is the fastest way to learn how to.play pickleball?
Start with serves, returns, and dinks. Play short games to 5 points and focus on consistency over power.
How do you score in pickleball?
Only the serving team scores. Games are usually to 11, win by 2, and you call server score, receiver score, then server number.
Can I volley in the kitchen?
No. You cannot volley while touching the non-volley zone or its line. Let it bounce first, then you can step in.
Is the drop serve legal?
Yes. You can drop the ball from any height and hit it off the bounce with an underhand motion. It often helps new players.
What ball should I use indoors vs. outdoors?
Use indoor balls with 26 holes for gym floors. Use outdoor balls with 40 holes for rougher, windy play.
What is the best paddle weight for beginners?
A midweight paddle, around 7.5 to 8.5 ounces, balances control and power. It reduces arm strain as you learn.
Conclusion
You now have the full map. Serve deep, return deep, master the kitchen, and move with your partner. Keep your swing simple and your goals clear.
Pick one tip today and try it for 10 minutes. That is how to.play pickleball with steady progress. If this helped, share it with a friend, subscribe for more weekly guides, or leave a question and I’ll help you dial in your next step.