Step 1: Understand the Pickleball Basics
Pickleball is a fun mix of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It’s played on a badminton-sized court with a net slightly lower than tennis.
- You can play singles (1v1) or doubles (2v2).
- The goal is to hit the ball over the net and win points when your opponent makes a mistake.
- Only the serving team can score points.
- Games are played to 11 points (win by 2).
What You Need to Play:
- A Pickleball Paddle – Smaller than a tennis racket, larger than a ping-pong paddle. You can find quality pickleball paddles for beginners here
- A Pickleball – A plastic ball with holes, similar to a Wiffle ball.
- Court Shoes – Tennis or court shoes (avoid running shoes).
🎯 Pro Tip: You can often find beginner-friendly games at recreation centers and local parks! Check out Pickleball Auckland to check out the sessions.
Step 2: Learn the Court Layout
A pickleball court has a few important areas:
Baseline – The back boundary line where you serve from.
Sidelines – The outer edges of the court.
Non-Volley Zone (The Kitchen) – The 7-foot area near the net where you cannot volley (hit the ball in the air).
Service Boxes – Where the serve must land.
📌 Line Rules: If the ball lands on a line, it’s in—except for a serve that lands on the kitchen line, which is a fault.
🎯 Pro Tip: Stay out of the kitchen when volleying, or you’ll lose the point!
Step 3: Serving Rules
- The serve starts at every point.
- It must be underhand (paddle below the waist).
- You must stand behind the baseline.
- The serve must be hit diagonally into the opposite service box.
- The ball must clear the kitchen—if it lands on the kitchen line, it’s a fault.
🚨 You only get one serve attempt per point, unless the ball clips the net and still lands in. In that case, it's a "let" and you re-serve.
🎯 Pro Tip: Aim for deep serves to keep your opponent at the back of the court!
Step 4: Follow the Double-Bounce Rule
One of pickleball’s most important rules:
1️⃣ The receiving team must let the serve bounce before hitting it.
2️⃣ The serving team must also let the return bounce before hitting it back.
After these two bounces, players can hit the ball in the air (volley) or after a bounce.
🎯 Pro Tip: Move toward the net after the second bounce—this is where most points are won!
Step 5: Playing a Rally
Once the ball is in play:
- Keep the ball inbounds and hit it over the net.
- You can volley the ball (hit it before it bounces) only if you’re not in the kitchen.
✅ If the ball bounces, you can hit it from anywhere.
✅ The point ends if:
❌ The ball goes out of bounds.
❌ The ball is hit into the net.
❌ A player volleys from inside the kitchen.
🎯 Pro Tip: Keep your shots controlled and consistent—don’t always go for power!
Step 6: Scoring & Winning the Game
🏆 Scoring Rules (Doubles & Singles):
✅ Only the serving team can score points.
✅ Games are played to 11 points, but you must win by 2.
📢 Calling the Score (Doubles):
1️⃣ Your team’s score first.
2️⃣ Your opponent’s score second.
3️⃣ Your server number (1 or 2).
For example, if your team has 5 points, your opponents have 3, and you're the first server, you say: "5-3-1."
🎯 Pro Tip: If you're new, don’t stress about the score—other players will help you!
Watch this video for
Step 7: The Kitchen Rule (Non-Volley Zone)
- The kitchen is a no-volley zone.
- You can step in the kitchen only if the ball bounces first.
- If you volley while standing in the kitchen (or even touching the line), it’s a fault.
🎯 Pro Tip: Use the kitchen to hit soft shots (dinks) to control the game!
Step 8: Key Shots to Learn
The Serve – Start strong with a deep serve.
The Return – Hit deep to keep opponents back.
The Dink – A soft shot into the kitchen to control the rally.
The Volley – A quick shot out of the air (only if you're outside the kitchen).
The Third Shot Drop – A soft shot after the return, allowing you to move up to the net.
The Smash – A powerful shot to end the rally when the ball is high.
🎯 Pro Tip: Master the dink—most games are won at the net!
Step 9: Play, Practice & Have Fun!
Play as much as you can—you’ll improve quickly!
Find beginner-friendly games at local parks, community centers, or clubs.
Watch experienced players to learn strategies.
Most importantly, have fun! Pickleball is a social, friendly sport!
🏆 You’re Ready to Play! 🏆
Now that you know the official USA Pickleball rules, it’s time to grab a paddle and hit the court! 😃
Would you like a beginner’s strategy guide next? 🚀