How to Play Pickleball: 9 Simple Rules for Beginners…

Pickleball is a fast-growing sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. With its easy-to-learn rules and minimal equipment, it’s perfect for beginners looking for a fun and active way to stay fit. Here are 9 simple rules to help you get started:

The Court
Pickleball is played on a court that’s similar in size to a badminton court (20 feet by 44 feet). The court is divided into two sides by a net, and each side has a 7-foot “no-volley zone” near the net, often called the “kitchen.”
The Serve
The game starts with a serve. To serve, stand behind the baseline, and hit the ball underhand to the diagonal side of your opponent’s service box. The serve must clear the net and land in the opposite service area. You only get one serve attempt unless the ball hits the net and lands in the correct service box (a “let”).
The Return
After the serve, the opponent must return the ball by hitting it back over the net. The ball must bounce once on each side before players can volley (hit the ball in the air without letting it bounce).
Rallying
Once both teams have served and returned, the rally begins. The goal is to keep the ball in play, attempting to score by hitting it where your opponent can’t return it.
The Kitchen Rule
You cannot enter the kitchen (the 7-foot zone by the net) to hit a volley. Players must let the ball bounce before entering the kitchen to return a shot.
Scoring
Pickleball uses a rally scoring system, meaning you score a point whenever the opponent makes a mistake. Games are typically played to 11 points, and you must win by 2 points.
Double Bounce Rule
After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before players can begin volleying. This ensures both sides have time to set up for the next shot.
Faults
A fault occurs when the ball is hit out of bounds, into the net, or into the kitchen while volleying. Faults result in a loss of serve or a point for the opponent.
Team Play
Pickleball can be played as singles (one player on each side) or doubles (two players on each side). In doubles, each player serves once before the team switches sides.