How-to-Play Pickleball

New to Pickleball? We’ve Got You.

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports for a reason—it’s fun, fast, and easy to learn. Whether you're a beginner or just brushing up on the basics, this guide will help you hit the ground running (or paddling).

The Basics

What You Need to Play

  • A pickleball paddle (we’ve got demos!)

  • A wiffle-style pickleball

  • A partner (or three!)

  • A court with a net (we’ve got plenty)

Pickleball Paddles
Pickleballs

Court Layout

  • Similar to a badminton court

  • Divided into left and right service areas

  • Non-volley zone (aka “The Kitchen”) near the net

Pickleball Court

Scoring:

  • Games are usually played to 11 (win by 2)

  • Only the serving team can score points

  • Matches are typically played in doubles format (2 vs 2)

Pickleball Scoring

Serving:

  • Serve underhand, diagonally into the opposite service box

  • The serve must land beyond the non-volley zone (the kitchen)

  • Each player on a team serves before handing it over to the opponent

playing pickleball

The Double Bounce Rule:

  • After the serve, each team must let the ball bounce once before returning

  • After the two bounces, players may volley (hit it out of the air) or let it bounce

pickleball

The Kitchen Rule:

  • No volleys allowed while standing in the non-volley zone

  • You can enter the kitchen, just not while hitting a volley

Pickleball court kitchen

Practice With Us

We offer beginner-friendly Open Play sessions, intro clinics, and private lessons to help you build your confidence and skills on the court.

Clinics
Book Private Coaching

Tips for Beginners

  • Focus on control, not power

  • Communicate with your partner

  • Stay out of the kitchen (unless you’re dinking!)

  • Watch your footwork and positioning

  • Most of all, have fun and keep playing!

Trusted Resources to Learn More

For deeper insights, videos, and expert advice, check out these excellent resources: