New to pickleball? This guide covers the rules, equipment, and everything you need to play your first game.
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Played on a 20×44 foot court (about a quarter of a tennis court) with a perforated plastic ball and solid paddles, it's the fastest-growing sport in America for the third year running.
Invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, pickleball was created by three dads — Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum — as a backyard game for their kids. It's grown from a casual pastime to a sport with professional tours, millions of players, and dedicated facilities worldwide.
What makes pickleball special is its accessibility. The smaller court means less running, the underhand serve is easy to learn, and the rules are straightforward. Yet the sport has remarkable depth — advanced players develop sophisticated strategies around the kitchen (non-volley zone), spin shots, and placement.
Full court
Kitchen depth
Net center height
Net sideline height
Games to 11 points, win by 2. Only the serving team can score. Tournament games may be to 15 or 21.
Must be underhand, made below the waist. The ball must clear the net and land in the diagonal service court. Only one serve attempt is allowed (no let serves in most rules).
After the serve, each team must let the ball bounce once before volleying. So the serve bounces, the return bounces, then after that players can volley or play off the bounce.
The 7-foot zone on each side of the net is the non-volley zone. You cannot hit the ball out of the air (volley) while in this zone. You can enter to play a bounced ball.
In doubles, both players on a team serve before the serve passes to the opponents (except at the start of the game). Players switch sides after scoring.
Common faults: ball out of bounds, ball in the net, volleying from the kitchen, serving above the waist, stepping on the kitchen line during a volley.
Minimum startup cost: ~$75-100
Finding pickleball courts is easier than ever. Here are the best ways:
Many community centers, YMCAs, and parks departments have added pickleball courts. Call your local parks department.
Search "[Your City] Pickleball" on Facebook. Local groups organize open play sessions and share court info.
Best all-around beginner paddle. Great feel, forgiving sweet spot, affordable.
Excellent build quality at a budget price. Tennis-grade engineering.
The most accessible brand-name paddle. Available at major retailers.
Your first time on a pickleball court will feel natural faster than almost any other sport. Here's what to expect: