Serve underhand, return after one bounce, avoid the kitchen, score only when serving.
If you’re wondering how do you play pickleball, you’re in the right spot. I coach new players every week, and I’ve helped many go from nervous first hits to smooth rallies. This simple, friendly guide breaks down the rules, court, shots, and strategy so you can jump in fast. Read on, and by the end you’ll know how do you play pickleball with confidence and joy.
What Is Pickleball and Why It’s So Fun
Pickleball blends parts of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. You play on a small court with a paddle and a light plastic ball. The game is quick to learn and easy on the joints. It fits all ages and skill levels.
If you ask how do you play pickleball, the simple path is this. Learn the serve. Learn the bounce rule. Learn the kitchen. Then build your shots and move as a team. You will be rallying in one session.
Court, Lines, and Basic Gear
The court is 20 feet by 44 feet. There is a net in the middle. The non-volley zone is the kitchen. It is the 7-foot area by the net on both sides.
You need a paddle, a pickleball, and court shoes. Paddles come in many weights and cores. Try a midweight paddle at first. If you are set on how do you play pickleball the right way, use court shoes. Running shoes are not stable for side steps.
- Paddle: Choose midweight for control and comfort.
- Ball: Use outdoor balls outside and indoor balls inside.
- Shoes: Wear court shoes for grip and support.
- Grip: Start with a loose, relaxed hold on the handle.
The Core Rules: How Scoring and Rotation Work
Games usually go to 11, win by 2. You score only when your team serves. You must call the score before each serve. In doubles, both partners serve each turn, except the first turn of the game.
Each point starts with a serve and a return. The ball must bounce on each side once before anyone can volley. This is the two-bounce rule. When friends ask me how do you play pickleball without confusion, I say, “Bounce, bounce, then you can hit in the air.”
Serving and Returning the Right Way
Serve underhand with the paddle below your waist. Strike the ball out of your hand or after a drop. Hit the serve cross-court into the service box. Aim deep and safe.
On the return, hit deep too. This buys time to reach the kitchen line. I teach new players to think “deep serve, deeper return.” It keeps you safe and sets the point. If you wonder how do you play pickleball with fewer errors, keep both shots high margin and deep.
- Serve tips: Soft knees, smooth swing, finish to your target.
- Return tips: Aim center or backhand, clear the net by a foot.
- Faults: Foot on the line, ball long or wide, ball in the net.
The Kitchen Explained (Non-Volley Zone)
The kitchen is the 7-foot non-volley zone by the net. You cannot volley while in it or touching its line. You may step in to play a ball that has bounced. Then you must step out before volleying again.
Think of the kitchen like hot lava for volleys. Stay out when hitting in the air. Step in only to play short bounces. New players who ask how do you play pickleball around the kitchen should learn one habit: after a short ball, hit and recover out.
Essential Shots and Simple Strategy
You do not need fancy shots to win. You need control and smart choices. Start with these core shots.
- Serve: Underhand, deep, to backhand when you can.
- Return: Deep and high enough to reach the line.
- Dink: A soft shot that lands in the kitchen. Keep it low.
- Volley: A firm block in the air. Use short swings.
- Third shot drop: A soft shot after your serve that lands in the kitchen.
- Drive: A fast shot after a weak return or high ball.
- Lob: A high arc over opponents who crowd the net.
Play high percentage. Aim cross-court more often. Hit to the opponent’s backhand. Move with your partner like you are tied by a short rope. When someone asks how do you play pickleball better in one week, I say, “Hit one more ball back than they do. Keep it low. Move as a pair.”
Doubles vs. Singles: What Changes
Doubles is the most common format. It uses teamwork, short shots, and quick moves. Cover your half and share the middle. Call “mine” or “yours” early.
Singles needs more court speed. You will hit more serves, returns, and passing shots. Aim deep and make them run. If you think how do you play pickleball in singles vs doubles, the answer is simple: in singles, hit big and move fast; in doubles, play smart and work as one.
A 30-Minute Beginner Practice Plan
You can improve fast with short, focused drills. Do this plan two or three times a week. I use it with new players at my clinics.
- Warm-up, 5 minutes: Light jog, side steps, shadow swings.
- Serves, 5 minutes: Aim deep to both boxes. Count 20 good serves.
- Returns, 5 minutes: Partner serves. You return deep cross-court.
- Dinks, 5 minutes: Soft rallies cross-court in the kitchen. Keep it low.
- Third shot drops, 5 minutes: From baseline, drop to the kitchen. Land it soft.
- Volleys, 5 minutes: Block firm shots from mid-court. Short swings.
If you stick to this, you will feel calm under pressure. Many students who ask how do you play pickleball with control see gains in two weeks.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
New players often swing too big. Keep swings short, like a push, not a swipe. Let the paddle face do the work.
Some stand too far from the kitchen line. Creep up and hold that line. It cuts angles and helps you finish points. Others ask me how do you play pickleball without popping balls up. My fix is simple: bend your knees, open the paddle face a bit, and lift, do not flick.
- Missed serves: Slow down and aim chest high over the net.
- High dinks: Aim for the top of the net strap. Soft hands.
- Wild drives: Hit through the center more. Less shoulder, more smooth arm.
- Poor footwork: Split step as your rival hits. Stay on your toes.
Safety, Etiquette, and Local Play
Warm up your legs and shoulders. Wear eye protection if play gets fast. Drink water and take breaks. Call out “Ball on!” if a ball rolls onto your court.
Be kind and call the score clear. Make honest line calls. Switch balls if one gets soft. If a new friend asks how do you play pickleball and find games, the answer is to visit local parks, ask about open play, and be ready to rotate in.
How a Typical Game Flows, Point by Point
Here is a simple flow to follow. It is the same for most games.
- Server calls the score and serves cross-court.
- Returner hits deep and runs to the kitchen line.
- Serving team hits a third shot drop or drive.
- All players try to reach the kitchen line and hold it.
- Dinks, volleys, and lobs follow until a team wins the rally.
- If the serving team wins, they score a point and the same server serves again.
- If not, serve moves to the next player.
Use this flow when you think how do you play pickleball step by step. Say each step in your head until it feels natural.
Frequently Asked Questions of how do you play pickleball
How do you play pickleball for complete beginners?
Start with the underhand serve, deep return, and the two-bounce rule. Keep the ball in and learn the kitchen rules first.
What is the easiest way to remember the scoring?
You score only when serving. Games go to 11 and you must win by 2.
How do you play pickleball and avoid the kitchen faults?
Do not volley while in the kitchen or touching its line. Step out first, then hit in the air.
How many times must the ball bounce after the serve?
Once on each side before volleys are allowed. That is the two-bounce rule.
How do you play pickleball doubles with good teamwork?
Move together and cover the middle. Talk early, aim cross-court, and hold the kitchen line.
What gear do I need on day one?
A midweight paddle, a few balls, and court shoes. Add eye protection if play is fast.
How do you play pickleball if you have knee issues?
Use soft shoes, warm up well, and keep rallies calm. Play more dinks and fewer sprints.
Conclusion
You now know how the court works, how to serve, and how to use the kitchen. You learned key shots, simple drills, and how a point flows. You also know how do you play pickleball with smart moves and safe habits.
Pick one tip today and try it on court. Keep the ball in, aim deep, and talk with your partner. If you want more guides, subscribe and drop your questions. I’m happy to help you learn how do you play pickleball and love every rally.