How to Play Pickleball: Rules, Court and Basics for Beginners

Pickleball is a sport that people tend to pick up quickly and then struggle to put down. It combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis on a small court, using a solid paddle and a perforated plastic ball. It is social, forgiving and suitable for almost any age and fitness level.

If you have never played, the rules can seem puzzling at first: why can’t you hit the ball in that zone near the net? What is a “double bounce”? Why does the score have three numbers? This guide walks you through everything you need to start playing, from the court and equipment to the serve, the key rules and basic strategy. Rules are updated from time to time, so check Pickleball Australia or your local organiser for the latest.

What is pickleball?

Pickleball is a racket sport played with a solid paddle and a plastic ball with holes. It is typically played in doubles, though singles is also popular. The sport was invented in the United States in 1965 and has since spread across the world.

Why people love it:

• Easy to learn. Most beginners enjoy a rally in their first session.

• Social. Doubles is the most common format, and players often rotate.

• Low barrier to entry. Equipment is simple and affordable.

• Good exercise without needing to sprint huge distances.

• Suitable for all ages.

The court

A pickleball court is small: about 13.4 metres long and 6.1 metres wide (44 by 20 feet), the same size as a doubles badminton court. Key features:

• The net is about 91 centimetres high at the sidelines and 86 centimetres in the centre.

• The non-volley zone, commonly called “the kitchen”, extends about 2.1 metres (7 feet) on each side of the net.

• Service courts are on each side, split into left and right.

• Baselines and sidelines mark the boundaries.

Many pickleball courts in Australia are marked on tennis or badminton courts, or on multipurpose surfaces, with portable nets.

Equipment

The paddle

A pickleball paddle is a solid, flat paddle, typically made of composite materials with a core in the middle. Weights and grip sizes vary.

The ball

A pickleball is a lightweight plastic ball with holes. Indoor balls tend to be softer, with larger holes, and outdoor balls are harder, with smaller holes, to cope with wind and rougher surfaces.

Shoes

Court shoes with lateral support.

Clothing

Comfortable, breathable sportswear. See our guide on what to wear for pickleball.

The basic rules

1. The serve is underhand

You must serve underhand, with contact below your waist. The ball must go diagonally across the court into the opposite service court, and clear the non-volley zone. You get one serve attempt (not two as in tennis). Under current rules in most formats, a serve that clips the net and lands in the correct service court is played on rather than replayed, but check your local rules.

2. The two-bounce rule

After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce before returning it. Then, the serving team must also let the return bounce before hitting it. Only after those two bounces can players volley (hit the ball out of the air). This rule prevents the serving team from rushing the net immediately.

3. The non-volley zone (the kitchen)

You cannot volley the ball while standing in the kitchen or touching its lines. You can step in to play a ball that has bounced, but you must leave before volleying again. It is one of the most important rules to learn.

4. Points and scoring

Under traditional scoring, only the serving team can score points. Games are usually played to 11, and you must win by two. Scoring in doubles is called with three numbers.

5. Faults

Common faults include:

• Hitting the ball out of bounds

• Hitting the ball into the net

• Volleying in the kitchen

• Serving incorrectly

• Letting the ball bounce twice on your side

A fault by the serving team ends the serve, and a fault by the receiving team gives the serving team a point.

6. The line rule

A ball that touches the line is in, except for the serve, where the ball must clear the non-volley zone line.

How a point plays out

Here is a simple example.

1. Server A serves diagonally into the opposite service court.

2. Receiver B lets the ball bounce, then returns it.

3. Server’s partner lets the return bounce, then hits it.

4. Now the ball is live, and either team can volley or play after one bounce.

5. The rally continues until a fault occurs.

Most beginners find the pattern clicks after a few points.

Basic strategy for beginners

• Keep the ball in play. Consistency wins most beginner points.

• Serve and return deep. It keeps opponents back.

• Move towards the kitchen line. Being close to the net is a position of strength.

• Use soft shots (dinks) in the kitchen area to control the pace.

• Communicate with your partner. Call balls and positions.

• Aim for the middle. It creates confusion between opponents.

• Be patient. Wait for a good ball to attack.

Singles and doubles

• Doubles is the most popular. It is social, quick and less physically demanding on court coverage.

• Singles is more athletic, with more court to cover.

Most beginners start with doubles.

How to find a game

• Local courts and clubs. Check community centres, tennis clubs and sports facilities.

• Social sessions. Many venues run beginner-friendly sessions.

• Pickleball Australia and state bodies list clubs and events.

• Friends and family. Pickleball is great for groups.

• Online communities often organise casual games.

Etiquette basics

Call the score before each serve, be honest on line calls, wait until a rally ends before walking behind courts and be friendly.

Safety and wellbeing

• Warm up.

• Wear proper shoes.

• Stay hydrated.

• Protect yourself from the sun.

• Consider eye protection.

• Listen to your body. Seek advice if you have pain.

Quick answers

Is pickleball easy to learn? Yes. Most beginners play comfortably within a session or two.

How many players? Usually four (doubles), though singles is also played.

What is the kitchen? The non-volley zone near the net, where you cannot volley.

How many serves do you get? One attempt per serve. A serve that clips the net and lands in the correct court is usually played on under current rules, so check your local format.

What do I need to start? A paddle, balls, court shoes and comfortable clothing, and many venues hire equipment.

Get started

Pickleball is simple to start and endlessly enjoyable. Learn the serve, respect the kitchen and focus on keeping the ball in play, and you will be rallying in no time.

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