Pickleball is a fast-paced paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Played on a smaller court with a lower net, it uses a perforated plastic ball and solid paddles. The game is easy to learn, making it accessible to all ages and skill levels, yet offers plenty of challenge and excitement for competitive players. Its social, active, and inclusive nature has made it one of the fastest-growing sports in the USA and around the world.

If you've ever heard about pickleball and wondered, “Pickleball? What is it? Is it a snack?” you're not alone! While we hate to disappoint people who love food, this sport has nothing to do with food (unless you count the "kitchen”, which we'll talk about later).

Pickleball is like if tennis, badminton, and ping-pong had a quirky love child that is extremely enjoyable, simple to learn, and oddly addictive. It is played with paddles and a plastic ball. You can play one-on-one (singles) or grab a partner and take on another duo (doubles) - just be prepared for some epic “dinking” battles at the net.

This guide will show you everything you need to know about pickleball, including the rules, court size, necessary equipment, and strategies!, so you can hit the court with confidence!

Pickleball Court Dimensions and Setup

Before you step onto the court, it’s important to know the pickleball court size and layout:

• Court Size for Pickleball 

A pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, which is the same size for both singles and doubles play. It's small enough for quick action while large enough to keep you on your toes!

In the middle of the court, there is the pickleball net, which stands 36 inches high on the sides and deep to 34 inches in the center, ideal for keeping those dinks just low enough to make things exciting!

• Pickleball Court Layout 

Baselines: These are the lines at the back of the court, running parallel to the net. They indicate where the ball must land during play. Your ball is out of bounds if it crosses these lines.

Sidelines: The sidelines are the vertical lines that run along both sides of the pickleball court, from the baselines to the net. They determine the court's width and provide the limits for the ball's lateral movement. If your ball goes off these "sidelines”, it's a fault.

The Kitchen (aka Non-Volley Zone): Actually, you are not allowed to cook in this zone! This is the area of the court where you can’t hit the ball in mid-air before it bounces (that is called “volley”). If you are in this zone, you need to let the ball bounce before hitting it.

The kitchen rule encourages a more strategic game by preventing players from crowding the net and hitting aggressive volleys. Rather than power volleys, it emphasizes shot placement and finesse.

Service Courts: The service courts are the areas on each side of the pickleball court where the server needs to aim during a serve.

If the score is even, serve from the right-hand side to the opponent’s right-hand service court.

If the score is odd, serve from the left-hand side to the opponent’s left-hand service court.

If the ball lands outside of the service court or hits the kitchen, it is considered a fault.

Pickleball Rules: The Do's, Don'ts, and Dinks of the Game!

• Pickleball rules for serving

1. General Serving Rules

The serve must be performed with the paddle below the waist and underhand (using an upward motion). The server must hit the ball diagonally into the opponent's service court from behind the baseline. The ball must pass through the Kitchen and cannot hit the line. In doubles play, both players on a team get a chance to serve before handing it over to the opponents—because sharing is caring!

2. Faults in Serving

A fault occurs if:

• Hitting it out of bounds

• Letting it touch the Kitchen (or its line—pickleball lines are very picky!)

• Swinging overhand like you’re playing baseball

• Stepping on or over the baseline before serving

• Missed completely during an attempt to serve (yep, even an air swing counts as a fault).

You only get one shot at serving, unless it’s a "let" (see below). So, serve carefully and make it count!

3. Let Serves

In recreational play, a let is a little miracle when the ball touches the net but still lands in the correct service court. What is the result? It's time for a replay! The point is invalidated, and the server is given another chance.

However, in official tournaments, if the ball hits the net and lands in the correct service court, the ball is still in play. The receiving team must be ready to return it, no excuses. So, don’t expect a “do-over” in the big leagues—just keep your paddle ready!

Let serves have been removed from the game, according to the USA Pickleball Rulebook that was released in 2021. 

 

4. Side Out and Service Rotation in Doubles

In doubles pickleball, the service rotation follows a clear pattern to keep things flowing smoothly:

1. The First Serve: At the start of the game, the first serve always comes from the right side of the court. This signals the beginning of the game and sets the tone for the first point.

2. Winning a Point: If the server wins a point, they switch to the left side of the court, and the serve continues. They keep alternating between the right and left sides as long as they keep winning points.

3. Faults and Partner Swap (3 Strike Rule): In doubles, each team is allowed a maximum of two faults (one per player) before the serve switches. If the server commits a fault, the serve passes to their partner, who now takes over from the opposite side of the court. This keeps both players engaged and adds variety to the game. The rotation follows the same right-to-left pattern, but now with a different player in charge of the next serve.

4. Side Out: If the second server also commits a fault, the result is a side out. This means the serve goes to the opposing team. The serving team is now officially out of service, and the other team gets their turn.

5. New Serving Team: The new serving team starts with their first server serving from the right side of the court. The same alternating pattern continues, like the world’s most intense game of ping-pong with lots of paddles and not enough time to rest.

It’s all about serving, switching sides, and praying the ball doesn’t meet the net. Keep your paddle up, stay quick, and with enough practice, you’ll be serving like a pro in no time!

• Volley

A volley in pickleball (and other racquet sports) refers to hitting the ball before it bounces on the court. In other words, a volley is when a player strikes the ball while it is still in the air, without letting it touch the ground first.

However, in pickleball, you cannot volley the ball while standing in the Kitchen.

• Double Bounce Rule

When the ball is served, it must bounce once on each side of the court before either team can volley. This means the receiving team must allow the ball to bounce before returning it, and the serving team must let the ball bounce on their side before they hit it back. After the ball has bounced once on each side, players can then volley or let the ball bounce again as they choose.

1. Serve: The server hits the ball, and it must bounce once in the opponent's service box before the receiver can make a return. The receiver cannot hit the ball out of the air (no volleys yet!).

2. Receiver’s Return: After the server’s ball bounces, the receiving team must let the ball bounce once on their side of the court before returning it. No volleying yet!

3. Second Bounce: After the ball bounces once on the server's side and once on the receiver's side, players are then free to either volley the ball (hit it out of the air) or let it bounce again, depending on their strategy.

• Pickleball Scoring Rules 

Set & Scoring system: A match is usually played best of 3 sets, where the first team to win 2 sets wins the match. Each set is typically played to 11 points, but you must win by at least 2 points. If the score reaches 10-10, the game continues until one team leads by 2 points. In some cases, games may be played to 15 or 21 points, but the same 2-point lead rule applies.

The standard scoring system is rally scoring, which means the serving team can score points. If the receiving team wins the rally, they don’t get a point but gain the serve. It’s like winning the golden ticket, except that now you have to serve up some pickleball magic!

Must-Have Pickleball Gear

Pickleball Paddle:

The paddle is your pickleball partner in crime! It is the most important piece of equipment in pickleball. It can be made from various materials such as wood, composite, or graphite, each offering different advantages. Beginners often prefer lighter paddles, while more experienced players might choose paddles that feature a larger sweet spot or offer greater precision, helping them execute more advanced shots. The best paddle for your game depends on your playing style and experience level, so choosing the right pickleball paddle is crucial to improving your performance.

An example of Pickleball Paddle

Pickleball Balls

Pickleball balls are crafted from plastic and feature holes, which help them fly through the air and bounce just right. There are two main types of pickleball balls: indoor and outdoor balls.

Indoor Balls:

These are lighter and have fewer holes, making them ideal for indoor play where the only breeze you'll feel comes from your victory dance. There's no wind here, just smooth sailing and hopefully smooth shots.

Outdoor Balls:

These are heavier and have more holes, making them the "tough guy" of pickleball. Built to withstand the wind and bounce like a champ, they're ready for anything Mother Nature throws at them—except maybe rain.

Comfortable Athletic Shoes

Pickleball demands quick lateral movements and sudden stops, so your shoes better be ready for the hustle! To avoid damage during hard games, choose shoes that provide cushioning and stability, particularly in the ankles and knees. Also look for court shoes with high traction and support to avoid sliding around like you're on a slip ‘n slide.

Pickleball Bag

A pickleball bag is like your personal gear guru, making it easier to keep track of everything you need, from paddles to balls to shoes to extra clothes. Some bags are even designed to hold multiple paddles, so you can show off your collection like a true pro.

However, if you don’t want to use a dedicated sports bag, other types of bags, like a canvas bag, can work just as well for carrying your gear. The key is finding a bag that fits your style and keeps your equipment organized.

Pickleball outfits

Comfort is only one aspect of the clothing that is designed for pickleball. Of course, you need to look good while you play! You can show off your personality with your pickleball outfits. To keep things lighthearted (and to give your opponents a good laugh), you can wear pickleball outfits with hilarious slogans like "Dink Different" or "Kitchen King/Queen". Plus, who doesn’t want to be both stylish and the talk of the court? Whether it’s a shirt, dress, hoodie, or hat, make sure your gear adds some fun to your game!

And of course, a pickleball hat is the ideal addition to protect your eyes from the sun during those intense outdoor games. Your opponents may be too distracted by how fantastic you look in your fashionable pickleball hat to concentrate on the game!

Check Out Our Funny Pickleball Shirts!

Pickleball is a sport, a lifestyle, and the perfect way to have fun while leveling up your skills. Whether you're in it for the competition, the exercise, or the pure joy of a well placed dink, you’re now ready to dink like a champ! 

Remember, it’s all about having fun and mastering the art of not stepping into the Kitchen (unless it’s for snacks). 

Game on 🥒🏐🔥