If you’re hitting the pickleball courts for the first time, you might be wondering how to get started. Good news – pickleball is easy to learn and you can start playing and having fun within minutes.
Here’s what you need to know to get started:
Want to just have some fun?
One important thing to remember – pickleball is a social sport. Get out there on the court and have fun, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Everyone around you, from the pros to the staff to players on other courts, will be happy to help you.
You don’t have to start by playing a full match. Instead, use these steps to get started:
- Start getting comfortable with the court by volleying back and forth near the no-volley zone (commonly known as the kitchen).
- As you become more confident with hitting the ball, you can move back to center court or can alternate between center court and the baseline.
- Once you’re ready, you can practice serving. Serves must be underhand and from behind the baseline.
If you enjoy rallying and hitting the ball around the court, you can progress to playing a match. Want to feel more confident about playing pickleball? We offer pickleball lessons and a Pickle In No time program where you can learn the basics and enjoy playing more.
Want to play a match?
- Serve from behind the baseline and hit the ball diagonally to the opposite side of the court. The serve must clear the kitchen/non-volley zone to count. The right side server goes first.
- The receiving team must let the ball bounce on their side before returning it. Then, the serving team must do the same.
- The ball is in play until it goes out of bounds, until one team fails to return the ball or until one team steps into the kitchen while volleying.
- There is a non-volley zone near the net. When you’re in this area, you can’t hit the ball unless it bounces first.
Want to keep score?
Wondering how to keep score in pickleball? It’s easier than it seems at first glance.
- Each match is scored up to 11 points.
- Points can only be scored by the serving team, and you can continue serving until you lose a rally.
- If you are playing doubles, both team members have the opportunity to serve and score points for their team.
- You call your score before each serve. When calling the score, include three numbers:
- The serving team’s score
- The receiving team’s score
- The current server (either server 1 or server 2)
When you’re playing at Pickle Haüs, our team of pickleball pros is here to make it easier for you. Our pros can give you guidance on how to get started playing and can ensure you and your friends have a great time on the court. Ready to play? Let’s rally – book some court time now!
