A Beginner's Guide to Playing Pickleball

Move over, tennis and badminton — there's a new court king in town! Pickleball, the fast-growing, fast-paced sport that's sweeping the nation, has everyone from retirees to millennials grabbing paddles and hitting the courts. But before you dive in, let's get a grip on the real rules of this game.

The Serve: Where It All Begins

In pickleball, the serve is where the magic starts. Unlike tennis, where you might see a player unleash a powerful overhead smash, pickleball requires a more refined touch. Your arm must be in an upward arc when you strike the ball, and that paddle contact? It better not be above your waist! Think of it as the sport's way of keeping things polite — no over-the-top serves allowed.

There's also the "drop serve," where you simply let the ball drop and bounce before giving it a nudge. This rule keeps the game accessible to everyone, whether you're an athlete or just playing for fun. Remember, only one serve attempt is allowed — so make it count!

The Serving Sequence: It's All About Rotation

Pickleball might look simple, but its serving sequence could make your head spin if you're not paying attention. In doubles (which, by the way, is the most common way to play), both players on a team get the chance to serve and score until they commit a fault. The first serve always comes from the right side, and if you score, you switch sides — right, left, right, left. It's like a choreographed dance, but with more sweat and fewer sequins.

Here's a twist: in the first service sequence of the game, only one player on the team gets to serve. It's like a warm-up act before the main event.

Scoring: Simple Yet Strategic

Unlike most sports, where points can fly in from anywhere, pickleball only allows the serving team to score. Games are typically played to 11 points, but if you're in a tournament, you might be rallying to 15 or even 21. And don't forget — you need to win by two, so those nail-biting deuce situations can make for some intense court time.

The Two-Bounce Rule: Keep It Grounded

One of the quirkiest and most strategic rules in pickleball is the two-bounce rule. When the ball is served, it has to bounce once on the receiver's side and once on the server's side before volleys are fair game. This rule prevents quick, overwhelming serves and keeps the game lively and engaging, ensuring everyone gets a fair shot.

The Non-Volley Zone: Beware the Kitchen!

The kitchen might be where you cook up a storm at home, but on the pickleball court, it's a no-go zone. This 7-foot area on either side of the net is where volleys are strictly forbidden. If you step in and volley, you're in hot water —it's a fault. The kitchen rule keeps the game safe and prevents players from slamming the ball right at the net.

Faults: Keep It Clean

Pickleball, like any sport, has its own set of don'ts. Faults occur when a player violates any of the rules, whether it's stepping into the kitchen mid-volley or failing to get that all-important serve inbounds. Faults by the serving team mean a loss of serve; for the receiving team, it's a point for the opposition.

Deciding Who Serves First: Flip It!

Finally, who serves first? Well, that's up to you. Flip a coin, play rock-paper-scissors, or come up with your own method — just make sure it's fair. After all, pickleball might be competitive, but it's also about having fun.

So, whether you're a seasoned athlete or just looking for a new way to stay active, pickleball's blend of strategy, skill, and social fun has something for everyone. Now, grab your paddle, step on the court, and let the games begin!

References: Pickleball Rules Summary | How to play pickleball - 9 simple rules for beginners