If you’ve recently heard about pickleball and are curious to give it a try, you’re not alone—this fast-growing sport is winning over players of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a fun way to stay active or a new hobby to share with friends, pickleball is easy to learn and incredibly engaging.
In this beginner-friendly guide, you’ll learn:
- What pickleball is
- Basic rules of the game
- How to play singles and doubles
- How scoring works (traditional and rally scoring)
Let’s get into it!
What Is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It’s played on a small court (20x44 feet), with a net similar to tennis but lower, and a plastic ball with holes (like a wiffle ball).
You can play either singles (1v1) or doubles (2v2), and the rules are largely the same, with just a few differences in positioning and strategy.
Basic Rules of Pickleball
Here are the fundamental rules to get started:
- Serve Underhand: The serve must be hit underhand and diagonally across the court. The ball must clear the non-volley zone (aka “the kitchen”).
- Double Bounce Rule: The ball must bounce once on each side before volleys (hitting without a bounce) are allowed.
- Non-Volley Zone (The Kitchen): Players can’t volley while standing inside the kitchen or touching its lines. You can enter the kitchen only to play a ball that has bounced.
- Win by Two: Games are typically played to 11, 15, or 21 points—but you must win by at least 2 points.
Playing Singles vs. Doubles
Singles
- Serving: Players serve from the right side when their score is even, and from the left side when their score is odd.
- Court Coverage: You must cover the entire court yourself, so movement and positioning are key.
- Scoring: Only the server can score a point in traditional scoring.
Doubles
- Serving: Each player on a team gets a chance to serve before the serve passes to the other team (except at the beginning of the game when only one server starts).
- Positions: The server stands on the right side to start and switches sides with their partner after winning a point.
- Communication: Crucial in doubles to avoid confusion and maximize court coverage.
How to Keep Score
Traditional Scoring (Most Common)
In traditional scoring, only the serving team can score a point. If the receiving team wins a rally, they don’t score, but they gain the opportunity to serve (or the serve passes to the next player in doubles).
Doubles Scoring Format
You’ll see scores like this:
4 – 2 – 1
- First number = serving team’s score
- Second number = receiving team’s score
- Third number = server number (1 or 2)
Example: If the score is 4–2–1, the serving team has 4 points, the receiving team has 2, and the first server is serving.
Singles Scoring Format
Just two numbers: Server’s score – Receiver’s score
The server switches sides depending on their score (even = right, odd = left).
What Is Rally Scoring?
Rally scoring is an alternative format that speeds up the game and is becoming more popular, especially in recreational play.
Rally Scoring Basics:
- A point is scored on every rally, regardless of who served.
- Games are typically played to 15 or 21 points (win by 2).
- Serve still alternates between teams after each rally.
Rally Scoring Example:
- Team A serves and loses the rally → Team B gets a point and the serve.
- Team B wins the next rally → They get another point and continue serving.
This system keeps the score moving and makes for shorter, more dynamic games.
Tips for Beginners
- Start with Doubles: It’s easier to learn positioning and strategy with a partner.
- Focus on Placement, Not Power: Accuracy and control win games.
- Practice the Soft Game: Learn to “dink” (a soft shot just over the net) to control the pace.
- Stay Out of the Kitchen (Unless You Have To): Avoid volleying in the non-volley zone unless the ball bounces.
Final Thoughts
Pickleball is easy to pick up, fun to play, and a great way to get moving. Whether you’re learning the ropes or diving into competitive play, understanding the basic rules and how to score—especially the difference between traditional and rally scoring—sets you up for success.
Grab a paddle, find a court, and get out there! Your first pickleball game might just lead to a new favorite pastime.
