Pickleball for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Started
So, you want to play pickleball! If you're new to the game, you're in the right place. Pickleball is a fun and easy-to-learn sport that's perfect for players of all ages. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to get started. Let's dive in!
What Is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It can be played indoors or outdoors on a court that's about one-third the size of a tennis court. You play with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes, similar to a wiffle ball.
Equipment You Need
Before you start playing, you'll need a few basic pieces of equipment:
Paddle: Pickleball paddles are larger than ping-pong paddles but smaller than tennis racquets. They can be made of wood, composite, or graphite. LINK
Ball: Pickleball balls are lightweight plastic balls with holes. There are indoor and outdoor balls, which are slightly different. LINK
Court Shoes: Wear comfortable, supportive shoes suitable for court sports. LINK
Net: The net is lower than a tennis net and can be set up on a pickleball court or a modified badminton court. You should be able to find one nearby at a local park, but if your city hasn’t caught the pickleball bug yet, you can get one here: LINK
Setting Up the Court (If No Court Is Available At Your Local Park)
A pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. The net is 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches high in the middle. Here's how the court is divided:
Non-Volley Zone (The Kitchen): This is a 7-foot area on either side of the net where you CANNOT volley (hit the ball before it bounces).
Service Courts: The remaining area is divided into left and right service courts.
Basic Rules of Pickleball
Pickleball has some simple rules that are easy to learn:
Serving:
The serve must be underhand.
The server must hit the ball below the waist.
The serve must land in the opposite diagonal service court.
Only one serve attempt is allowed, except if the ball touches the net and lands in the correct service court (a let).
Scoring:
Only the serving team can score points.
Games are usually played to 11 points, and you must win by 2 points.
You switch sides of the court after every game.
Double Bounce Rule:
After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before players can volley.
Non-Volley Zone:
Players cannot volley the ball while standing in the non-volley zone.
Basic Techniques
Now that you know the rules, let's talk about some basic techniques:
The Serve:
Stand behind the baseline.
Hold the ball in your non-dominant hand and the paddle in your dominant hand.
Drop the ball and swing your paddle upward to hit the ball. ADD BOUNCE SERVE INSTRUCTION
Forehand and Backhand:
For a forehand, swing the paddle with your palm facing forward.
For a backhand, swing with the back of your hand facing forward.
Volley:
Hit the ball out of the air before it bounces.
Use a short, controlled swing.
Dink:
A soft shot that lands just over the net in the non-volley zone.
Use a gentle upward motion.
Tips for Beginners
Practice Your Serve:
A good serve can give you an advantage. Practice serving to different areas of the service court. You ALWAYS serve to the service court ACROSS from you.
Stay Out of the Kitchen:
Avoid standing in the non-volley zone unless you're hitting a dink shot. Remember, you can't volley in this area.
Communicate:
If you're playing doubles, talk to your partner. Communication is key to playing well together.
Watch the Ball:
Keep your eyes on the ball and be ready to move.
Have Fun:
Pickleball is all about having fun. Enjoy playing and don’t worry too much about winning in the beginning.
Finding a Place to Play
You can play pickleball at local parks, recreation centers, and schools. Many places have dedicated pickleball courts or allow you to set up a net on a tennis or badminton court. Check online for local pickleball clubs or groups where you can meet other players and join games.
Joining a Pickleball Community
Joining a pickleball community is a great way to learn and improve. You can find local clubs and groups through social media, community centers, and online forums. These communities often have events, tournaments, and regular games that you can join.
Learning from Others
Watching experienced players and asking for tips can help you improve quickly. Many players are happy to share their knowledge and help beginners. You can also find instructional videos and tutorials online to learn new skills and techniques.
Final Thoughts
Pickleball is a fantastic sport that's easy to learn and fun to play. By following this guide, you'll be well on your way to becoming a skilled player. Remember to practice, communicate with your partner, and most importantly, have fun! Whether you're playing for exercise, competition, or just to enjoy time with friends and family, pickleball is a game that everyone can enjoy.
So, grab your paddle, find a court, and start playing pickleball today. Happy playing!
