Beginner's Guide to Pickleball

Why Pickleball is Great for Beginners

• Easy to Learn: The basic rules are simple and can be learned in minutes, making it accessible to players of all ages and athletic backgrounds.
• Low Impact: The smaller court and slower ball speed make pickleball easier on joints than many other racquet sports, ideal for players of all fitness levels.
• Social Sport: Pickleball is inherently social, with doubles play being the most common format. It's easy to meet new people and make friends on the court.
• Affordable: Equipment costs are relatively low, and many courts offer free or low-cost access.
• Quick Games: Games typically last 15-20 minutes, making it easy to fit into busy schedules.

The Court and Equipment

Court Dimensions

A pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long (the same size as a doubles badminton court). The court is divided into several key areas:

• Baseline: The back line of the court (22 feet from the net)
• Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen): A 7-foot area on both sides of the net where players cannot volley (hit the ball in the air). This is marked by a line 7 feet from the net.
• Service Areas: The court is divided into right and left service areas on each side, similar to tennis.
• Center Line: Divides the service areas on each side of the court.

Essential Equipment

• Paddle: Solid paddles made of wood, composite, or graphite. Beginners often start with mid-weight paddles (7.5-8.0 ounces) for a balance of power and control.
• Ball: Perforated plastic balls with 26-40 holes. Outdoor balls are heavier with smaller holes, while indoor balls are lighter with larger holes.
• Court Shoes: Non-marking court shoes with good lateral support are recommended for safety and performance.

For detailed equipment recommendations, visit our gear page.

Basic Rules

Serving

• The serve must be hit underhand with the paddle below the waist
• The ball must be served diagonally across the court to the opposite service area
• Only one serve attempt is allowed (no second serve like in tennis)
• The server must keep both feet behind the baseline when serving
• In doubles, each player serves until they fault, then service rotates to the other team

The Two-Bounce Rule

One of the most important rules for beginners to understand:

• The receiving team must let the served ball bounce before returning it
• The serving team must also let the return bounce before hitting it
• After these two bounces, players can volley (hit the ball in the air) or let it bounce
• This rule prevents serve-and-volley dominance and creates longer rallies

The Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen)

The 7-foot area on both sides of the net is called the "kitchen" or non-volley zone:

• Players cannot volley (hit the ball in the air) while standing in this zone
• Players can enter the kitchen to hit a ball that has bounced
• If a player's momentum carries them into the kitchen after volleying, it's a fault
• This rule prevents players from crowding the net and creates more strategic play

Scoring

• Only the serving team can score points
• Games are typically played to 11 points, win by 2
• Tournament play may use games to 15 or 21 points
• Points are scored when the opposing team commits a fault
• In doubles, both players on a team serve before the serve goes to the other team

Faults

A fault results in the loss of the point or serve. Common faults include:

• Hitting the ball out of bounds
• Hitting the ball into the net
• Volleying from the non-volley zone (kitchen)
• Violating the two-bounce rule
• Stepping into the court before completing the serve
• Hitting the ball before it crosses the net

Basic Techniques for Beginners

The Serve

• Stand behind the baseline with both feet behind the line
• Hold the paddle below your waist
• Use an underhand motion to hit the ball
• Aim for the opposite service area diagonally across
• Keep your serve deep to push opponents back

The Return of Serve

• Let the ball bounce (required by the two-bounce rule)
• Return the ball deep to keep opponents at the baseline
• Aim for the back third of the court
• Get to the kitchen line after returning (this is called "the third shot")

The Third Shot

After the return of serve, the serving team hits the "third shot." This is a critical shot:

• Let the ball bounce (required by the two-bounce rule)
• Options: Hit a drop shot (soft shot into the kitchen) or drive (hard shot at opponents)
• Beginners should focus on getting the ball over the net and into play
• After the third shot, move toward the kitchen line

Positioning

• At the Baseline: Stand 2-3 feet behind the baseline when serving or receiving serve
• At the Kitchen: After the two-bounce rule is satisfied, move to the kitchen line (but not in the kitchen) for better court coverage
• In Doubles: Communicate with your partner about who covers which shots
• Side-to-Side: Move together as a team, covering the court efficiently

Court Etiquette

Pickleball has a strong tradition of good sportsmanship and court etiquette:

• Call Your Own Lines: Be honest about whether balls are in or out
• Respect the "Out" Call: If your opponent calls a ball out, respect their call even if you disagree
• Wait for Quiet: Don't start a point if there's a ball from another court rolling onto your court
• Retrieve Balls Quickly: Return errant balls to the correct court promptly
• Be Welcoming: Pickleball is known for being welcoming to beginners. Be patient and encouraging
• Follow Rotation Rules: At busy courts, follow the posted rotation system or ask about local customs
• Keep It Fun: Remember that pickleball is meant to be enjoyable. Keep a positive attitude and have fun

Getting Started in Austin

Ready to start playing? Here's how to get involved in Austin's pickleball community:

• Find a Court: Use our court directory to find a location near you. Many recreation centers offer free or low-cost access.
• Start with Open Play: Many facilities have scheduled open play sessions where players of all levels can drop in and join games. This is perfect for beginners.
• Take a Lesson: Many facilities and instructors offer beginner lessons. Check with your local recreation center or pickleball facility.
• Join a Group: Look for local pickleball groups on social media or community boards to find playing partners and learn about events.
• Practice the Basics: Before your first game, practice serving and basic shots. Many courts have practice walls or areas.

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

• Standing Too Far Back: After the serve and return, move toward the kitchen line. Many beginners stay at the baseline and lose points.
• Hitting Too Hard: Power isn't everything in pickleball. Control and placement are often more important than speed.
• Forgetting the Two-Bounce Rule: Remember to let the serve and return bounce before volleying.
• Volleying from the Kitchen: Be aware of the non-volley zone and avoid volleying while in it.
• Not Communicating: In doubles, communication with your partner is essential for covering the court effectively.
• Giving Up on Balls: Many balls that look out actually land in. Always try to return the ball if you're not certain it's out.

Next Steps

Now that you understand the basics, you're ready to start playing! Remember:

• Everyone was a beginner once - don't be intimidated
• Focus on having fun and learning, not just winning
• Practice regularly to improve your skills
• Ask questions and learn from more experienced players
• Be patient with yourself - improvement takes time

For more advanced techniques and strategies, check out our guide to improving your game. And don't forget to explore our court directory to find the perfect place to play in Austin!