Pickleball
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How To Play Pickleball: Rules, Strategies, and Techniques
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America, and it's easy to see why: it's simple to learn, low-impact, and fun for every age and skill level. This guide covers everything a new player needs — court setup, equipment, official rules, scoring, strategy, and core techniques — so you can get on the court with confidence.
What Is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a paddle sport played on a badminton-sized court with a modified tennis net and a perforated plastic ball. It combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, and can be played as singles (1v1) or doubles (2v2), with doubles being the more common format.
What Equipment Do You Need to Play Pickleball?
You need three things to play: a paddle, a pickleball, and access to a court. Pickleball paddles are made from wood, composite, or graphite/carbon fiber, and vary in weight and grip size — comfort and control should guide your choice (see our full paddle guide for specifics). The ball itself resembles a wiffle ball but with smaller, more numerous holes for consistent flight indoors or outdoors.
What Are the Pickleball Court Dimensions?
A regulation pickleball court measures 20 feet wide by 44 feet long — the same size for both singles and doubles play. The net stands 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center. The court is divided by a centerline into two service courts, and a 7-foot non-volley zone extends from the net on both sides.
What Are the Basic Rules of Pickleball?
Pickleball is played to win points by hitting the ball over the net, in bounds, in a way your opponent can't legally return. Each point starts with an underhand serve hit diagonally into the opponent's service court, below the waist, from behind the baseline.
What Is the Two-Bounce Rule in Pickleball?
The two-bounce rule requires the ball to bounce once on each side of the net before either team can hit it in the air (volley). The serve must bounce in the receiving court, and the return of serve must also bounce before the serving side can volley it. After those two bounces, players may volley freely from outside the non-volley zone.
What Is the Kitchen in Pickleball?
The "kitchen" is the non-volley zone (NVZ) — a 7-foot area on each side of the net where players cannot volley the ball. You may step into the kitchen to play a ball that has already bounced, but you cannot hit a volley while any part of your body or paddle is touching the kitchen, even if your momentum carries you in after contact. Read the full kitchen rules breakdown for edge cases like the "Ernie."
While these are just the basic rules of pickleball, there are many more rules to learn as you become more advanced in the game. But don't worry because, with practice and experience, you'll become a pro in no time!
How Does Scoring Work in Pickleball?
Only the serving team can score points. Standard games are played to 11, with a 2-point win (some tournaments play to 15 or 21). After winning a rally, the serving team scores a point, and the same player serves again from the alternate side; if the serving team loses the rally, no point is scored, and the serve passes to the other team — this is called a side out. If the score reaches 10-10, play continues until one team leads by 2 (such as 12-10 or 13-11).
What Are the Best Pickleball Strategies for Singles and Doubles?
In singles, mobility and shot placement matter most — keep your opponent moving by varying shot direction and depth, and mix up your serve to prevent them from settling into a rhythm.
In doubles, communication and court coverage decide most points. Hitting toward the middle of the court is one of the most effective doubles strategies, since it creates confusion between partners about who should take the shot. Reading your opponent's footwork and paddle position before they make contact also gives you a head start on positioning for the next shot. For a deeper dive, see our advanced doubles strategy guide.
What Are the Basic Pickleball Techniques? (Serve, Return, Dink, Smash)
Four shots form the foundation of every player's game:
Serve — Hit underhand, diagonally, from behind the baseline. See our serve technique guide.
Return of serve — Aim deep into the opponent's court to buy yourself time to move into position.
Dink — A soft, controlled shot played near the net to keep the ball low and force opponents out of position, heavily used in doubles.
Smash — A hard, fast overhead shot used to end a rally and put the ball away.
What Are Advanced Pickleball Techniques? (Lob, Third Shot Drop, Spin)
Once the basics feel comfortable, three shots take your game to the next level:
Lob — A high, arcing shot hit over an opponent positioned at the net; effective but risky if mistimed.
Third shot drop — A soft shot hit from the backcourt, right after the serve and return, designed to land in the kitchen and let the serving team advance to the net. It's widely considered the hardest shot in pickleball to execute consistently.
Spin — Adding spin changes the ball's bounce and trajectory, making returns harder to predict and read.
How Does a Pickleball Opening Sequence Work?
Here is an opening sequence presented by Hendrik Marik
Finally, spin can be a very effective tool in pickleball. Applying spin to the ball can make it more difficult for your opponent to return and create more variation in your shots.
As with any advanced technique, it's important to practice regularly and gradually incorporate these techniques into your game.
What Are Pickleball Etiquette and Safety Tips?
Wear proper pickleball shoes with good court traction, stay hydrated, and take breaks to avoid injury. On etiquette: call your own lines honestly, respect your opponents, and stay aware of neighboring courts if you're playing in a shared facility.
How Do Pickleball Competitions and Tournaments Work?
Local and national tournaments run year-round and are open to players of nearly every level, from beginner brackets to professional tours. Review the specific rules and format before entering, and use local meetups to gain match experience first. Read more in our guide to pickleball tournaments.
Where Can You Find More Pickleball Resources?
Browse our full library of pickleball blogs and articles, watch instructional breakdowns on SportsEdTV's pickleball video library, and look for a local league or recreation center to start playing regularly with other players in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pickleball
How many points do you need to win a game of pickleball?
Games are typically played to 11 points, and you must win by at least 2 points. Some tournaments play to 15 or 21 points instead.
Who can score points in pickleball?
Only the serving team can score points. If the receiving team wins a rally, the serve passes to them (a "side out"), but no point is awarded.
What is the two-bounce rule in pickleball?
The ball must bounce once on each side of the net — on the serve and on the return — before either team is allowed to volley it in the air.
What is the kitchen in pickleball?
The kitchen is the 7-foot non-volley zone on each side of the net. Players cannot hit a volley while standing inside it, though they can step in to play a ball that has already bounced.
How big is a pickleball court?
A regulation pickleball court is 20 feet wide by 44 feet long, the same dimensions for both singles and doubles.
Is pickleball easy to learn?
Yes. The core rules can be learned in minutes, which is part of why it has become the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., though mastering shots like the third shot drop takes practice.
Can you play pickleball alone, or do you need a partner?
Pickleball can be played as singles (1 vs. 1) or doubles (2 vs. 2). Doubles is the more common and widely played format.
Pickleball Competitions and Tournaments
If you're looking to take your pickleball skills to the next level, consider participating in a competition or tournament. There are many local and national pickleball tournaments held throughout the year, and these events offer a chance to meet new players, improve your skills, and have fun.
Before entering a competition or tournament, make sure to review the rules and regulations and practice regularly to prepare. It's also a good idea to attend local pickleball events and meetups to get to know other players and gain experience on the court.
Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the game, whether you're playing for recreation or competition. Read more on pickleball tournaments.
Pickleball Resources - Books, Videos, and Websites
If you're looking to improve your pickleball skills, there are many resources available to help you. One option is to read our Pickleball blogs and articles about the game, which can provide useful tips and strategies for improving your performance.
Another option is to watch videos and tutorials on SportsEdTV, which can give you a visual representation of the techniques and strategies discussed in this guide.
Finally, joining a local pickleball community can be a great way to connect with other players, learn new skills, and get involved in tournaments and events. Check your local recreation center or community center for information on pickleball leagues and meetups in your area.
By taking advantage of these resources, you can improve your skills and have more fun on the court.
Final Thoughts
Pickleball is a fun and exciting game that offers a great way to stay active and socialize with friends. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a complete beginner, this ultimate guide to pickleball has everything you need to get started, including the rules of the game, basic strategies and techniques, equipment recommendations, and even tips for finding a local pickleball community. By practicing regularly and incorporating these tips and strategies into your game, you can improve your skills and have a blast on the court. So let's grab our paddles and get ready to play some pickleball!
About the Author
Teresa Tarn currently competes on the APP Senior Pro Tour, where she is a ranked player, has won multiple medals, and received the APP Sportsmanship award for the Senior Pro Tour.
