What is pickleball? A beginner's guide to the court, paddle, ball and basic play

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Pickleball is a paddle sport that mixes elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. It is played with a solid paddle and a light plastic ball with holes, on a small court with a low net. It has grown quickly in recent years, and courts are appearing in parks, sports centres and converted tennis courts in many countries.

The court

A pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, the same size for singles and doubles. That is the same footprint as a doubles badminton court.
The net is 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches in the centre, lower than a tennis net.
On each side of the net there is a non-volley zone, 7 feet deep, known to everyone as the kitchen. You cannot volley the ball while standing in it.
Behind the kitchen, each side is split into left and right service courts.

Several pickleball courts can fit on one tennis court, which is why tennis courts are often relined for it.

The paddle

Pickleball paddles are solid, with no strings. They are larger than a table tennis bat and smaller than a tennis racket. Modern paddles generally have a honeycomb polymer core with a face of fibreglass, carbon fibre or a composite. For tournament play the paddle must meet the specifications of the relevant governing body; for casual play, any reasonable paddle will do.

The ball

The ball is hard plastic with holes, a little like a wiffle ball.
Outdoor balls are usually harder, with more and smaller holes, to cope with wind and rougher surfaces.
Indoor balls are usually softer and lighter, with fewer and larger holes.

How a game is played

Games are usually played to 11 points, and you must win by two.
The serve is underhand and goes diagonally into the opposite service court, clearing the kitchen.
The two-bounce rule: the return of serve must bounce, and the serving side's next shot must bounce too. After that, either side may volley.
You cannot volley while standing in the kitchen or touching its line.
In traditional scoring, only the serving side can score a point.

Doubles is the most popular format, though singles is played too.

Why it is so popular

Easy to start: the underhand serve, small court and slow ball mean beginners can rally in their first session.
Social: doubles on a small court puts four people close together, and many venues run open sessions where you rotate partners.
Gentle on the body: there is less running than in tennis, which is one reason it has caught on with older players, although it can be very fast at a high level.
Cheap to try: a paddle and a few balls are all you need, and many clubs lend equipment.

How it differs from tennis

Smaller court, lower net, solid paddle.
Underhand serve only, with just one serve attempt rather than two.
The kitchen: there is no equivalent in tennis, and it shapes the whole game. Points are often won by soft shots into the kitchen rather than by power.
The two-bounce rule stops the serve-and-volley tactics of tennis.
Scoring: pickleball uses numbers to 11, not love, fifteen, thirty, forty.

If you play tennis, your hand-eye coordination will help, but the biggest adjustment is learning to hit softly and wait for the right moment to attack.

Getting started

Look for "open play" or beginner sessions at local sports centres, parks or clubs.
Wear court shoes with good lateral support rather than running shoes.
Bring a basic paddle, or borrow one first to see what you like.
Do not worry about the scoring at first; other players will usually call it for you.

Have you tried pickleball yet, or are you thinking about it? Ask your questions or share where you play in the comments below.