Are you curious about this crazy fun game you’ve heard about called pickleball that’s sweeping the nation? Interested in jumping in on the fun? You’re in the right place! This is the Definitive How To Play Pickleball Video Guide. We cover it all to get you started on the right foot. Here’s what you’ll learn: Equipment Needed The Pickleball Court In Bounds vs. Out Of Bounds The Lines The Net Service Areas Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen) Two Bounce Rule Faults Common Misconceptons Starting Positions Points Who Serves First? Switching Sides General Strategy Court Positioning Scoring Serve Rules How To Serve & More. Whether you’re curious about this game you’ve heard of called pickleball and are interested in jumping in on the fun, or you want a resource to help someone you know get started, you’re in the right place. This is the definitive how-to-play pickleball video guide. We cover all the basics you need to know about this fun game that’s sweeping the nation.
I. Equipment needed
To play pickleball, you will need a few key pieces of equipment. The first is a paddle, which is similar to a tennis racket but smaller in size. It is important to have a paddle that suits your playing style and skill level. You can find a wide variety of paddles made from different materials, but it is recommended to steer clear of wooden paddles as they tend to be heavy and not as durable. A composite paddle is usually the best choice. You can borrow a paddle from a friend or local pickleball enthusiast, or you can purchase one online. Make sure to choose a paddle that feels comfortable in your hand and allows you to have control over the ball.
The second piece of equipment needed is a pickleball. Pickleballs are specifically designed for this sport, and they come in two types depending on the court surface. If you are playing on a hard court, you will need an outdoor ball, which is harder and more suitable for outdoor play. On the other hand, if you are playing on a gym court with hardwood flooring, you will need an indoor ball, which has a slightly more rubbery feel. It is always a good idea to bring a few extra balls to the court in case one gets damaged during play.
Lastly, you will need court shoes. It is recommended to wear tennis shoes on hard court surfaces as they provide the necessary support and traction for quick movements in all directions, including lateral movements. If you are playing on an indoor court, basketball or volleyball shoes are also suitable options. Avoid wearing running shoes as they are designed for forward-backward movement and lack the lateral support needed in pickleball. Comfortable athletic clothing, water, a hat, and sunscreen are also important to bring for a successful pickleball session.
II. Pickleball court
Understanding the different areas of the pickleball court is essential to play the game correctly. The court is divided into different sections:
A. In bounds vs. out of bounds
The court has an in bounds area and an out of bounds area. During most of the point, the ball can land anywhere within the in bounds area, including on the lines. If the ball lands outside this area, it is considered out of play and results in a fault, which ends the point.
B. Lines
The boundaries of the in bounds area consist of the baseline and the sidelines. These lines mark the playing area and help determine whether a ball is in bounds or out of bounds.
C. Net
The net divides the court into two playing halves. It is essential to clear the net when hitting the ball to keep the game in play. Hitting the ball into the net results in a fault and ends the point.
D. Service areas
Each half of the court has two service areas – one on the right side and one on the left side. These are the areas where the serve must land to start the point correctly. The server must serve from one of these service areas, ensuring the ball lands in the opposite service area on the other half of the court diagonally.
E. Non-volley zone (kitchen)
The non-volley zone, also known as the kitchen, is a unique area in pickleball. It is a 7-foot area on both sides of the net and is marked by the non-volley zone line. Players cannot stand inside this zone and hit the ball on the fly as it comes over from the other half of the court. This rule prevents one team from dominating the net and encourages longer rallies.
III. Two bounce rule
The two bounce rule is an important aspect of pickleball. According to this rule, the ball must bounce once after the serve and once after the return before players can hit it out of the air or after one bounce. This rule adds an element of strategy and allows for longer rallies. However, it is essential to keep in mind that players cannot volley the ball while standing in the non-volley zone, even if they made contact with the ball with both feet behind the non-volley zone line. Stepping into the non-volley zone after hitting a volley shot results in a fault and ends the point.
IV. Faults that end a point
Several faults can occur during a pickleball game, leading to the end of a point. Understanding these faults is crucial to avoid them and maintain control of the game:
A. Hitting the ball into the net
When a player hits the ball into the net, whether it’s during the serve or the rally, it is considered a fault, and the point ends. It is crucial to aim to clear the net with each shot to keep the ball in play.
B. Hitting the ball out of bounds
If a player hits the ball outside the in bounds area, it is considered out of play, and the point ends. Hitting the ball on or beyond the lines is considered an out of bounds shot.
C. Letting the ball bounce twice on your side before returning it
After the serve and return, players cannot let the ball bounce twice on their side before returning it. If the ball bounces twice on their side before returning, it is a fault, and the point ends.
It is important to avoid these faults and maintain control of the game to increase your chances of winning.
V. Scoring
Understanding the scoring system is crucial to keep track of points and determine the winner of the game:
A. Points usually scored to 11
In most pickleball games, points are scored up to 11. Each rally determines the outcome of a point, with the team that wins the rally earning a point.
B. Two-point win requirement
To win a game, there is a two-point win requirement. This means that a team must win by a margin of at least two points. For example, if the score is 10-10, the game continues until one team reaches a score of 12, winning by two points.
C. Possibility of going up to 15 or 21 points in certain situations
While points are usually scored up to 11, in certain situations, such as tournament play, scoring can go up to 15 or 21. The specific rules for scoring may vary depending on the event or level of play.
Keeping track of the score and understanding the win requirements is important to strategize and adapt your gameplay accordingly.
VI. Determining the serving team
The serving team is usually determined by a nearby landmark at pickleball facilities. The landmark acts as a reference point, determining which team serves first. The team starting on one side of the landmark serves first, and the opposing team becomes the receiving team.
VII. Objective of pickleball
The objective of pickleball is simple: get the ball back over the net and in play more times than the other team to win points. Each team aims to maintain control of the ball and strategically place their shots, creating challenges for the opposing team. The more successful shots you make, the more points you score.
VIII. Advantage of the non-volley zone line
The non-volley zone line, also known as the kitchen, plays a crucial role in the game of pickleball. It offers several advantages:
A. Allows for forceful shots
When players stand behind the non-volley zone line, they can hit forceful shots without stepping into the non-volley zone. This strategic positioning allows players to exert more power on their shots and put pressure on their opponents.
B. Minimizes gaps for opponents
Standing at the non-volley zone line minimizes the gaps between players, making it harder for opponents to find openings and hit successful shots. This positioning allows players to cover more of the court and react quickly to incoming shots.
Understanding the advantages of the non-volley zone line and utilizing it effectively can significantly improve your gameplay.
IX. Starting positions for all four players
Establishing the correct starting positions for all four players on the court is crucial for strategic gameplay. Each player has a specific role and position:
A. Importance for strategic gameplay
The serving team consists of two players, with one player positioned behind the baseline to serve and their partner at the non-volley zone line. The receiving team also has one player positioned behind the baseline to return the serve, with their partner at the non-volley zone line.
Strategic positioning allows players to cover different areas of the court and work together effectively. Proper positioning also helps in anticipating shots and reacting quickly to changes in gameplay.
XIV. Importance of getting the serve in initially
One of the key aspects of pickleball is getting the serve in initially. While it may be tempting to focus on maximizing the impact of your serve on your opponents, it is important to prioritize getting the serve in. This is because only the serving team can score points, and they switch sides after each point won until they lose a point.
By focusing on delivering a consistent and accurate serve, you increase your chances of maintaining control of the game and scoring points. A strong serve can put pressure on your opponents, but it is important to balance power with accuracy to ensure the serve remains in play.
Overall, mastering the serve is essential for a successful pickleball game. Once you have a consistent serve, you can start incorporating different strategies and shots to maximize your impact on the game.