How to play pickleball 2025: Pickleball is a simple to learn and enjoy sport that is a combination of tennis, badminton and ping pong. It is played on a smaller court with a lower net, using a paddle and a plastic ball with holes. Here’s how you play:

How do you play basic pickleball

 

Objective of the Game

Scoring points by striking the ball with a racket at an opponent in such a way that the ball cannot be returned. Games are usually played to 11 points, and you have to win by at least 2 points.

Basic Setup :

Players: Pickleball can be played as singles (1 vs. 1) and doubles (2 vs. 2).

Court: The court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, separated by a net.

Equipment: Each player uses a paddle and the game is played with a perforated plastic ball. How to Start the Game

Serving :

It’s played to a court that’s half the size, the serve has to be an underhand one and hit diagonally across the net.

The server must be behind the baseline when serving the ball and must do so without the ball bouncing.

The serve has to get over the non-volley zone (the “kitchen,” a 7-foot area near the net).

There is only one serve attempt, unless the ball instead touches the net and lands in the proper service box (a “let” serve), in which case the serve is replayed.

Double Bounce Rule :

When received, the ball must be allowed to bounce once before it is returned.

Then the serving team has to let it bounce once before returning it.

After this, players may volley (hit the ball in the air) or play off the bounce.

The Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen) :

As mentioned above, players can’t volley (hit the ball in the air) while standing in the kitchen.

If a player’s foot is touching the kitchen when volleying, it’s a fault.

But players can enter the kitchen to hit a ball that has already bounced.

The Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen)

Players may not volley (hit the ball in the air) while in the kitchen.

If a player’s foot lands in the kitchen while reaching to volley, it’s a fault.

But players are allowed to enter the kitchen to hit a ball that has bounced.

How to Score Points :

Points can only be scored by the serving team.

Means that if the receiving team win the rally, they don’t score but gain the right to serve.

In doubles, each partner serves before switching serve to the other team.

The game is played to 11 points and a team must win by 2 points.

Faults (Errors That Cost a Point) :

 

Hitting the ball out of bounds.

Failing to clear the net.

Volleying in the kitchen.

Failing to comply with double bounce rule

Serving incorrectly.

Winning the Game

The first team to score 11 points, by at least a 2-point margin, wins.

Some games are played to 15 or 21 points in tournaments.

When was pickleball invented :

 

The Invention of Pickleball :

The game was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by three friends: the congressman Joel Pritchard, the businessman Bill Bell and the entrepreneur Barney McCallum. It was created as a way to amuse their families through the summer.

How Pickleball Got Its Name :

There are two prevailing theories regarding the name:

The “Pickle Boat” Theory — Joel Pritchard’s wife, Joan, told The Associated Press that the game was similar to a “pickle boat” in crew racing, the name for a team assembled out of leftover rowers.

The Dog Theory Although some fans believe the game was named for the Pritchards’ dog, “Pickles,” who would chase the ball. Nevertheless, the dog was adopted after the game was made.

Early Development

Plywood was used to fabricate the first paddles.

Growth and Popularity :

By the 1980s, pickleball was being played in all 50 states.

The USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) formed in 2005.

Pickleball was dubbed America’s fastest growing sport last year by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA).

Modern Pickleball :

Today, millions of people around the globe play pickleball — in schools, community centers and professional tournaments. With elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong, it’s simple to pick up and good for ages! 🎾🏓 The first written references to pickleball appeared in the late 1960s and early 1970s, as the game gained popularity and rules were formalized.

Is pickleball easy to learn :

10 Reasons Why Pickleball Is Easy to Learn :

SIMPLE RULES – The game has simple and easy to follow rules similar to ping pong and tennis.

Small Court Size – The court is smaller than that of a tennis court, so movement is easier.

Lightweight Paddle & Ball – The paddle is lighter than a tennis racket, and the plastic ball travels slower, making it easier to hit.

Underhand Serve – Pickleball features an underhand serve, unlike tennis, and this makes it easier for the beginner.

Easy to Learn – Most players will cover the basics of the game in 30 minutes to an hour and begin playing!

An easy-to-use yet competitive platform

For Fun  – Awesome for playing casually, playing social games and staying active.

For Competition  – May get tactical and quick at higher levels.

Is Pickleball Easy to Learn? – A Complete Guide

Yes! Pickleball is among the easiest sports to learn, even for those who’ve never played a racket or paddle sport. It is a hybrid of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, but the rules are simpler and the game is slower.

Why Pickleball Is So Easy to Learn

1 Simple Rules

It is played on a small court (20×44 feet) — roughly the size of a badminton court.

Players wield a lightweight paddle and a plastic ball with holes (like a Wiffle ball).

More than 200 fanciful cards have been pulled together to allow you to play singles (1v1) or doubles (2v2).

The serve is always underhand, so that makes it easier than tennis.

2 Slow Ball Speed

The plastic ball moves more slowly than a tennis