What Is Pickleball? Complete Beginner's Guide

Everything you need to know to start playing • 8 min read

The Basics

Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, when three dads — Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum — improvised a game to entertain their bored kids. They used ping-pong paddles, a wiffle ball, and a badminton court. The game stuck.

Today, pickleball is played by over 36 million Americans and growing rapidly worldwide. It's popular with all ages, from kids to seniors, thanks to its smaller court, slower ball, and easy-to-learn rules.

Equipment You Need

To play pickleball, you need minimal equipment:

The Court

A pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long — the same size as a doubles badminton court. The net is 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center.

Key Court Areas

• The Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone): A 7-foot zone on each side of the net. You cannot volley (hit the ball out of the air) while standing in this zone. This is what makes pickleball unique!
• Service Areas: The areas behind the kitchen line where serves must land.
• Baseline: The back line of the court.
• Centerline: Divides the service areas into left and right.

Many tennis courts have pickleball lines painted on them, or you can play on dedicated pickleball courts. See our full court guide →

Basic Rules

Serving

• Serve underhand, below waist level
• Serve diagonally to the opposite service area
• The ball must bounce once before the return (this is the "two-bounce rule")
• Only the serving team can score points

The Two-Bounce Rule

After the serve, each team must let the ball bounce once before hitting it. So: the serve bounces, the return bounces, then either team can volley or let it bounce. This rule prevents serve-and-volley dominance and makes rallies longer.

The Kitchen Rule

You cannot volley the ball while standing in the kitchen (non-volley zone). You can enter the kitchen to play a ball that has bounced, but you must let it bounce first. This rule prevents players from camping at the net and smashing everything.

Scoring

• Games are played to 11 points, win by 2
• Only the serving team can score
• In doubles, both players serve before the serve passes to the other team (except at the start of the game)

The score is called as three numbers: your score, opponent's score, and which server you are (1 or 2). So "4-2-1" means you have 4 points, they have 2, and you're the first server.

Read our complete rules guide →

Why Pickleball Is So Popular

The secret to pickleball's explosive growth is that it's immediately fun. You don't need months of lessons before you can rally. The smaller court and slower ball give you time to react. And the kitchen rule creates exciting, strategic play at the net.

How to Get Started

Step 1: Find a Court

Search "pickleball courts near me" or check your local recreation center, YMCA, or parks department. Many tennis courts now have pickleball lines. Apps like "Places 2 Play" (from USA Pickleball) can help you find courts.

Step 2: Get Basic Equipment

You can start with a budget paddle ($30-50) and a few balls. Many public courts have loaner paddles and balls available. Don't invest heavily until you know you love the game.

Step 3: Learn the Basics

Watch a few YouTube videos to understand the rules and basic shots. Then just show up and play! Pickleball players are notoriously welcoming to beginners.

Step 4: Take a Lesson (Optional)

Once you're hooked, consider a beginner lesson to learn proper technique. Many recreation centers offer group lessons for $10-20.

Related Guides

Complete Pickleball Rules →
How to Keep Score →
Best Paddles for Beginners →
Pickleball vs Tennis →