The Beginner’s Guide on How to Play Pickleball

Summary

Pickleball is an exciting, fast-growing sport that combines strategy, athleticism, and social interaction, making it easy for players of all ages to enjoy. This video, hosted by CJ Johnson and Tony Roy, guides beginners through everything they need to know, from court layout, paddles, and balls, to proper attire, scoring, and gameplay rules like the two-bounce rule and non-volley zone. Viewers also learn etiquette tips, how to find partners through recreational play, and the benefits of playing, including fitness, weight loss, and social connections. By the end, beginners will feel confident and ready to step onto the court and start playing.

Takeaways

• 🏓 Pickleball is an easy-to-learn, fun, social, and strategic sport suitable for all ages.
• 📏 A pickleball court is the same size as a badminton court: 44 ft long and 20 ft wide, with a 7 ft non-volley zone (NVZ) near the net, also called 'the kitchen'.
• 🎾 The net is 34 inches at the center and slightly higher at the sidelines, and doubles is the most popular form of play.
• 🏓 Pickleball is played with paddles (not rackets) and a hard plastic ball, similar to a whiffle ball, with indoor and outdoor versions having different properties.
• 👟 Proper court shoes are important due to lateral movement; tennis, basketball, or pickleball-specific shoes are recommended, along with comfortable athletic clothing.
• 📊 Most games are played to 11 points and must be won by 2, with only the serving team able to score points.
• ⚖️ Line calls: balls hitting any line except the NVZ line on the serve are considered in; opponents are generally given the benefit of the doubt for unclear calls.
• 🔄 The 'two-bounce rule' requires the ball to bounce once on each side before volleys are allowed, setting the strategic framework for the game.
• 🚫 Players cannot volley while standing in or touching the NVZ/kitchen line, but may enter the area to play a ball after it bounces.
• 🤝 Pickleball is highly social, with etiquette including calling 'ball on' for stray balls, tapping paddles at the end of games, and recreational play for meeting new people.
• 🎥 Beginners can use scoring videos and free guides to learn rules, find courts, and feel confident starting the game.

Q & A

What is pickleball and why has it become so popular?

Pickleball is a fun, easy-to-learn sport that combines athleticism and strategy. Its popularity has grown because it is social, inclusive, and can be played by people of all ages and skill levels.

What are the dimensions of a pickleball court?

A pickleball court is 44 feet long from baseline to baseline and 20 feet wide. The area near the net, called the non-volley zone or 'kitchen,' extends 7 feet from the net.

What is the non-volley zone (NVZ) or 'kitchen' in pickleball?

The non-volley zone is a 7-foot area from the net where players cannot hit the ball in the air (volley). Players may enter the zone to play a ball off a bounce.

What type of equipment is used in pickleball?

Players use paddles, not rackets, which range in price from $50 to several hundred dollars. The ball is a hard plastic ball, similar to a whiffle ball, with indoor and outdoor variations.

What kind of shoes and clothing are recommended for pickleball?

Court shoes, like tennis or basketball shoes, are recommended for lateral movement. Comfortable athletic clothing such as t-shirts, shorts, leggings, or tennis skirts is suitable for playing.

How is scoring in pickleball different from tennis?

In pickleball, only the serving team can score points. Games are usually played to 11 points, and a team must win by 2. Scores are called with three numbers: the serving team's score, the receiving team's score, and which server it is.

What is the 'two-bounce rule' in pickleball?

The two-bounce rule requires the serve to bounce once on the receiver's side and then once on the serving team's side before players can hit the ball in the air (volley). This sets the strategic framework for the game.

Are there differences between indoor and outdoor pickleball balls?

Yes, outdoor balls are harder and have more holes to reduce wind effects, while indoor balls are slightly softer and have fewer holes.

What etiquette should players follow on the pickleball court?

Players should call 'ball on' if a ball from another court enters their court, and at the end of a game, players usually tap paddles at the net to thank opponents. Pickleball is a social game, and experienced players often help beginners learn scoring and rules.

Can you play pickleball without a regular partner?

Yes, many places offer recreational play where players rotate partners. This makes it easy to meet new people and play even if you don't have a regular partner.

What are the benefits of playing pickleball?

Pickleball helps improve physical activity, provides social interaction, can aid in weight loss, and is a fun way to stay active at any age.