Pickleball is a racket sport played with solid paddles and a perforated plastic ball on a court about the size of a badminton court. It combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. You can play singles or doubles, and the aim is to hit the ball over the net so the other side cannot return it legally.
It is easy to start because the court is compact, the ball travels more slowly than a tennis ball and rallies can begin quickly. It also has plenty of depth: placement, patience, teamwork and quick reactions matter more as you improve.
What does a pickleball court look like?
A standard pickleball court is 20 feet (6.10 m) wide and 44 feet (13.41 m) long—the same size for singles and doubles. A net divides the court. Near the net on each side is the non-volley zone, commonly called the kitchen. You may stand in the kitchen, but you cannot volley the ball while touching that zone or its line.
What equipment do you need?
- A pickleball paddle: solid rather than strung, usually made with composite materials.
- A pickleball: a lightweight plastic ball with holes. Indoor and outdoor balls are made differently.
- A court and net: many tennis centres, sports halls and clubs now offer dedicated courts or temporary lines and nets.
- Comfortable court shoes: shoes with lateral support are more suitable than running shoes for quick side-to-side movement.
How does pickleball work?
Every rally starts with an underhand serve hit diagonally into the opponent’s service court. After the serve, both sides must let the ball bounce once before volleying is allowed. This is the double-bounce rule. After those two bounces, players can hit the ball after it bounces or volley it in the air—provided they stay out of the kitchen when volleying.
Games are commonly played to 11 points, and the winning side usually needs to win by two. In traditional doubles scoring, only the serving team scores points. Local sessions and events can use different formats, so it is sensible to confirm the scoring format before you play.
Why is pickleball so popular?
Pickleball is social, active and accessible. A new player can have a useful rally early on, while experienced players can keep developing their serve, soft game, court positioning and shot selection. Doubles is especially popular because four people can share a compact court and every point involves communication.
Is pickleball the same as padel or tennis?
No. Pickleball uses a perforated plastic ball, a solid paddle, an open court and a low net. Padel is normally played in an enclosed glass-and-mesh court where walls are part of the game. Tennis uses a larger court, strung rackets and pressurised balls. They share some skills, but the movement, contact and tactics are different.
Your first game: the simplest way to start
- Play doubles if possible; it is the easiest format for a first social game.
- Serve underhand, diagonally and keep it in the correct service area.
- Let the return of serve bounce, then let the next shot bounce before either team volleys.
- Keep your volleys out of the kitchen.
- Focus on getting the ball in play, not on hitting it hard.
For a quick on-court reference, use our Pickleball Rules Cheat Sheet. When you are ready to learn the details, start with Pickleball Rules for Beginners and our guide to pickleball scoring.
Frequently asked questions
Is pickleball easy to learn?
Yes. The basic rules are approachable, and beginners can rally quickly. The finer points—especially positioning, soft shots and doubles strategy—give you room to improve for years.
Can beginners play pickleball?
Absolutely. Start with a relaxed doubles session, borrow equipment if your club offers it and learn the double-bounce and kitchen rules first.
Do you need to be very fit to play pickleball?
No. Pickleball can be adapted to different activity levels, but it still involves quick stops, changes of direction and reaching. Start at a comfortable pace and choose supportive court footwear.