The Beginner's Guide to Pickleball: Everything You Need to Know

What is Pickleball and why is it so fun?

Pickleball is a fun and exciting sport for people of all ages and skill levels. It has become a very popular and one of the fastest growing sports in the recent years. It combines many elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, and can be played indoors or outdoors on a small court with a net. 

This beginner's guide to pickleball will cover everything you need to know about the sport, including the equipment, rules, and techniques.

Pickleball Equipment

The equipment required for pickleball is minimal, making it an accessible sport for all ages and skill levels. All you need is a paddle, a pickleball, and a net. Pickleball paddles are usually made of lightweight materials such as graphite, fiberglass, or composite. 

The size of the paddle can vary depending on personal preference, but the standard size is 8 inches wide and 15.5 inches long. The pickleball is a plastic ball with holes, similar to a wiffle ball. The ball comes in different colors, but the most common color is yellow. 

The net used for pickleball is similar to a tennis net, but it is shorter, measuring 36 inches high at the center.

Pickleball Rules

The rules of pickleball are relatively simple and easy to understand. The game can be played as doubles (two players per team) or singles, with each player using a paddle to hit the ball over the net and into the opponent's court. Only one serve attempt is allowed per serve. 

The first team to score 11 points, with a two-point lead, wins the game. If the score is tied at 10-10, the game continues until one team has a two-point lead.

The serve in pickleball is an underhand serve, and the server must keep one foot behind the back line of the court when serving. The first serve of each side-out is made from the right/even court. 

The ball must be served diagonally to the opponent's court, and the receiver must let the ball bounce once before returning it. 

After the ball has bounced once, both the server and receiver can play the ball in the air or let it bounce. If the ball lands outside the court or in the net, it is considered a fault, and the other team is awarded a point.

Pickleball Techniques

To play pickleball effectively, it is important to know some basic techniques. The following are some tips to improve your game:

1. Grip: There are two types of grips, Continental vs Eastern. The continental grip is most commonly used. Your hand is “on top of” the handle, similar to the way you would grip a hammer. The edge of your paddle is essentially in line with your knuckles and the paddle face is straight. The eastern grip should feel more like a handshake. Your hand is turned to the side a bit and so is the face of the paddle. The continental grip is more popular when using backhand and the eastern grip is easier for forehand, especially topspin. Either grip works and is a personal preference. The basic rule is to hold the paddle with a relaxed grip, allowing for a quick wrist snap when hitting the ball.
2. Footwork: Move your feet quickly and position yourself to hit the ball with your dominant hand. Try to avoid picking up your feet, shuffling and compressed posture. Proper footwork will ensure you get to the ball efficient, be prepared for the next shot, and transfer your weight into the ball. The most important things about footwork is that it maintains your balance.
3. Dink: A dink shot is a soft shot that is played close to the net, the non-volley zone line. You want to get in a good position when dinking the ball. When dinking, you must wait for the right moment to strike. The ball moves quickly, so remember to keep your eyes on the ball and stay focused. Never get caught flat-footed and have a lunge at your opponent’s return shot. Always remember to keep your feet moving and hit the ball with your body low to the ground. Use this shot to control the pace of the game and to set up a winning shot.
4. Third Shot: The third shot is a defensive shot played by the serving team after the return. A player is at the baseline trying to the hit the ball from deep in the court into the kitchen. This shot is usually hit softly and high to avoid giving the opposing team an advantage.
5. Volleys: Volleys are shots played in the air without letting the ball bounce. It may be hit forehand or backhand. The key is to hit away from your opponent to make him/her reach. You use this shot to take control of the game and to put pressure on the opposing team.

Pickleball is a fun, social and exciting sport that is easy to learn and play. It can be enjoyed by all ages and skill levels. The rules are simple and the game is easy to learn for beginners. You don’t have to purchase a lot of equipment, just a paddle, a pickle ball and a net is all you need. 

Once you have learned the basic techniques, such as grip, footwork, dink, third shot, and volleys, you can improve your game and enjoy playing pickleball with friends and family. Once you start, you won’t be able to stop playing this exciting sport!