New to pickleball?

Easy to pick up, fun from the first game. Here’s what you need for your first open play.

Rules in 2 minutes

Most games are doubles: two players a side.

1The court

20 × 44 ft, the size of a badminton doubles court. The net is 34 in high at the middle.

Each side has a kitchen by the net and two service boxes behind it.

2The serve

Underhand, hitting the ball below your waist. Keep both feet behind the baseline.

Serve diagonally, into the service box across from you. It has to clear the kitchen, line included.

3The two-bounce rule

The return of serve must bounce. Then the serving team’s next shot must bounce too.

After those two bounces, anyone can hit the ball in the air (a volley).

4The kitchen

The 7-ft zone on each side of the net. You can’t volley while standing in it or on its line.

You can step in to hit a ball that bounced. Step back out after.

5Scoring

Games go to 11, win by 2. Only the serving team scores.

Both players on a team serve before the serve goes to the other side. At the start, the first team gets one server only.

Your score

Their score

Server 1 or 2

Before each serve, the server calls three numbers. A game starts at 0-0-2, so the first team has one turn to serve.

You lose the rally when

The ball lands out, or goes into the net.
You volley from the kitchen.
You hit it in the air before the two bounces are done.
The ball bounces twice on your side.

What to bring and wear

Court shoes: Flat soles that grip side to side. Running shoes roll your ankle.
Light clothes: Anything you can move in. A cap and sunscreen for outdoor courts.
Water and a towel: Games are short, but open play runs for hours.
A paddle, if you have one: If not, borrow or rent one at the venue. Ask when you book.

Paddle and ball

Paddle: Start mid-weight (about 7.5–8.4 oz). Play a few times before you buy an expensive one.
Ball: Plastic, with holes. Outdoor balls are harder with smaller holes; indoor balls are softer. The venue usually has them.

Court etiquette

Paddle stacking: At open play, put your paddle in the rack to join the queue. The next four paddles play the next game.
Calling lines: You call the lines on your side. Call it out only if you clearly saw it out. Not sure? It’s in.
Be on time: Come 10 minutes early. Your slot ends on time for the next group.
Between courts: Wait for the rally to end before you walk behind a court or get your ball.
Say good game: Tap paddles at the net when the game ends.

Where to start

Beginner open play is the easiest way in. You meet players at your level and nobody minds a missed ball.

Beginner sessions

Open play and clinics for new players, with rotations every game.

Find a game

Beginner-friendly venues

Paddles to rent, coaching, or beginner open play in the next 2 weeks.

Find a court