Pickleball rules explained: how to learn pickleball fast
Want to learn pickleball? In this article we explain all the rules — from the serve to the famous kitchen zone. Plus: tips to improve fast.
Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the world — and for good reason. The sport combines the best of tennis, badminton and table tennis into a game anyone can play within fifteen minutes. But how exactly do the rules work? What is the famous 'kitchen'? And how do you keep score? In this article we explain everything you need to know to learn pickleball quickly and well. Whether you want to take a clinic, organise a tournament or simply want to know what everyone's talking about — after this article you'll be ready. After the rules, continue with our 10 tips for beginners.
"Pickleball has only one downside: once you start, you won't want to stop."
The court: smaller than you think
A pickleball court measures 6.10 by 13.41 metres — roughly a quarter of a tennis court. The net sits at 91 cm in the centre (slightly lower than tennis). The compact court makes pickleball dynamic and fast: you need less footwork, but the rallies are intense. The court is divided into two halves, each with a 'non-volley zone' (the kitchen) of 2.13 metres on either side of the net.
- •Dimensions: 6.10 m wide × 13.41 m long
- •Net: 91 cm in the centre, 91.4 cm at the sides
- •Non-volley zone (kitchen): 2.13 m on each side of the net
- •Service boxes: left and right behind the kitchen
- •Can be marked out on a tennis court (4 pickleball courts per tennis court)
The basic rules in 5 minutes
The rules of pickleball are simple, which is what makes it such an accessible sport. Here are the core rules you need to know:
- •The serve is always underhand, diagonally to the opposite service box
- •The ball must bounce on the return (the 'two-bounce rule'): after the serve the receiving side must let the ball bounce, AND the serving side must also let the return bounce
- •After the two mandatory bounces you may volley (hit the ball out of the air) — except in the kitchen
- •You only score when your team is serving
- •A game goes to 11 points, win by 2
- •In doubles, player 1 serves first, then player 2, before the serve passes to the other team
The kitchen: the most important zone on the court
The 'kitchen' — officially the non-volley zone — is the most unique element of pickleball. It's the 2.13 metre zone on either side of the net where you may NOT hit the ball out of the air. You may enter the kitchen to play a ball that has bounced first. This rule prevents players from permanently standing at the net smashing and makes the game more tactical and fun. The kitchen is what truly sets pickleball apart from other racket sports — and it's the rule beginners struggle with most.
- •No volleying in the kitchen (ball must bounce first)
- •You may enter the kitchen for a bounced ball
- •Your momentum must not carry you into the kitchen after a volley
- •Even if your foot touches the line, it counts as a kitchen violation
- •Tip: position yourself just behind the kitchen line for the best court position
Scoring: how does the point system work?
Scoring in pickleball takes a moment to get used to, but after a few games you'll have it. In doubles you call three numbers: the serving team's score, the receiving team's score, and whether you're server 1 or server 2. For example: '4-2-1' means: we have 4 points, they have 2 points, and I'm the first server on our team.
- •You only score when your team is serving
- •Game to 11 points, win by 2
- •In doubles: 3 numbers (own score – opponent score – server number)
- •In singles: 2 numbers (own score – opponent score)
- •At 0-0 the game starts with '0-0-2' (the first server of the game is immediately server 2)
The paddle and ball: what do you use?
In pickleball you use a paddle — larger than a table tennis bat but smaller than a tennis racket. Paddles are made of composite or graphite and weigh between 200 and 280 grams. The ball is a lightweight plastic ball with holes (similar to a wiffle ball). There are separate balls for indoor and outdoor: indoor balls have larger holes and are softer, outdoor balls are harder with smaller holes.
- •Paddle: composite or graphite, 200-280 grams
- •Indoor ball: softer, larger holes, slower
- •Outdoor ball: harder, smaller holes, faster
- •All equipment is provided at a clinic
- •Investment for your own paddle: from €30 to €200+
5 tips to improve quickly
Now that you know the rules, you'll naturally want to progress fast. Here are five tips that help every beginner become a better pickleball player quickly:
- •1. Master the 'dink' — a soft, short ball just over the net into the kitchen. This is the most important shot in pickleball
- •2. Find the kitchen line — the best position on court is just behind the non-volley zone
- •3. Keep your paddle up and ready — react faster by holding your paddle at chest height
- •4. Communicate with your partner — in doubles, communication about who takes the ball is crucial
- •5. Take a clinic — with professional coaching you learn the right techniques from the start
Learn pickleball at 359.tennis
The fastest way to learn pickleball is by taking a clinic with professionals. At 359.tennis we offer pickleball clinics for individuals, groups and companies. Our coaches teach you the right technique, tactics and rules in a relaxed, professional environment. Whether you want to organise a corporate event, plan a sports day or simply want to discover what pickleball is — we provide an unforgettable experience at our premium indoor facilities at NTC Amstelveen.
- •Clinics for beginners and advanced players
- •All equipment provided
- •Indoor facilities: year-round
- •Combine with tennis, padel, catering and meetings
- •Suitable for groups of 10 to 500+ people
Key takeaways
- ✓Pickleball rules are simple: after 15 minutes you're playing
- ✓The kitchen (non-volley zone) is the most unique element of pickleball
- ✓Scoring goes to 11 points, you only score when serving
- ✓The two-bounce rule makes the game fair for everyone
- ✓A professional clinic is the fastest way to learn to play well
- ✓At 359.tennis you can organise pickleball clinics, tournaments and sports days
Want to learn pickleball or organise a pickleball event? Explore our options for clinics, tournaments and corporate events at NTC Amstelveen.
