HOW TOPLAY
Learn the basics and start playing pickleball like a pro
GETTING STARTED
Equipment Needed
Paddle: Smaller than tennis racket, larger than ping pong paddle
Ball: Plastic ball with holes (similar to wiffle ball)
Court: 44 x 20 court with a net
Shoes: Court shoes with good grip
Game Format
Players: Singles (1v1) or Doubles (2v2)
Scoring: First to 11 points, win by 2
Serving: Underhand serve diagonally
Rally: Play continues until a fault occurs
Basic Strategy
Positioning: Move to the kitchen line after serve
Dinking: Soft shots over the net
Communication: Call shots with your partner
Patience: Wait for the right opportunity
COURT LAYOUT
Official Pickleball Court Dimensions
Understanding the court layout is essential for gameplay
Court Dimensions
- • Total Length: 13.41 meters
- • Total Width: 6.10 meters
- • Net Height (sides): 0.91 meters
- • Net Height (center): 0.86 meters
Key Zones
- • Kitchen (NVZ): 2.13 meters from net
- • Service Courts: 4.57 x 3.05 meters each
- • Baseline to Kitchen: 4.57 meters
- • Sidelines: Full 13.41 meters length
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Step 1: The Serve
Starting the point
• Stand behind the baseline on the right side of the court
• Hit the ball underhand, making contact below your waist
• Serve diagonally to the opponent's service court
• Ball must clear the kitchen and land in the service court
• If you score, switch sides and serve from the left
Step 2: The Return
Receiving the serve
• Let the serve bounce before hitting (two-bounce rule)
• Return the ball deep to give yourself time to move forward
• After returning, move toward the kitchen line
• The serving team must also let the return bounce
Step 3: The Rally
Playing the point
• After the two bounces, you can volley or let the ball bounce
• Move to the kitchen line for better court position
• Use dinks (soft shots) to control the pace
• Look for opportunities to hit winners
• Remember: no volleys while standing in the kitchen!
Step 4: Scoring Points
Winning the rally
• Only the serving team can score points
• Score when opponents commit a fault (hit out, net, kitchen violation)
• First team to 11 points wins (must win by 2)
• In doubles, both partners get to serve before side-out (except first serve)
KEY TECHNIQUES
The Dink
A soft shot that arcs over the net and lands in the opponent's kitchen. Used to control pace and create opportunities.
The Drive
A hard, flat shot hit at shoulder height or below. Used to put pressure on opponents and create offensive opportunities.
The Lob
A high, arcing shot over opponents' heads. Used when opponents are at the kitchen line to push them back.
The Volley
Hitting the ball in the air before it bounces. Cannot be done while standing in the kitchen zone.
The Drop Shot
A soft shot from the baseline that lands in the opponent's kitchen. Used to transition to the net.
The Smash
An overhead shot hit with power. Used to finish points when opponents hit a high ball.
BEGINNER TIPS
Essential Tips for New Players
1.Start slow: Focus on control before power
2.Watch the ball: Keep your eyes on it until contact
3.Stay low: Bend your knees for better balance
4.Move your feet: Get in position early
5.Practice dinking: Master the soft game first
6.Communicate: Talk with your partner in doubles
7.Have fun: Enjoy the game and learn from mistakes
8.Play often: Consistency is key to improvement