Are you a beginner looking to get into the exciting world of pickleball? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re a complete novice or already have some experience with the game, this guide will provide you with all the essential information of pickleball for beginners. We’ve covered you, from the basics of the game to helpful tips and tricks to help you improve your game. So let’s dive right in and get started on your pickleball journey!
What Is Pickleball
Pickleball is a popular racquetball sport thatis similar to tennis and badminton. It is a type of ping pong game. The game is played on a badminton-sized court slightly smaller than a tennis court.
Pickleball is a fast-paced, action-packed sport that is easy to learn, but challenging to master. It’s an excellent sport for all ages and skill levels, and it’s a great way to get in shape, improve your hand-eye coordination, and have fun with friends and family.
Beginners Pickleball
There are list of pickleball essentials to learn the game if you want to play this game at professional level.
Pickleball for Beginners Equipment
To play pickleball, you’ll need a few essential pieces of equipment. The most important piece of equipment is the paddle. Pickleball paddles are typically made of wood, graphite, or composite materials. They’re smaller and lighter than tennis racquets and have a smaller sweet spot. You’ll also need a pickleball similar to a wiffle ball. It’s made of plastic and has holes, making it slower and more accessible to control than a tennis ball. Lastly, you’ll need a net similar to a badminton net. It’s typically around 34 inches high at the center and set up on a badminton-sized court.
Serving Rules and Etiquette
Serving is a crucial aspect to know before start playing pickleball, and there are several etiquette and tips you should learn. Always keep in mind some basic rules of pickleball If you are beginners.
Underhand Service
The serve must be hit underhand in pickleball, and the server must contact the ball below the waist. This ensures that the serve is not too fast or too high, making it easier for the receiver to return the ball.
Double-Bounce Rule
The receiver must let the ball bounce once before hitting it back. This regulation is in position to guarantee that competitors are not hitting the ball back and forth before it has a chance to hit the ground.
Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen)
The area within 7 feet of the net on either side is called the non-volley zone or the kitchen. Players cannot hit the ball out of the air in this area. A ball must bounce before a player can hit it in this area.
Service Court
The server must hit the ball into the receiver’s service court, the area on the opposite side of the court from where the server is standing. The ball must also clear the non-volley zone.
Let Serve
A let serve is called if the ball touches the net on its way over but still lands in the correct serving area. The serve is replayed in this case.
Service order
Players rotate serving and receiving positions clockwise after each point in doubles.
Score announcement
The serving team must announce the score before serving, and the receiving team must confirm the score before receiving.
Court Size
For beginners, court size and boundaries are essential to understand in pickleball. The standard court dimension is 20ft wide by 44ft long, with a non-volley line seven feet from each end of the court. The net should be hung at 36 inches in the middle. There are two service boxes on either side of the net, one on the right and one on the left. This is where players need to serve the ball from.
Additionally, pickleball courts have boundary lines that run along each side of the court. These boundary lines help define how much space a player can move around within when playing and also helps determine when a ball is out of bounds. Understanding court size and boundaries can help new players get familiar with pickleball and feel more confident playing the game.
Types of Shots
Learn these pickleball lessons for beginners
Doubles Play Rules
Pickleball doubles play rules for beginners are quite simple. The game starts with two players on each side of the net. The players take turns serving, and the server must stand behind the baseline to serve. The server’s partner may move anywhere behind the baseline, but must remain in the backcourt.
After a booming serve, both partners may move anywhere on their side of the court. A point is scored when either side fails to return a shot or hits it out of bounds or into the net. Scoring is done in a rally-style format, and only one team can score a point during a rally. Doubles play requires teamwork, communication and cooperation between partners. Hence, partners need to work together and ensure they are in sync to succeed in pickleball doubles games.
Net Height
For beginners, the net height in pickleball is one of the most important aspects. Most competitive leagues require a net height of 34 inches from the ground, but some local pickleball leagues may have different requirements. It’s important to familiarize yourself with your specific league or tournament rules before playing pickleball.
In general, it’s best to stick with the standard net height of 34 inches if you’re starting. This will help ensure that your skills are honed, and you can focus on developing your craft as a player without worrying about other technicalities. Additionally, playing at this height allows you to gain experience while still being able to compete with more experienced players.
Basic Pickleball Rules for Beginners
- The ball must be hit with the paddle, not with any other part of the body or equipment.
- The ball must not be caught, kicked, carried, or thrown.
- Players cannot hit the ball out of the air in the non-volley zone (kitchen).
- If a ball hits a player or their equipment, it is considered a live ball and can be returned.
Strategies for Beginners
Footwork and Balance
Having agility and equilibrium are fundamental for playing pickleball. You’ll have to hustle around the playing area expeditiously and adroitly, and you’ll need to stay steady while striking the ball.
Grip and Swing Technique
Having a secure grasp and an efficient stroke are essential to performing at pickleball. A solid grip will assist you in managing the paddle and producing strength, while a strong swing will help you hit the ball with precision and uniformity.
Shot Placement
The positioning of your shots is essential in pickleball. Knowing when and where to strike the ball will enable you to maintain the upper hand in the match and force your opponent into a defensive posture.
Faults To Know For Beginners
- A fault is a violation of the rules that results in play stopping
- If the receiving team commits a fault, the serving team scores a point
- If the serving team commits a fault, the server loses their serve, or the point is handed over to the opposing team
- Common faults include:
- Hitting the ball into the net or out of bounds
- Volley the ball in the non-volley zone
- Touching the net or post while the ball is in play
- A ball striking a player
- A ball striking a permanent object before bouncing on the court
- Serves must land in the receiver’s service court and clear the non-volley zone, including the line
- Volleys can only be made after a bounce on each side (the two-bounce rule)
- Stepping on the baseline before hitting a serve is also a fault
- In an officiated match, servers are not allowed to strike the ball before the referee calls the score.
Pickleball Videos For Beginners
FAQs
Final Verdict
Pickleball is a fun and exciting sport that is easy to learn and play. With the right equipment, a good understanding of the rules, and some basic strategies, you’ll be able to enjoy pickleball and improve your skills quickly. Remember always to have fun and play fair.