How to Play

Overview

Pickleball, my dear friends, is a sport that will have you hooked in no time! It's the perfect blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, creating a fast-paced, action-packed game that is sure to get your blood pumping.

The court is smaller than a tennis court (similar to a badminton court)and the net is lower, which means that the game is played at a much faster pace. You'll need a plastic ball and a paddle to get started. The objective of the game is to score points by making the ball land within your opponent's court causing them to fault, or miss-hit. 

The serve is the first and most important technique to master. It must be underhand and hit diagonally to the opponent's side. Once you've got that down, you can focus on mastering volleys, dinks, smashes, and lobs. These are the basic strokes that will have you dominating the court in no time!

The game is usually played to 11 points, with a two-point lead required to win. If the score reaches 10-10, you need to win by two clear points. In certain competitions the game is played to 15 points, with a two-point lead required to win. It's a fast-paced, action-packed game that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Playing Pickleball is not only a great way to stay active, but it's also a fantastic way to make new friends and have fun with family and friends. It's a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. So grab a friend, grab a paddle and let's hit the court!

Rules at a Glance

  • Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court with a net that is 34 inches high at the centre.
  • The ball used is similar to a Wiffle ball, but slightly smaller and heavier.
  • The game is played with a paddle, which is smaller than a tennis racket but larger than a ping-pong paddle.
  • The game can be played in singles or doubles.
  • The serve is made underhand and the ball must be hit diagonally across the court.
  • The ball must be hit below the waist and the point ends if it goes out of bounds or is not returned properly.
  • The first side scoring 11 points and leading by at least 2 points wins the game.
  • A fault is called if the ball is not served properly, not hit below the waist, or if it goes out of bounds.
  • A 'non-volley zone' area close to the net, also known as the kitchen, is designated, where players cannot volleys the ball.