How to Play Pickleball | The Rules and Guide to Having your First Game of Pickleball

Playing Your First Game of Pickleball

If you're new to Pickleball, this is the perfect place to start. We've created a short and helpful Beginner’s Guide video to get you up and playing in under 5 minutes.

Want to dive deeper? Below is a simple, no nonsense breakdown of the rules. Whether you're just curious or gearing up for your first game, we've got you covered.

Got questions? Drop a comment on our YouTube video or message us in the chat, we’re here to help.

Simple Guide for Beginners

How’s It Played?

Pickleball is played on a smaller court than tennis. At 20 feet by 44 feet (the exact dimensions of the full length and width of a Badminton Court - which is typically what we play on here in the UK) with a lower net than a tennis net. Players use solid paddles (not bats or Rackets, Paddles!) and a perforated plastic ball, think of it as a mix between tennis, badminton, and table tennis.

You can play:

  • Singles (1 vs 1)

  • Doubles (2 vs 2)

Doubles is the most popular version of the sport here in the UK. The goal of the game is very simple. Hit the ball over the net and try to win the rally by making it unreturnable. It’s fast paced, social, and great for all ages.

 

How to Serve in Pickleball

Every point starts with a serve, and unlike tennis, there aren’t loads of complicated mechanics to learn. Just a few clear rules:

  • The serve must be underhand, with the paddle below your waist.

  • Serve diagonally into the opponent’s service box.

  • You only get one serve attempt. If it hits the net and still lands in, it counts.

  • Keep at least one foot behind the baseline while serving.

  • The ball must bounce once on each side before anyone volleys. This is part of the Double Bounce Rule (explained below).

 

How to Score in Pickleball

Scoring in Pickleball can seem confusing at first, but it’s actually straightforward once it clicks.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Only the serving team can score points.

  • Games are usually played to 11 points, and you must win by at least 2.

  • In doubles, both players on a team get to serve before the serve switches sides — except at the very start of the game, where only one player serves.

We’ll cover how to call the score later, but the use of three numbers (server score, receiver score, and server number) is often what throws new players off.

What is the Kitchen in Pickleball?

Here’s where things get interesting. One of the things that makes Pickleball unique and so strategic is the “kitchen.”

Technically called the Non-Volley Zone, the kitchen is a 7 foot area on either side of the net (14 feet total). Here’s what you need to know:

  • You can’t hit the ball in the air (a volley) while standing in the kitchen.

  • You can step into the kitchen to play a ball after it bounces — but you must exit before volleying again.

  • Any volley from within the kitchen is a fault.

This rule becomes especially important in doubles, where net play is crucial. And yes - we’ve heard all the jokes about "staying out of the kitchen."

What is the Double Bounce Rule?

This one catches a lot of players out - even experienced ones in the heat of the moment.

Here’s the deal:

  • When the ball is served, the receiving team must let it bounce once.

  • Then, the serving team must also let it bounce once before returning it.

  • After those two bounces, players are free to volley (hit the ball in the air) or let it bounce again.

This rule ensures rallies are fair and prevents players from charging the net right after the serve.

Faults and Line Calling

Unlike tennis, there are no line judges in Pickleball. Even at the pro level, players call their own lines — which still feels wild to us too. So learning what’s in or out is essential.

Here are the basics:

  • If the ball lands on the line, it’s in.

  • If it’s clearly outside the line, it’s out.

  • If you’re unsure, give the point to your opponent. That’s good sportsmanship and helps avoid on-court arguments.

Common faults include:

  • Hitting the ball out of bounds

  • Volleying from within the kitchen

  • Foot faults on serve (stepping over the baseline)

  • Failing to return the ball or hitting it into the net

Let us know if this guide helped you and if you have any extra questions, we’re always happy to answer in the comments on Youtube or the Purple chat box. Want help calling the score or understanding doubles strategy? We can cover that next.