Getting Started
Pickleball for beginners: rules, gear, and where to play
· 10 min read
Pickleball is the simplest racket sport to pick up. You can play a full game in 15 minutes, get a workout, and meet three new people. Here's the short version of what you need.
The rules in 60 seconds
- Serve underhand, diagonally, into the opposite service box.
- The ball must bounce once on each side before anyone can volley (the "two-bounce rule").
- You can't volley while standing inside the seven-foot "kitchen" zone near the net.
- First team to 11 wins, win by 2.
Gear for your first six months
Get a paddle between $50 and $100 (see our paddle guide), a can of outdoor balls (Franklin X-40 or Dura Fast 40), and court shoes. That's it.
Where to play
Free outdoor courts are everywhere. Start with a public park near you and look for "paddle up" or "open play" signs. That's how rotations work: you put your paddle on a rack, and you're next when a court opens.
Etiquette
Announce the score before every serve. Don't coach unsolicited. Say "nice shot" when someone hits one. Lose gracefully.
Frequently asked
- Is pickleball hard to learn?
- No. Most beginners can play a full game within their first session. Serving, the two-bounce rule, and the kitchen line are the only rules that take a minute to learn.
- Do I need court shoes to play pickleball?
- Yes. Pickleball involves constant lateral movement. Running shoes can roll your ankles. Any tennis or court shoe works.
- What’s the difference between Franklin X-40 and Dura Fast 40?
- Both are standard outdoor balls. X-40 lasts slightly longer; Dura has a slightly softer feel. Either is fine for rec play.