How to Play Pickleball: A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide

There’s a reason pickleball is popping up everywhere—it’s easy to learn, fun to play, and a great way to connect with others. With simple rules and minimal equipment required, it’s ideal for adults, seniors, and families looking to stay active without putting too much stress on the body. The game itself is a unique blend of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, played with a paddle and a lightweight plastic ball. Whether you're just starting out or looking for a new hobby, pickleball welcomes all skill levels to enjoy the thrill of friendly competition.

Getting to Know the Game

Pickleball is a blend of other racket sports but with its own twist. The court is smaller than a tennis court, which means fewer long runs and more opportunities for fast-paced rallies. Played with a paddle and a small, wiffle-style ball, it’s a game that anyone can pick up and enjoy. You can play singles or doubles, depending on how many people are on the court.

The court layout is simple but essential to the flow of the game:

• Baseline: This is where each serve starts.
• Kitchen (non-volley zone): The area near the net where players can’t volley (hit the ball out of the air). It encourages more strategic play and reduces power shots.
• Service boxes: These are the sections you serve into, positioned diagonally from where you stand.

What You Need to Get Started

To begin playing pickleball, all you need are a few basic items. A paddle and pickleball are the core pieces of equipment, along with a water bottle to stay hydrated. You’ll also want to wear non-marking shoes that offer good support and traction. The right footwear helps with grip and keeps you safe as you move across the court.

If you're new to the game, don’t worry about buying everything right away. Many players borrow or rent gear in the beginning as they get a feel for the sport. At Cedar Point Sports Center, we welcome beginners and make it easy to get started with accessible courts and friendly staff. Just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm—we’ll help with the rest!

The Rules of Pickleball 

While pickleball is easy to pick up, understanding a few key rules will help you feel more confident on the court. Here's a quick overview of how the game works:

• Serving: Players must serve underhand, making contact with the ball below the waist. The serve should go cross-court into the opposite service box. You only get one try—if you fault, it's the next player's turn.
• Scoring system: Only the serving team can score points, and games are typically played to 11. To win, a team must lead by at least 2 points. The score is always called out as three numbers: your score, your opponent’s score, and your server number (either 1 or 2).
• Double bounce rule: After the serve, each team must let the ball bounce once before hitting it out of the air. This slows the pace down a bit and keeps the game fair.
• Non-volley zone (the kitchen): This 7-foot zone on either side of the net is called the kitchen. Players may not volley while standing in this zone. This prevents aggressive smashes and encourages thoughtful, well-placed shots.

How to Play Your First Game

Now that you're familiar with the rules, it’s time to hit the court and play your first game!  Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get you started:

Step 1: Serving the ball

Decide who serves first and where each player stands. In doubles, the server stands on the right-hand side of their court. Make sure you're positioned behind the baseline, then serve underhand, aiming diagonally into the opposite service box. Remember, the ball has to stay below your waist when you hit it!

Step 2: Returning the serve

After the serve, don’t rush the net just yet —this is where the double bounce rule comes into play. Both sides need to let the ball bounce once before returning it. This gives you a moment to react and find your rhythm.

Step 3: Playing the rally

After the initial bounces, players can start volleying the ball, being careful not to enter the kitchen. During rallies, mix up your shots! Use dinks (soft shots), drives (strong shots), and lobs (high shots) to keep your opponent guessing and gain the upper hand.

Step 4: Scoring and winning the game

Keep track of the score as you play. Only the serving team can score points, so make your serves count! When the serving team wins a point, the server switches sides with their partner and serves again. If they lose the point, the serve passes to the next player on the other team. The first team to reach 11 points (with a 2-point lead) wins!

Beginner Tips to Improve Quickly

If you're just getting into pickleball, a few quick tips can help you play smarter and build confidence right away.

Master the dink shot

The dink is a soft, controlled shot that just clears the net and lands in the kitchen. It’s especially useful for slowing the pace and forcing your opponent into tricky positions. Learning how to dink well will help you take control of the point.

Watch your footwork

Stay on the balls of your feet, keep your knees slightly bent, and avoid creeping too close to the kitchen. In doubles, move in sync with your partner to cover the court efficiently. Communication and positioning often matter more than speed.

Start with simple strategies

Aim for your opponent’s backhand, especially if they’re new to the game. It's usually a weaker shot. Also, mix up your shot types and try to stay unpredictable. Talk to your partner and call shots clearly to avoid confusion.

Avoid common mistakes

It’s easy to forget the basics when things heat up. Don’t step into the kitchen during a volley, make sure your serve starts below the waist, and always double-check your position and the score before each serve.

Join the Community at CPSC

Pickleball is not only easy to learn and fun to play, but it's also a fantastic way to stay active and meet new people. At Cedar Point Sports Center (CPSC), we make it simple to get started, whether you’re dropping in for open play, grabbing a pass, or signing up for our adult league. If you're a beginner, don't hesitate to come out and give it a try— there’s no pressure, and you’ll find plenty of friendly faces who are ready to help.

Ready to hit the court? Head over to CPSC and discover how pickleball can quickly become your new favorite sport. Grab a paddle, and let’s get started!