How to Play Pickleball

Pickleball is a fun and engaging racket sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to play pickleball:

1. Equipment Needed:
   • Pickleball requires a few basic pieces of equipment:
     • Pickleball paddles
     • A pickleball (similar to a whiffle ball but smaller)
     • A pickleball court (similar to a badminton court but smaller)
2. Understanding the Court:
   • A pickleball court is similar in size to a doubles badminton court. It measures 20 feet wide and 44 feet long for both singles and doubles play.
3. Serving:
   • The game starts with a serve. The server must stand behind the baseline and hit the ball diagonally across the net into the opponent’s service box. The serve must clear the non-volley zone (the area within 7 feet of the net).
4. Return of Serve:
   • The receiving team must let the ball bounce once before returning it. The return must clear the non-volley zone.
5. Volleying:
   • After the ball has bounced once on each side, players can either volley (hit the ball in the air) or play it off the bounce.
6. Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen):
   • The area immediately in front of the net, within 7 feet on either side, is called the non-volley zone or “kitchen.” Players cannot volley the ball while standing in this area.
7. Scoring:
   • Pickleball is typically played to 11 points. A team only scores when they serve. If the serving team wins the rally, they score a point. If the receiving team wins the rally, they get to serve but do not score a point.
   • A team must win by 2 points.
   • In some cases, players may use rally scoring, where points are scored on every serve, regardless of who is serving.
8. Switching Sides:
   • Players switch sides after each point is scored.
9. Faults:
   • Common faults include not clearing the non-volley zone on a serve or return, stepping into the non-volley zone to hit a volley, hitting the ball out of bounds, or serving out of turn.
10. Doubles Play:
    • In doubles, each team has two players. The server serves from the right side of the court and alternates sides with each point scored.
11. Winning the Game:
    • The first team to reach 11 points (and lead by at least 2) wins the game.
12. Scoring Variations:
    • Some games are played to 15 or 21 points for a longer match.

Remember, pickleball is a fast-paced game that combines elements of power and finesse. It’s a great way to stay active and have fun with friends or opponents. Enjoy your game!