How to Play Pickleball (THE BASICS)

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the basic rules and gameplay of pickleball, making it easy for beginners to understand and enjoy their first experience on the court. Whether you're playing singles or doubles, these foundational steps will help you get started and feel confident in your gameplay.

Step 1: Understand the Court Layout

Sections of the Court: Familiarize yourself with the key areas of the pickleball court, including

• Baseline: The back boundary line.
• Sidelines: The side boundary lines.
• Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen): The area near the net where you cannot hit the ball unless it bounces first.

Step 2: Learn the Objective of the Game

• The main goal is to score points by hitting the ball over the net and into your opponent's side of the court.
• Points can only be scored by the serving team, so focus on serving effectively.

Step 3: Starting a Point

• The game starts with a serve from behind the baseline.
• Stand behind the service line and aim to hit the ball diagonally into the opponent's service area.

Step 4: Serve and Return Basics

• Serving:

  • Use an underhand serve, keeping the ball below waist height.
  • Aim for the opposite diagonal service court.

• Returning:

  • After the serve, the receiving player must allow the ball to bounce before returning it.

Step 5: Understand the 2 Bounce Rule

• After the serve, each team must let the ball bounce once before hitting it.

This means

• The server's team lets the ball bounce.
• The receiving team lets the ball bounce before hitting it back.

Step 6: Master Volleys and the Kitchen

• Volleys: You can hit the ball before it bounces, but only when you are outside the kitchen.
• The Kitchen Rule: You cannot enter the non-volley zone to hit a volley. Make sure to stay behind the line when playing volleys near the net.

Step 7: Avoid Common Mistakes and Understand Point Scoring

• Common Mistakes:

  • Forgetting to let the ball bounce.
  • Hitting volleys in the kitchen.

• Scoring Points:

  • Only the serving team can score points.
  • A point is scored when the opposing team fails to return the ball.

Step 8: Keeping Track of Score in Singles and Doubles

• Singles Scoring:

  • Players take turns serving and keep track of the score using a simple numerical system.

• Doubles Scoring:

  • Each player on a team serves before switching sides.
  • The score is called as "server's score, receiver's score".

Conclusion

Now that you've learned the basics of pickleball, you can confidently step onto the court. Focus on practicing your serve, understanding the court layout, and applying the rules as you play. Grab your gear and invite a friend to join you for a fun game. Enjoy the sport and go dominate!