Pickleball is a paddle sport played as singles or doubles. Players use solid paddles to hit a perforated plastic ball over a net. The court is smaller than a tennis court, and the basic rules can be learned in one beginner session.
The simplest way to start is to contact a local group before buying equipment. Ask about a beginner or come-and-try session, session fees and whether paddles and balls are provided.
What you need to play
You need a paddle, a pickleball and a marked court with a net. A standard Australian court is 13.41 metres long and 6.10 metres wide. The same court size is used for singles and doubles.
The net is 91.4 centimetres high at each end and 86.4 centimetres in the centre. The non-volley zone extends 2.13 metres from the net on both sides. The official rules summary explains these court features.
For a first session, ask the organiser what is supplied. This avoids buying a paddle or ball that does not suit the venue.
The five rules beginners should learn first
These rules are enough to begin a social game. Competition players should check the current rulebook because detailed rules can change.
- Serve diagonally. Start behind the baseline and send the ball into the opposite service court. For a volley serve, the arm moves upwards and paddle contact stays below waist level.
- Let both returns bounce. The receiving side must let the serve bounce. The serving side must then let the return bounce before either team can volley.
- Stay out of the kitchen when volleying. The kitchen is the non-volley zone beside the net. You may stand there at other times, but you cannot volley while touching it. Your momentum after a volley cannot carry you into the zone.
- Score on serve. Under standard side-out scoring, only the serving team can win a point. Games are normally played to 11, and the winner must lead by two points.
- Call faults clearly. A fault ends the rally. Common examples include serving outside the correct court, hitting out or into the net, and breaking the kitchen rule.
How serving and scoring work
The first serve begins from the right-hand service court. A singles server uses the right court when their score is even and the left court when it is odd.
Doubles scoring uses three numbers: the serving team's score, the receiving team's score and the server number. Both partners normally serve before a side-out. The opening service turn is the exception because only one partner serves.
A serve that touches the net remains live if it clears the net and lands in the correct service court. A serve landing on the kitchen line is a fault. Other court lines are in.
Find a beginner session
Start with nearby pickleball groups and contact three to five suitable clubs or organisers. Capacity, fees and equipment hire vary, so confirm the details before attending. Many groups are still recruiting, and some run beginner or come-and-try sessions.
You can also search pickleball venues for a suitable court near you.
A local session gives you opponents, court lines and someone who can explain scoring. It also lets you try a paddle before deciding what to buy.
A simple first-session plan
A beginner session will usually start with serving, returning and keeping a short rally going. Ask the organiser whether the session is coached, social or open play. Also check the start time, cost and supplied equipment.
USA Pickleball's current beginner guide recommends a continental grip. Form a V with your dominant hand and place it along the edge of the handle. Keep the paddle in front of your chest while your opponent hits.
Use a short backswing and aim for control before power. The smaller court gives you less time for a large swing. Practise these three habits while learning to keep a rally going.
Doubles is the most common format under Pickleball Australia's rules. It gives a new player fewer areas to cover and more chances to watch the score and court positions between rallies.
An Australian club story shows how a small start can grow. Karen and John Latinovic began playing at Yeppoon Tennis Club with two paddles. Their first group grew from four players to 16 within months. Their experience shows how a few beginners can build a regular local session together.
Quick answers for new players
Can you step into the kitchen?
Yes. You can enter the kitchen at any time, including to play a bounced ball. You cannot volley while touching the zone or its boundary line. Momentum from a volley also cannot carry you into it.
What is the two-bounce rule?
The serve must bounce before the receiver returns it. That return must then bounce before the serving side hits it. Volleys are allowed after those two bounces, subject to the kitchen rule.
Do you need your own paddle?
Not always. Some organisers provide equipment, while others expect players to bring it. Ask before attending so you know what to take.
Should you learn every rule before playing?
No. Learn the serve, two-bounce rule, kitchen and basic scoring first. Check the official rule summary when you need more detail.
