How to Master the Basics: Pickleball Rules for Beginners

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in New Zealand, and for good reason. It’s easy to learn, fun to play, and suitable for players of all ages and skill levels. If you’re new to the game, mastering the basic rules is a great first step to getting on the court with confidence. Here’s your beginner-friendly guide to pickleball rules.

1. The Serve: Starting the Game

The serve is where every game begins, and in pickleball, there are a few key rules to keep in mind:

Underarm Only: The serve must be made underarm, with the paddle contacting the ball below your waist.

Behind the Baseline: You need to stand behind the baseline when serving.

Cross-Court: The serve must land diagonally in the opposite service court.

One Attempt: Unlike tennis, there are no second serves in pickleball, so make it count!

Pro Tip: Practise your serves to improve accuracy and consistency - a well-placed serve can give you an early advantage.

2. The Double-Bounce Rule

To keep the game fair and exciting, the double-bounce rule is essential:

After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce before returning it.

The serving team must also let the return bounce before hitting it.

After these two bounces, volleys (hitting the ball before it bounces) are allowed.

This rule encourages longer rallies and adds a strategic layer to the game.

3. The Non-Volley Zone (AKA the Kitchen)

The non-volley zone, commonly referred to as the "kitchen," is a seven-foot area on either side of the net. Here’s what you need to know:

No Volleys: You can’t hit the ball out of the air while standing in the kitchen.

Foot Faults: Your feet must remain outside the kitchen during a volley.

Allowed for Bounces: You can step into the kitchen to hit a ball that has bounced.

Mastering the kitchen rules is key to improving your net game and dinks.

4. Scoring Basics

In pickleball, points can only be scored by the serving team. Here’s how it works:

Games are typically played to 11 points, and you must win by 2 points.

The score is called as three numbers: the serving team’s score, the receiving team’s score, and whether the server is the first (1) or second (2) server.

Example: If the score is 5-3-1, it means the serving team has 5 points, the receiving team has 3, and it’s the first server’s turn.

5. Boundaries: In or Out?

The court boundaries in pickleball are straightforward:

The ball must land within the court lines to be considered in.

If the ball lands on a line, it’s in.

If the ball lands outside the lines, it’s out.

Being aware of the boundaries helps you make better shot decisions and avoid unnecessary faults.

6. Common Faults to Avoid

Avoiding faults is crucial to staying in the game. Here are some common mistakes:

Foot Faults: Stepping into the kitchen during a volley or stepping on/over the baseline during a serve.

Missed Serve: Failing to hit the ball into the correct service court.

Out-of-Bounds Shots: Hitting the ball outside the court lines.

7. Tips for Beginners

Start Slow: Focus on mastering the basics before trying advanced shots.

Practise Dinks: These soft, controlled shots are key to winning points.

Communicate: If you’re playing doubles, clear communication with your partner is vital.

Stay Positive: Mistakes happen, but every game is an opportunity to improve.

8. Joining the Pickleball Community

One of the best parts of pickleball is the community. Look for beginner-friendly games and events at your local tennis club or indoor sports facility. Connecting with other players will help you improve faster and make the game even more enjoyable.

Ready to Play?

Now that you know the basics, it’s time to hit the court! Whether you’re playing socially or gearing up for competition, pickleball is a fantastic way to stay active and have fun.

Grab a pickleball paddle and balls from Dink, and start your pickleball journey today!