How To Play Pickleball: A Complete Beginner’s Guide
Pickleball fever is in full effect! Did you know that pickleball participation grew by a whopping 39.3% from 2019 to 2021? Crazy, right!? This upcoming paddle sport combines elements of tennis and ping pong into one thrilling package. It’s as if they had a baby, and that baby grew up to be the cool kid everyone wants to hang out with. Sorry tennis and ping pong, better luck next time!
And the best part? You can be practically any age and feel right at home. To this day, it surprises us how elderly people are joining the pickleball in droves and competing right alongside today’s youth. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to start playing pickleball and join the millions of enthusiasts already hooked on this fantastic sport. Let’s dive in and get you caught up to speed!
How To Play Pickleball? Understanding the Basics
I never thought I’d be the type to get obsessed with a sport named after a cucumber’s salty cousin, but here we are. It all started when Jose (my savvy pickleball friend) sent me a text casually inviting me on a Monday night to the local pickleball courts. Without any recognition of the sport, I initially thought it was some sort of sand sport. I couldn’t have been further from the truth!
Turns out, pickleball is a paddle sport and has been around since the 1960s! Due to a combination of external factors, it has since caught fire and its adoption is growing at rapid pace. And if you’re reading this, it means you’re not the only one who got suckered in by the weird name and addictive gameplay. So did I!
So, picture this: you’ve got a court that’s about a quarter the size of a tennis court. When I first stepped onto one (good luck even getting this far if you go a busy evening), I thought, “This’ll be a piece of cake!” Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. The court’s small size and quick ball dynamics means you’re in for a fast-paced game that’ll have you sweating bullets in no time.
Pro Tip: Bring plenty of water.
Now, what’s up with the rules? Pickleball’s got some quirks that’ll make you scratch your head, at first anyways. There’s this thing called the “kitchen” – unfortunately, food is nowhere to be found here. Instead, It’s a 7-foot zone on each side of the net where you can’t volley. I lost count of how many times I forgot the presence of the kitchen when I first started. So many error. My brain eventually came around. Well, we live and learn, right?
Scoring in pickleball is its own beast. Only the serving team can score points, and games go to 11 points. Sounds simple enough, but when you’re in the heat of the moment, trying to keep track of the score can feel like doing calculus while running a marathon. I once celebrated winning a point after an extensive rally only to realize I was playing defense that round. Talk about facepalm moment!
I gotta say, the best part about pickleball isn’t just the game itself. It’s the community. I’ve been able to meet with friends on a more consistent basis as well as meet new friends while on the pickleball courts. There’s something magical about running around and whacking a plastic ball that really brings people together.
If you’re on the fence about picking up pickleball, take it from someone who rarely plays sports – to give it a shot. Who knows, it might just become your best new hobby. You might even find yourself canceling plans to hit the courts, boring your family with pickleball stories, and yes, even writing blog posts about it.
Alright, let’s get you caught up on pickleball techniques. This is crucial if you plan on getting better over time. If you fail to adopt sound technique you’ll run the risk of developing bad habits that will be hard to undo down the line. Nobody wants that, especially if you plan on going pro.
Essential Pickleball Equipment for Beginners
Alright, let’s chat about pickleball gear. Now, If you’re invited for the first time to the courts it’s okay to feel like a fish out of water. As you continue to go, there will no longer be an excuse to come empty handed. So, the first order of business will be to get either a pickleball starter kit or at the very least your own paddle.
So, the paddle! Say Hello to your new best friend. When I started looking for my own paddle, I felt like Goldilocks trying out different porridges. Some were too heavy, some too light, some made of wood, some of carbon fiber, and don’t even get me started on grip sizes. After a few games with a paddle that felt like a fly swatter, I finally found my “just right.” Here’s a pro tip: some equipment stores allow you to rent out a paddle for a week. Plus, the rental spend counts towards buying the paddle.
A quick note on balls. Outdoor or Indoor? Outdoor balls are heavier and have smaller holes to withstand external forces, while indoor balls are lighter with larger holes. Trust me, using the right ball can make the difference between feeling like a pickleball pro and looking like you’re swatting at invisible mosquitoes.
Let’s talk shoes, ’cause this is where I really dropped the ball (pun intended). I showed up to my first game in my trusty running shoes, thinking I was all set. Big mistake. Huge. Pickleball involves a lot of quick lateral movements, and my running shoes had about as much side-to-side support as a wet noodle. I was slipping and sliding all over the court. Do yourself a favor and invest in a good pair of court shoes. Your ankles will thank you, and you’ll avoid the embarrassment of doing an unintentional split in front of your new pickleball buddies.
As for clothes, anything comfortable and breathable will do. But let me give you a word of advice: avoid loose shirts. I learned this the hard way when my baggy t-shirt got caught on my paddle mid-swing. I ended up looking like I was fighting my own clothes instead of playing pickleball. Stick with fitted, moisture-wicking tops and shorts or skirts with pockets for balls.
Optional: Gloves. I used to think they were just for show until I played a marathon session that left my hands blistered and sore. A good pair of gloves can save your palms and improve your grip. Just don’t be that person who wears them to the grocery store after playing. Trust me, it’s not a good look.
Wristbands might seem like a throwback to the 80s, but let me tell you, they’re a godsend when you’re dripping sweat like a leaky faucet. I once made the mistake of playing without one, and by the end of the game, my paddle was slipping out of my hand like a wet bar of soap. Not exactly the smooth moves I was going for.
And knee pads? Well, they might not win you any fashion contests, but they can be a real knee-saver, especially if you’re prone to diving for those low shots. There may come a time where you may need to stretch an inch too much just to get one of those coveted last-minute saves. Knee pads are the way!
Look, at the end of the day, the most important thing is to get out there and play. Don’t let not having the “perfect” equipment stop you from giving pickleball a try. Heck, I’ve seen people absolutely crush it with beginner paddles that come in starter kits. But if you want to set yourself up for success (and avoid some of the embarrassing mishaps I’ve had), investing in some decent gear can make your pickleball journey a whole lot more enjoyable.
Just remember, all the fancy equipment in the world won’t make up for practice and good old-fashioned fun. A game where even novices will feel right at home.
Mastering the Fundamental Pickleball Techniques
Let’s start with grip and stance. I remember showing up to my first game, gripping the paddle like I was trying to squeeze juice out of it. Rookie mistake. The key is to hold it firm but relaxed, like you’re shaking hands with a friend, not arm-wrestling a gorilla.
As for stance, I used to stand there like a statue, feet planted firmly in one spot. That worked great until I actually had to, you know, move. Now I keep my feet about shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, ready to spring into action. Think of it like you’re riding a surfboard on land – you want to be stable but ready to shift your weight at a moment’s notice.
Now, let’s talk strokes.
First up: the dink. When I heard about dinking, I thought it sounded odd. But actually, a good dink can be the difference between winning and losing. It’s all about finesse. The first time I tried to dink, I sent the ball vertically upward and it didn’t even make the other side of the court. Not exactly what you’re going for. The trick is to gently tap the ball just over the net, making your opponent scramble forward. It’s like you’re trying to drop an egg on the other side without breaking it.
Then there’s Volleys. I used to swing at volleys like I was chopping wood. Spoiler alert: that doesn’t work so well. Volleys are quick reflexes and soft hands. You want to block the ball more than hit it, using your opponent’s power against them. It took me ages to stop swinging and start blocking, but once I did, I started seeing more success. This is especially key to learn as it will help immensely in late-game scenarios.
Groundstrokes in pickleball are kind of like the ones in tennis, but with a twist. The lower bounce of the pickleball means you’ve got to get low – like, really low. I’m talking “pretend you’re sitting in an invisible chair” low. The first few times I tried this, my thighs were burning as if I had just done leg day. But trust me, it’s worth it. Getting low gives you better control and more options for your shots.
Now, serving. This one will take a while to master. Once mastered, you will be winning rounds just from your serve alone! Some caveats: the serve has to be underhand, contact below the waist, and the paddle head below the wrist. Oh, and don’t forget to keep one foot behind the baseline! Easy to get to get so caught up on the details that you completely miss the ball. No worries, keep at it and your serves will be flying by opponents in no time.
The Kitchen. Remember, No Volley while stepping in the kitchen. Do it and mentally prepare yourself to hear “Kitchen!”, then you’ll come to the realization that your perfect volley was not so perfect after all.
The art of playing around the kitchen is all about patience and control. You want to get as close as you can without actually stepping in. I’ve seen rallies where players are so close to the kitchen line, you could barely slip a sheet of paper between their toes and the line. Yes, it’s that intense. This is where all that dinking practice will come in handy
Pro tip: do practice rallies solely focused in dinking. It’s tempting to always go for those big, powerful shots, but the real magic happens in those gentle, controlled exchanges at the net. It’s like a dance, really. A sweaty, competitive dance where you’re trying to outsmart your opponent without stepping into the kitchen.
Remember, mastering these techniques takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you’re not nailing everything right away. You may see that some people catch on quicker than others. Don’t let that discourage you, soon you too will be able to play on their level. The key is to keep practicing, stay patient, and most importantly, have fun. After all, we’re playing a game called pickleball – it’s hard to take yourself too seriously when you’re saying that out loud.
So get out there, grip that paddle (not too tight!), bend those knees, and start dinking. Before you know it, you’ll be serving up aces, volleying like a pro, and dancing around that kitchen like you’re on a cooking show. Just watch out for those untied shoelaces – the pickleball court can be an unforgiving place for the clumsy. Trust me, I would know!
Finding Places to Play Pickleball Near You
Some of you may be blessed in living within minutes to pickleball court, some of you may not and it may take a bit more research. As a sport on the rise, new courts are popping up every year. If a simple google search still has you at a loss, check these ideas and you may be pleasantly surprised.
Start Here: Websites like USA Pickleball have court locators, and apps like PicklePlay can help you find games and players in your area. This should have you covered from the start. A possible con of going to these courts would be their high usage. Meaning you could be waiting up to half an hour just to get one game in!
Next up, local parks and rec centers. Most cities and towns have parks departments that are hip to the pickleball craze. Pro tip: crawl your local park and rec center websites to further investigate possible courts.
Now, if you’re lucky enough to have dedicated pickleball facilities or clubs in your area, you’ve hit the jackpot. These places are like pickleball heaven – multiple courts, equipment rentals, and usually a bunch of friendly folks at all skill levels. My first invitation to the world of pickleball happened to be one of these locations. Easy to arrive, hard to find a spot to play. It was jam-packed with so many people eager to play!
Here’s a hack I discovered: tennis courts can be your secret weapon. A lot of tennis courts can be easily converted for pickleball play. Some parks even have dual-purpose courts with lines for both sports. One time, my friends and I got so desperate to play since the actual pickleball courts had long wait times, so we walked over to the tennis courts and played to our hearts’ content. Once you have the urge to play, like us, you’ll do whatever it takes!
Remember, finding places to play is half the fun. It’s like a treasure hunt, but instead of gold, you’re finding new friends and killer workout spots. And trust me, once you find your pickleball home, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Pickleball Etiquette and Sportsmanship
Alright, let’s talk pickleball etiquette. Although winning is one piece of the puzzle, it is not the end all be all. Pickleball does not mean just whacking the ball, getting angry, insulting your fellow opponents, and forcing wins. Pickleball is about getting into the “Spirit of the Game.”
What is the “Spirit of the Game?” It’s all about respect, fairness, and having a good time. Sounds simple, right? Well, if you’ve ever played any sort of competitive sport I’m sure you know how easy it is to get caught up in winning. Suddenly, a game being played to have fun turns into a game where emotions can run rampant and heated exchanges follow afterwards. How do avoid this?
Communication! It’s is key in pickleball, and not just with your partner. I learned this the hard way when I accidentally struck in the eye with a ball. During an intense rally my teammate and I failed to announce who was going to go for the ball that we both lunged at it. My teammate proceeded to hit the ball and it struck my eye instantly. Ouch! Now, I always make sure to let my teammate know that if it’s a close call between who will go for the ball that either of us announces prior to going for it.
Speaking of calls, line-calling can make or break relationships. How do you avoid it from getting to this point? A good rule of thumb is if you’re not 100% sure it’s out, it’s in. It’s that simple. And if there’s a dispute? Take a deep breath and offer a replay. It’s not worth losing friends over a point.
Dispute resolution was a tough one for me to learn. I’m naturally competitive (okay, maybe a little hotheaded), and it took some time to realize that resolving conflicts calmly is key for smooth gameplay. There was this one time I was convinced the score was different from what my opponents said. Instead of arguing, my partner suggested we just go with their score. I was fuming inside, but you know what? The world didn’t end, and we all had a better time.
Court entry and exit fundamentals. Wait until the game is over, then politely ask if you can join or if they’re rotating players. And when you’re done playing, don’t just dash off. Help pick up balls, thank your partners and opponents, and leave the court in good condition for the next group. Do this and you’re well on your way to being respected on the court.
I’ve come a long way since my early pickleball days. Now, I try to be the player that welcomes newbies and sets a good example. Don’t get me wrong, I still get competitive, but I’ve learned to channel that energy into playing my best game rather than getting hung up on every little call.
At the end of the day, pickleball is about having fun and staying active. The etiquette and sportsmanship aren’t there to make the game stuffy – they’re there to make sure everyone has a good time. Trust me, once you embrace the spirit of pickleball, you’ll wonder how you ever played any other way.
Progressing Your Pickleball Skills: From Beginner to Intermediate
Oh man, let me tell you about my journey from pickleball newbie to… well, I guess you could call me an enthusiastic beginner now. Not too far ahead but somewhat getting there.
When I first started, I was all over the place. I’d show up at the courts, hit a few balls around, and call it a day. Didn’t really have a plan, you know? But then I realized if I wanted to get better, I needed to get serious about practicing. So I developed this little routine – nothing fancy, but it made a huge difference.
I started spending 15 minutes before each game just working on my dinks. Boring? Maybe a little. But it paid off big time. I went from barely being able to get the ball over the net to having some decent control. Then I’d practice serves for another 15 minutes. Simple routine, outsized results.
One of the best ways to jump in skill level is to start playing in local tournaments. Talk about nerve-wracking! You might get your butt handed to you but as a result you’ll learn so much. Exposing yourself to challenging opponents will force you to step up your game a speed up your learning curve.
Leagues are another game-changer. Join a beginner league, discuss strategies with your fellow players, and follow each other’s growth. Laugh together over missed shots and celebrate the small victories. All for the sake of pickleball.
Now, let’s talk about resources.
There are so many out there, it can be overwhelming. If you’re like me, it’s easy to get sucked into a phase where you’re suddenly watching every YouTube video you can find. Before you know it, you’ll have your entire Youtube homepage filled with pickleball video. Happy hunting.
And clinics? They’re worth every penny. I went to this one clinic where the instructor corrected my grip. Turns out, I’d been holding the paddle wrong for months! No wonder my wrist was always sore.
The best part about progressing in pickleball is that there’s always something new to learn. Just when I think I’ve got it figured out, someone pulls out a move I’ve never seen before. It keeps things exciting, you know?
These days, I’m still working on improving. I’ve got my sights set on mastering dinking. One step at a time. Who knows, maybe I’ll even go pro someday. Okay, probably not, but a guy can dream, right?
The Social Side of Pickleball: Building Connections On and Off the Court
You know, when I first picked up a pickleball paddle, I had no idea I was signing up for a whole new social life.
Joining a pickleball club can be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. You may get nervous at first like a new kid at a new school. But within minutes, you’ll at least connect with one person and then a snowball effect will continue. Before you know it, you’ll be a part of the family.
The benefits of joining a club are off the charts. For starters, you’ve always got people to play with. No more sad solo dinking against a wall (yeah, I did that). Plus, you get to learn from players of all levels.
But it’s not just about the game. These clubs often organize social events too. Potlucks, movie nights, you name it. I’ve made some of my closest friends through pickleball. Who knew that whacking a plastic ball around could lead to meaningful ties?
The networking opportunities in pickleball are insane. You have the potential to meet doctors, teachers, business owners – you name it. A simple pick up game can open door for you that you never thought possible, all thanks to a game of pickleball.
There’s also this amazing pay-it-forward mentality in the pickleball community. I’ve lost count of how many times someone’s offered me tips or lent me a better paddle. Now, I try to do the same for others. It’s like this continuous cycle of goodwill.
So if you’re on the fence about diving into the social side of pickleball, my advice? Jump in with both feet. Sure, you might feel a little awkward at first, but trust me, this community welcomes everyone with open arms. Before you know it, you’ll be organizing tournaments, hosting pickleball parties, and wondering how you ever lived without this awesome group of people.
Conclusion:
Now that you’re armed with the knowledge to start your pickleball journey, it’s time to get out there and give it a try! Remember, pickleball is all about having fun, staying active, and connecting with others. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – every pro was once a beginner too. With its low barrier to entry and high enjoyment factor, pickleball is the perfect sport for people of all ages and fitness levels. So grab a paddle, find a court near you, and get ready to join the pickleball revolution. See you on the court!