New to Pickleball? Here’s How to Get Started
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in America. If you’re curious about this fun game you’ve heard about and want to learn how to play, you’ve come to the right place! This beginner’s guide will teach you everything about How To Get Started In Pickleball.
How To Get Started In Pickleball – First Things First
Pickleball Paddles
The paddle used in Pickleball is similar to a racquetball racquet but larger, with a surface area ranging from 155 to 165 square inches. Pickleball paddles come in various materials, each offering distinct advantages. Wooden paddles are durable and affordable but relatively heavy.
Composite paddles which are made from a mix of fiberglass, carbon fiber, and polymer cores. They strike a balance between weight, durability, and performance, offering good power and control.
Another material is Graphite which is usually loved by advanced players. They are lightweight and provide excellent precision, although they are more expensive.
Ball
A pickleball ball is a lightweight, perforated plastic sphere similar to a whiffle ball. There are two types of them: indoors and outdoors. A bounce of an indoor ball is softer and more controlled because there are fewer, larger holes. Outdoor balls are harder, with smaller holes to withstand wind and provide a faster, more durable play.
Footwear
Proper pickleball shoes are very important to allow quick starts, stops, and lateral movements. You should wear athletic shoes with good traction and support, but avoid black soles, which can damage the court.
Pickleball Court
Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court that measures 20×44 feet. The net height is 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the middle. Courts can be indoors or outdoors on hard surfaces like asphalt or concrete.
Many tennis facilities and multi-use gym spaces now have dedicated pickleball courts with the appropriate lines.
Basic Pickleball Rules and Scoring
Once The equipment and places are finalized, let Learn some basic rules and scoring techniques that every beginner Must know:
Serving
The serve must be made underhand, hitting the ball below waist level in a smooth, continuous motion. The server starts with both feet behind the baseline and serves diagonally across the court into the service court.
Only one fault is allowed per serve. The serving team gets two chances to put the ball in play in each service sequence. If the ball lands outside of the service court twice, this results in a fault called by the receiving team and a side out.
Volleys
A volley means hitting the ball out of the air without letting it bounce. Volleying is not allowed within a 7-foot zone around the net called the “kitchen.” Hitting is not allowed within this zone, which keeps the game strategic.
Scoring
Pickleball scoring goes up to 11 points, with a 2-point advantage needed to win. Matches are best in 2 out of 3 games.
Points are only scored by the serving team. If the receiving team wins the rally, they gain the right to serve but do not get a point.
Here is a detailed Guide on Scoring in pickleball.
Places To Play Your First Pickleball Game
Now that you know the basic rules of pickleball, the next step is finding a place to play and getting some practice! Here are some options I recommend for pickleball beginners:
Local Outdoor Courts
Outdoor pickleball courts are available at many parks, schools, recreation centres, and homeowners associations. You can find nearby pickleball courts by searching online for “pickleball near me.” They are usually available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Indoor Pickleball Facilities
Indoor pickleball facilities are popping up across North America to meet growing demand. These offer open play times where you simply show up and find someone to play. Staff can assist in matching skill levels and explaining rules.
Pickleball Meetup Groups
Search for a local pickleball meetup group on sites like Meetup.com. These groups schedule regular open play sessions that are welcoming for beginners. It’s a great way to connect with your area’s pickleball community. You can also organize a pickleball match if you are good at organizing
How To Learn Pickleball Pickleball
To learn pickleball, consider taking lessons from local coaches, attending club clinics, or watching YouTube tutorials. Coaches offer private or group lessons, while clubs provide affordable clinics.
Local Pickleball Pros
A growing number of coaches are offering private and group pickleball instruction. Rates average $25-50 per hour for semi-private lessons. Search online for a coach in your area.
Club Clinics
Many pickleball clubs run weekly clinics covering rules, scoring, serving, volley technique, drinks, etc. These are very affordable at just $5-10 per session.
Youtube Tutorials
Some great YouTube channels teach pickleball strategy and skills for beginners, like Pickleball Kitchen, Pickleball Tutor, and Pickleball Obsession. Watch a variety of videos to build your knowledge.
Key Factors To Consider While Buying Your First Pickleball Paddle
Let’s move on to one of the most important pieces of equipment – your pickleball paddle! As a beginner, here are key factors to consider:
Weight
Look for a paddle weighing 7.0 to 8.2 oz, which allows better control. Heavier paddles have more power but require a stronger swing technique.
Grip Size
Make sure your grip circumference fits your hand size. The grip is usually 4 or 4 1/4 inches.
Materials
Composite paddles with Polymer or Aluminum cores offer a nice balance of touch and power at lower costs. Graphite faces increase control and reduce vibration.
Shape and Size
The best beginner paddle shapes are midsize with a moderate width and thickness. Large surface areas help you learn proper technique.
Many retailers allow you to demo paddles for free at local courts before purchasing. This helps find the right fit.
Helpful Tips for Pickleball Beginners
Here are some final tips to help you get started playing pickleball:
- Take advantage of open play times to get experience with more skilled players
- Don’t get discouraged – pickleball has a steep learning curve, but you’ll improve over time
- Focus on consistent, accurate shots rather than power
- Practice specific skills like serving, volleys, and dinks
- Invest in quality, non-marking court shoes with good traction
- Stay positive, follow etiquette guidelines, and have fun! (Most Important Tip)
The great news about pickleball is that while it takes practice to master, the basics are very simple. Following this guide will get you started playing this fun sport sweeping the nation!
A Brief History of Pickleball
Here is a quick background on the sport. Pickleball was invented in 1965 by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum in Bainbridge Island, Washington.
The origin of the silly name is debated, but one account says Joel Pritchard’s wife called it “pickleball” after the “pickle boat” term in crew racing because they were mixing up equipment and improvising rules.
Whatever the origin, pickleball has grown from a backyard pastime into a full-on competitive sport for players of all ages. Millions of new players have discovered pickleball across North America in just the past decade.
The USA Pickleball Association claims over 4.8 million players, with exponential growth projected in the coming years. It’s an exciting time to become part of the pickleball community!
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions are :
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It is played on a badminton-sized court with a slightly modified tennis net, using paddles and a plastic ball with holes.
The basic rules are simple, and the game is easy to learn but can develop into a fast-paced, competitive sport.
For official rules, visit the official website of the USA Pickleball Association.
How Do You Play Pickleball?
Pickleball is typically played as doubles, with teams on opposite sides of the net. The serving team starts on the right side of the court and serves diagonally to the opponent on the opposite side.
The game continues with volleys until a point is scored.
What Are The Basic Rules Of Pickleball?
The basic rules of pickleball include the non-volley zone, where players cannot volley the ball, and the bounce rule, which requires the ball to bounce once on each side before volleys are allowed.
Additionally, the scoring system and serving rules are important to understand.
How Do You Get Started In Pickleball?
To start pickleball, it’s essential to learn the game’s basic rules, such as the bounce rule, non-volley zone, and serving techniques.
Finding a local pickleball community or club is a great way to learn and practice the game.
Is Pickleball Easy To Learn?
Yes, pickleball is often described as easy to learn, making it accessible for players of all ages and skill levels. The simple rules and smaller court sizes make it popular for beginners and experienced athletes.
Final Thoughts
Pickleball is an accessible and addicting sport that is exploding in popularity across North America. This beginner’s guide has everything you need to know About How to get started in pickleball.
You now understand the basic rules, equipment, scoring, places to play, and helpful tips to advance your skills as a new player. Taking beginner lessons, joining a meetup group, and practicing regularly will have you volleying and serving like a pro in no time.
Pickleball combines friendly competition and social connections that keep players coming back.
Have a nice day!!
