Pickleball Basics

Discover how pickleball began in 1965 as bored families used improvised paddles and a lowered net, then evolved through milestones like the first permanent court, world tournaments, and nationwide growth.

Explore the pickleball court layout, including the kitchen non volley zone, two volley rectangles, a seven foot kitchen, and a 36 inch center net.

Learn the essential pickleball gear—paddle, balls, and optional goggles or gloves—plus footwear and budget tips, with indoor and outdoor ball differences and 2v2 play.

Score only when you or your partner serve; initial serve and first or second server determine turns; declare the score before each serve; games to 11 with a two-point win.

Understand pickleball scoring basics: track your score, your opponent's score, and whether you're the first or second server, then switch serves after each point.

Enter the kitchen only after a bounce; momentum into the kitchen costs the point. On serves, the kitchen line is out; other lines are in, and the hitting team calls.

Master the three main pickleball grips—the hammering, flyswatter, and handshake grip—and keep a loose grip for better control, balanced forearm and backhand practice, and safer play.

Learn the basics of pickleball serve and rally: back-right corner serves, diagonal returns, bounce rules, and players moving to the kitchen after the first return.

Warm up with arm circles, leg stretches, and torso twists to loosen up and prevent injuries, then practice light dinking at the kitchen line to get touches before the game.