Pickleball attracts several people due to its unique game and interesting rules. But many people are left wondering: is it easy to learn pickleball?

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports despite being relatively new. However, since it’s a new game, the rules and other aspects are still unknown to many players who see themselves on the court smashing the ball back and forth.

Surprisingly, playing pickleball is not hard at all. The sport includes similar rules to tennis, badminton, or other racket sports, but you can quickly learn to play pickleball. The shots are another thing you can practice on a court which is mostly straightforward as pickleball is an easy game.

Pickleball was initially invented for seniors, offering them a fun and social activity when their legs don’t move as fast as they used to. This is why pickleball is so easy to learn that people of all ages, including children, can pick up the pace quickly.

We are a couple of pickleball enthusiasts. With pickleball experience for over a decade, we have put together this guide discussing how easy pickleball is and how you can get started.

What is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is played on a court with a net similar to tennis, and players use paddles to hit a perforated ball over the net. Pickleball can be played as singles or doubles, typically played on an indoor or outdoor court with wooden floors.

The game is named after its inventor, Joel Pritchard, who created it in 1965. Pickleball is widely considered one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, and it is particularly popular among seniors. Today, there are an estimated 4.8 million pickleball players in the United States. The game can be played recreationally or competitively, and there are pickleball courts in many public parks across the country.

What Type of Equipment Do You Need to Play Pickleball?

If you're looking to get into pickleball, there's only a handful of equipment you'll need to pick up. Firstly, you'll need a pickleball paddle. These are similar to tennis rackets but with a few key differences. For instance, pickleball paddles tend to be smaller and have a textured grip to help with spin. When choosing a pickleball paddle, it's important to pick one that feels comfortable in your hand and gives you good control.

Secondly, you'll need a pickleball ball. These are similar to whiffle balls, but with a few key differences again. Pickleball balls are slightly larger and have 26 holes instead of 8. This helps them to travel at a slower speed, making the game more suitable for beginners.

Finally, you'll need a pickleball net. These are similar to tennis nets, but again with some key differences. Pickleball nets are lower to the ground. The tennis net has a height of 36 inches from the ground. However, pickleball nets are 36 inches at the sides but 34 from the middle. This motivates the players to keep the ball in the middle to extend rallies and win points. The posts are placed further apart. This makes them easier to set up and takedown, which is ideal if you play in a park or on the beach.

So there you have it: everything you need to get started with pickleball!

How to Learn Pickleball?

Pickleball is a fun, easy-to-learn game that people of all ages can enjoy. Learning pickleball is all about getting familiar with its rules and shots. Once you know them, start practicing them, and you will be a top-tier player in no time!

If you're not familiar with pickleball rules, don't worry - they're very simple and interesting.

Pickleball Rules

Basic Rules

The basic rules of pickleball are relatively simple: players must return the ball over the net and within the boundaries of the court, and they can only hit the ball once before it goes over the net. Points are scored when the opposing player cannot return the ball, and the first player or team to reach 11 points wins. Although pickleball can be played competitively, it is also a great way to get some exercise and have fun with friends.

Serve Rules

In pickleball, the serve is a critical component of the game. It gives the serving team a chance to score points, but it also sets the tone for the entire rally.

Pickleball has two main serve rules: the serve sequence and the serve fault. The serve sequence dictates the order in which players must serve, with players alternating serves after every two points. The serve fault rule states that a player can only serve one fault per game. If a player faults twice in a row, they will lose the rally.

While these are the two main serve rules, there are also a few other important guidelines to keep in mind. For example, players must serve from behind the baseline and let the ball bounce before hitting it.

Additionally, players can only serve diagonally, meaning they can't hit directly into their opponent's court. Following these simple serve rules will help to ensure a fair and fun game for all.

Scoring Rules

In pickleball, scoring goes up by one point every time there's a successful rally. If the serving team wins the rally, they score a point and also get to serve again. If the receiving team wins the rally, they score a point and become the serving team.

The first team to score 11 points wins the game but must win by at least a two-point margin. If the score reaches 10-all, play continues until one team has a two-point lead. Games are typically played to 21 points.

Pickleball is usually played as doubles, with two players on each side of the net, but can also be played as singles. If you're playing pickleball doubles, then only one player from each team is allowed to hit the ball before it crosses over into the other team's court - meaning that pickleball rallies tend to be much longer than those in other racket sports such as tennis. When playing pickleball singles, both players on each side of the net are allowed to hit the ball before it goes into the other player's court.

Two-Bounce Rule

In pickleball, the two-bounce rule is a way to keep the game moving and prevent players from trying to stall. According to the USAPA, each player is only allowed to hit the ball twice before it must be returned to the other side of the net. The first bounce must be on the player's side of the court, and the second bounce must be on the opponent's side. If a player hits the ball more than twice, or if the ball hits the ground on the wrong side of the court, then they will lose the point.

While this rule may seem simple, it can be challenging to track when the ball has bounced twice. As a result, players must be constantly alert and ready to make their next move. The two-bounce rule helps to keep pickleball games fast-paced and exciting, and it ensures that all players have an opportunity to stay involved in the game.

No-Volley Zone Rule

In pickleball, the "no-volley zone" rule is one of the most important aspects of the game. This rule states that players cannot hit the ball while it is in the air within 7 feet of the net. The no-volley zone is also known as the "kitchen" because it is very close to the net.

This rule prevents players from smacking the ball hard and giving their opponents no time to react. Instead, players must use a soft touch and keep rallies going for as long as possible. This rule encourages strategic play and makes pickleball a very enjoyable game for all involved.

Fault Rules

There are several different ways in pickleball that a player can commit a fault. The most common type is the foot fault, which occurs when a player fails to keep both feet behind the baseline when serving.

Other common faults include hitting the ball out of bounds, double-hitting the ball, and carrying the ball. Hitting the ball out of bounds occurs when a player hits the ball and lands outside the court boundaries.

Double-hitting the ball happens when a player hits the ball twice in succession or hits the ball with their paddle and their body simultaneously.

Carrying the ball occurs when a player holds on to the ball for more than three seconds without attempting to hit it.

These are just some of the most common faults in pickleball; for a complete list of rules, consult an official pickleball handbook.

Pickleball Shots

To learn pickleball, you should understand the shots, their techniques, and how to master them. There are a variety of shots in pickleball - some basic and some fancy. You can start with the basics and then show off your fancy shots after having a good grip.

Below, we have talked about some of the most common pickleball shots you should learn.

Dropshot

A drop shot is hit with an underhand swing and has a soft touch, similar to a volley in tennis. The goal of a drop shot is to land the ball just over the net so that it bounces twice before your opponent can reach it. This shot is usually used when your opponent is at the back of the court and you have an opening at the front.

To execute a drop shot, simply hold the paddle close to your body and swing gently forward and up. As you make contact with the ball, allow your paddle to drop down to hit the ball with just enough power to send it over the net but not too close to the opponent.

Groundstroke

Groundstrokes are the bread and butter of pickleball, and there are a few key things to keep in mind when hitting them.

First, make sure you're using a light grip on your paddle. You want to swing freely without putting too much tension in your arms.

Second, keep your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees bent. This will help you stay balanced and generate power from your legs.

Finally, try to contact the ball at the bottom of its bounce. This will give you the most control over your shot. With a little practice, you'll be hitting groundstrokes like a pro!

Volley

When playing volleyball in pickleball, there are a few things to consider.

First, you want to make sure that you hit the ball before it bounces.

Second, you want to hit the ball in front of you, not behind you. This will help you generate more power and keep the ball in play.

Lastly, you want to make sure you hit the ball up, not down. This will help keep the ball from going into the net.

Dink

Dinking is a soft shot used to keep the ball in play and force your opponents to move around the court. Hold the paddle close to the ground and make contact with the ball just after it bounces to execute a dink. Use your wrist to give the shot some spin so it doesn't go straight up in the air. Practice your dinking to keep the ball low and in front of your opponents.

Serve

To serve in pickleball, stand behind the baseline on either the right or left side of the court. The player stands behind the baseline and hits the ball diagonally across the net into the opponent's service box. The server then hits the ball diagonally across the net into the opposite service court. The ball must bounce once before it is hit, and it can only bounce once in the service court.

The server can hit the ball anywhere in the service court, but it must go over the net and stay within the boundaries of the court. If the ball hits the net on the serve, it is a let and is re-served. The server gets two serves if there is a let on the first serve. If the ball goes out of bounds, it is a fault and results in a point for the other team.

Lob

Lobbing in pickleball is a great way to keep your opponents at bay while moving into position for the winning shot. A lob can clear the net and land just inside the baseline when done correctly, making it very difficult for your opponents to reach. Here are a few tips for executing the perfect lob:

First, choose the right paddle. A lighter paddle will give you more control over your shots, making it easier to place your lobs exactly where you want them to go.

Second, start by hitting the ball slightly above center. This will give the ball extra height and help ensure it clears the net.

Finally, make sure to follow through with your swing. A smooth, consistent follow-through will help you generate enough power to reach the back of the court.

Overhead Smash

The overhead smash in pickleball is very similar to the serve. The player stands in the backcourt and hits the ball with an overhand motion, trying to hit it deep into the opponent's court. Like the serve, the overhead smash is a high-risk/high-reward shot, as it is very difficult to execute but can be very effective if done correctly. There are a few things to keep in mind when hitting an overhead smash.

First, make sure to hit the ball at the apex of its arc. This will give you the most power and accuracy.

Second, keep your arm extended and your racket face open. This will help to keep the ball from sailing long or wide.

Finally, follow through with your swing. This will ensure that you put all of your weight behind the shot. If executed properly, the overhead smash can be a powerful weapon in pickleball.