How To Play Pickleball? | Best Guide For Beginners
Pickleball, the game that’s got everyone buzzing, is like a symphony of joy on the court. If you’re curious about stepping onto the pickleball stage, fear not! In this article, we’ll unravel the simple steps of how to play pickleball, turning your curiosity into confident volleys.
Must Haves for Pickleball:
Firstly, we discuss some must haves for pickleball:
- Pickleball Paddle
- Pickleball Balls
- Pickleball Court
- Appropriate Footwear
- Athletic Apparel
- Pickleball Net
- Water Bottle
- Pickleball Bag
- Grip Enhancer or Towel
- Protective Eyewear (Optional)
- Hat and Sunscreen
- Scorekeeper/Notebook (Optional)
Step by Step guide to Play pickleball for beginners:
Below are the steps for How to play pickleball. Learn the game while reading these steps:
1. The Court Conundrum:
Let’s start with the stage – the pickleball court. It’s not a sprawling field; it’s a cozy 20 by 44 feet. Picture it as your playground, divided into service courts and a mysterious non-volley zone known as the “kitchen.” A pickleball court is where the magic happens, where rallies turn into smiles.
2. Serve it Right:
Your pickleball journey kicks off with the serve. Stand behind the baseline, paddle in hand, and send the ball diagonally over the net to your opponent’s court. Here’s the trick – keep it low, keep it cool. The serve is an underhand affair, a gentle introduction to the game’s rhythm.
3. Team Up for Triumph:
Pickleball is a game of doubles, a friendly rendezvous of four players. The serving team initiates the dance, sending the ball across the net, and the rally begins. The opponents, in turn, return the favor. It’s a doubles tango, a cooperative game where teamwork steals the show.
4. The Volleying Vibe:
Now, let’s talk volleys. Those quick exchanges that make pickleball so exhilarating. Volleys are fair game, except in the non-volley zone, aka the kitchen. This designated area near the net is a no-volley zone, adding a layer of strategy to the game. Step in too soon, and you might find yourself in a pickle.
5. Mastering the Kitchen Dance:
The kitchen, though it sounds like a culinary adventure, is the heartbeat of the pickleball court. It’s the non-volley zone where volleys are off-limits unless the ball takes a bounce first. This adds a delightful twist, forcing players to balance aggression with precision.
6. Scoring Simplified:
Scoring in pickleball is a breeze. Most games aim for 11 points, and you can only score when your team is serving. But, and it’s a big but, you’ve got to clinch victory with a lead of at least two points. Tied at 10-10? Brace yourself for the exciting finale until someone pulls ahead by two clear points.
7. Faults and Fixes:
Let’s address the bumps in the road – faults. Stepping into the non-volley zone too soon, forgetting the diagonal serve, or allowing the ball to hit the ground twice on your side – these are common pitfalls. But here’s the silver lining: learn from your slip-ups, and you’ll be back in the pickleball groove in no time.
8. Crafty Tip:
Pickleball is a game of finesse, not fancy footwork. Keep it simple, enjoy the rally, and let the game unfold at its own sweet pace.
Conclusion:
Armed with these basic steps, you’re now equipped to embark on your pickleball adventure. It’s a game that beckons with open arms, promising laughter, friendly competition, and the satisfaction of mastering a delightful sport. So, grab a pickleball paddle, hit the court with a smile, and let the pickleball magic unfold – one swift serve, gentle volley, and strategic dance at a time. The court is yours; let the pickleball play begin!
