Pickleball For Beginners

How Is Pickleball Played?

Pickleball can be played as either singles or doubles, although doubles is by far the most common format.

The objective is simple:

Hit the ball over the net and keep the rally going until your opponent makes a mistake or is unable to return the ball.

While the basic concept is straightforward, pickleball introduces a few unique rules that create longer rallies and more strategic gameplay than many people initially expect.

These include:

• The underhand serve

• The two bounce rule

• The kitchen (non-volley zone)

• Unique scoring rules

Don't worry if these terms sound unfamiliar. Most new players learn them very quickly after a few games.

What Equipment Do You Need?

One of pickleball's biggest advantages is how little equipment is required to get started.

At a minimum, you'll need:

A Pickleball Paddle

Pickleball paddles are different from tennis racquets. They have a solid hitting surface and come in a range of shapes, weights and materials.

As you progress, you'll discover that different paddles suit different playing styles, but beginners generally benefit most from paddles that prioritise control, forgiveness and ease of use.

Pickleballs

Pickleballs are lightweight plastic balls with holes.

Most players in Australia primarily use outdoor pickleballs, although indoor balls are also available depending on where you play.

Court Shoes

While many beginners start in standard athletic shoes, dedicated court shoes provide better grip, support and stability during lateral movement.

Learning The Rules

The rules of pickleball are much simpler than many beginners expect.

The key concepts every new player should understand are:

The Serve

Every rally begins with an underhand serve that must land in the opponent's service box.

The Two Bounce Rule

After the serve, both teams must allow the ball to bounce once before volleys are permitted.

This creates longer rallies and prevents players from immediately attacking the net.

The Kitchen

The kitchen is the area directly in front of the net where players cannot volley the ball.

Understanding the kitchen is one of the most important skills new players develop.

For a complete breakdown, see our Pickleball Rules Explained guide.

Choosing Your First Paddle

Many beginners assume they need the most expensive paddle available.

In reality, finding the right paddle is usually more important than buying the most expensive one.

When choosing your first paddle, focus on:

• Comfort

• Forgiveness

• Consistency

• Weight

• Overall feel

Most new players perform best with paddles that offer balanced all-court performance rather than specialised power focused designs.

For a deeper breakdown, see our How To Choose Your First Pickleball Paddle guide.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Every player makes mistakes when learning pickleball.

Some of the most common include:

Trying To Hit Every Shot Hard

Power has its place, but consistency wins far more points at beginner level.

Staying Too Far Back

Many new players spend too much time near the baseline instead of learning to control the kitchen line.

Ignoring Paddle Selection

Using a paddle that suits your skill level can make learning easier and more enjoyable.

Focusing On Winning Instead Of Learning

The fastest improving players focus on developing good habits rather than simply trying to win every point.

Where To Go Next

Once you've learned the basics, the next step is understanding the equipment and rules in greater detail.

We recommend reading:

• Pickleball Rules Explained

• Pickleball Scoring Explained

• What Equipment Do You Need For Pickleball?

• How To Choose Your First Pickleball Paddle

• Common Beginner Pickleball Mistakes

Together, these guides will help you build confidence on court and make better decisions as your game develops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pickleball easy to learn?

Yes. Most people can learn the basics within a single session and begin playing enjoyable games very quickly.

What equipment do I need to start playing pickleball?

You'll need a paddle, pickleball and access to a court. Many clubs also provide beginner equipment.

Is pickleball suitable for all ages?

Yes. Pickleball is played by people of all ages and skill levels, from juniors through to retirees.

What is the kitchen in pickleball?

The kitchen is the non volley zone located directly in front of the net where players cannot hit volleys.

What paddle should a beginner use?

Most beginners benefit from a paddle that offers control, forgiveness and a comfortable overall feel rather than maximum power.