A whopping 4.2 million Americans play pickleball—and that number has been on the rise for years. Now, it’s your turn to join the many who already play this popular game.
Of course, you have a few questions first. Namely, how do you play pickleball? Turns out, it’s equal parts simple and fun. Here’s what you need to know to get started.
Learn the Rules First
Don’t go booking one of the best all inclusive pickleball vacations yet. You need to learn the rules of the game, first and foremost.
If you’ve already played a game similar to pickleball, such as ping pong, tennis, or badminton, then you already have a good idea of how this one will work. But if you’re picking up a paddle for the first time, then you’ll want to brush up on the basic rules.
For instance, you should know that a player or team wins their pickleball match with 11 points… that is, if they’re up by two over their opponent. So, the game could go on for longer than just those 11—it’s good to prepare yourself for longer competitions.
You’ll want to know how to properly serve, as well, since a failed serve can cost your team the ball. Recently, the rules were updated to allow for drop serves alongside the traditional underhanded serve.
Don’t Be Afraid to Move Forward
Once you’re on the court, your instinct will probably be to hang back. Most newbies play this way—they play at the edge, rather than driving forward toward the net.
Don’t be afraid to be aggressive and move closer to the action. Step closer to the net and fight for your points. You should only be hanging toward the back if your opponents keep hitting long drives—otherwise, move up and play.
Mix Up Your Shots
When you learn how to play pickleball, you’re sure to practice drop shots. But once on the court, many beginners fail to whip out this and other more difficult skills. They stick to the basics because they’re scared to try something tougher.
Mixing up your shots will make you a more formidable opponent, though. So, try to use all of the techniques you learn in practice to keep the other player or team guessing.
Don’t Always Go For the Glory
On that note, lots of beginners want to go for that game-winning shot that’s nearly always too good to be true. You can attempt tricky shots now and then, as we said. But always slamming the ball at the end of a volley isn’t going to win you the game—it’ll end up causing more errors than anything else.
So, mix up your methods, but also be smart. Sometimes, the simplest shot is the best one. And, when you’re confident you can score, go for the glory with a tougher hit—but don’t do that every single time you have the ball.
Play Pickleball Like a Pro
With a little bit of studying and a lot of practice, you can learn to play pickleball like a pro. But it all starts with picking up that paddle and trying it out—all there’s left to do is get started.
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