How to Play Pickleball: A Beginner’s Guide to Rules, Scoring & Tips
Pickleball was introduced to Singapore in 1990, but its popularity has skyrocketed in recent years. As of 2025, the sport has attracted a dedicated community of over 5,000 active players across 30 to 40 regular interest groups. Its fast-paced, easy-to-learn nature makes it appealing to beginners and seasoned athletes alike, offering both fun and competitive play.
If you’re looking to pick up pickleball, this beginner’s guide covers everything you need to get started, including essential equipment, court setup, rules, and tips to improve and enjoy your game.
Table of Contents
What Equipment Do I Need to Play Pickleball?
Getting started in pickleball doesn’t require much, but having the right equipment can make the game easier and more enjoyable. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
Essential Equipment
These are the basic items you need to start playing:
- Pickleball paddle: Lightweight and easy to handle, paddles come in various materials, shapes and sizes to suit your playing style. If you are unsure which to choose, our article shares a list of the best pickleball paddles for beginners and tips on how to choose the right one for you.
- Pickleball balls: These balls come in two types – indoor balls, which are lighter and have larger holes for controlled play on smooth surfaces, and outdoor balls, which are slightly heavier with smaller holes to withstand wind and rougher courts.
- Net: A standard-size pickleball net is ideal, but portable nets are available if your court doesn’t have one.
Floorball balls may look similar to pickleball balls, but they should not be used with your paddle. They are harder and can damage the paddle.
Optional Extras
Some additional items that you can consider buying to enhance comfort and performance are:
- Pickleball shoes: Designed for better grip and stability on the court, these shoes help prevent slips and improve movement.
- Comfortable athletic wear: Airy, breathable clothing allows for easier movement and keeps you comfortable during play, while a cap is great for sun protection during outdoor play.
- Pickleball sports bag: Getting a bag helps to keep all your essentials organised in one place, from paddles and balls to shoes, towels, and water bottles.
Pickleball Court Dimensions
A standard pickleball court measures 20 feet (6.1 metres) wide and 44 feet (13.4 metres) long. This size remains the same whether the game is played as singles or doubles.
One unique feature of the court is the non-volley zone, commonly called the kitchen. This is a 7-foot (2.1 metres) area on each side of the net where players are not allowed to volley the ball. This rule encourages longer rallies and strategic play near the net.
What Are the Basic Pickleball Rules?
Pickleball combines simple rules with fast-paced action, making it easy for beginners to pick up while offering depth for experienced players. Here are the fundamental rules every player should know:
1. Serve Rules
All serves must be made underhand, with the paddle striking the ball below the waist. The serve must travel diagonally across the court into the opponent’s service box, and the player must keep at least one foot behind the baseline when striking the ball. To be valid, the serve also needs to clear the non-volley zone, including its line.
Service will start from the right-hand side of the court. If the serving side wins the point, the server switches sides and serves again from the left-hand side.
In singles, the serve is passed to the opposing team once the server loses a rally. In doubles, the first server can attempt to serve until a fault is committed. After which, the second server continues serving until they commit a fault (except at the very start of the game, where the serving team has only one service attempt). After which, the serve passes to the opposing team.
2. Two-Bounce Rule
Another key rule is the two-bounce rule. After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side of the net before either team can start volleying. This slows down the pace of play at the beginning of each rally and prevents players from rushing the net too early.
3. Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen Rule)
The non-volley zone, commonly known as the kitchen, has its own rules. Players are not allowed to volley the ball while standing inside this zone or while touching its boundary line. Even if a player makes contact with the ball outside the kitchen, but their momentum carries them forward into the zone, the action still counts as a fault.
4. Faults
Any mistake that ends a rally is called a fault. Common faults include hitting the ball out of bounds, failing to clear the net, volleying from within the kitchen, or allowing the ball to bounce twice before returning it. Each fault results in the other team gaining the point or the serve, depending on the situation.
5. Scoring
There are two types of scoring methods in pickleball: rally scoring and conventional scoring.
Rally scoring
Rally scoring is simple: a point is awarded on every rally, no matter who served. When one side makes a mistake, hits the ball out, or fails to return it, the opposing team wins the point, as well as the right to serve. Each side will have only one serve before Side Out. The first side to reach the game point wins the game. This is the commonly used scoring system in most pickleball games today.
Conventional scoring
In conventional scoring, only the serving side can earn points. In doubles, the score is called with three numbers, representing the serving team’s score, the receiving team’s score, and which server is currently serving. For example, a call of 4–2–1 means the serving team has four points, the opponents have two, and it is the first server’s turn.
In singles, only two numbers are used, with the server’s score always called first. Games are usually played to 11 points (regardless of singles or doubles), and a team must win by at least 2 points.
Pickleball Shots to Know
Mastering different types of shots is key to controlling the game and keeping your opponents on their toes. Each shot has a specific purpose, from pushing opponents back to setting up winning points.
Drive
A drive is a powerful shot hit after the ball bounces, typically from the baseline. It can be executed with either a forehand or backhand swing and is aimed to push your opponents to the back of the court, giving you control.
Drop Shot
The drop shot is played from the back of the court and is designed to land softly in your opponent’s kitchen. Its purpose is to force the opposing team into a defensive position, making it difficult for them to attack aggressively.
Dink
A dink is similar to a drop shot but is played closer to the net. It’s a touch shot intended to land in the opponent’s kitchen, keeping them from rushing the net and creating opportunities for you to control the pace of the rally.
Volley
A volley is a shot hit out of the air before the ball bounces. Volleys must be executed from outside the kitchen and are useful for putting pressure on your opponents, cutting off angles, and finishing points quickly.
Lob
The lob is a high, arcing shot aimed to move your opponents away from the kitchen. It is often used to create space on the court, reset the point, or catch opponents off guard when they are positioned too close to the net.
Overhead Smash
An overhead shot is struck above the head, often with a motion similar to a tennis serve. It is typically used to attack lobs before they bounce and can be a decisive shot to end a point or force a weak return from your opponent.
Bonus: Beginner Pickleball Tips
Getting started in pickleball can feel overwhelming, but a few simple tips can help you build confidence, improve faster, and enjoy the game from your very first rally. Here are some key pointers to keep in mind as a beginner.
Always move toward the kitchen after a return
One of the most important habits to develop is moving toward the kitchen line after returning the ball. This position at the non-volley zone is the strongest place to control rallies, allowing you to pressure your opponents with well-placed shots. In contrast, staying back at the baseline keeps you on the defensive and makes it much harder to dictate the pace of play.
Keep paddle up and ready at chest height
Another essential habit is to keep your paddle up and ready at chest height. Many beginners make the mistake of holding the paddle low at their waist, which slows down responses.
Holding the paddle in front of your body keeps you in a ready position and improves your reaction time during quick exchanges. It helps you defend volleys and gives you greater control when returning shots.
Focus on consistency over power
Consistency should always come before power. Many new players lose rallies by trying to hit the ball too hard, which often results in unforced errors. By focusing on steady, controlled play, you increase your chances of winning longer rallies and can save your power for the right moments when an attacking shot is truly needed.
Communicate with your doubles partner
If you’re playing doubles, communication with your partner is just as important as your shot selection. Clear communication prevents confusion, avoids overlaps, and ensures that both players cover the court effectively. Talking with your partner throughout the game also builds teamwork and coordination, which can make a huge difference in tight matches.
Buy a good paddle
Investing in a good pickleball paddle can greatly improve your performance. A well-made paddle enhances your control, power, and feel for the ball, giving you greater consistency in your game.
Cheaper paddles may limit precision and wear out quickly, as their cores tend to crush more easily. This means you’ll need to replace them more often, making a quality paddle a worthwhile investment for both performance and durability.
Practising Pickleball
You can improve your pickleball skills by practising solo drills, such as hitting against a wall and working on ball control, which help sharpen both consistency and paddle precision. Participating in open play sessions at community courts is also valuable, as it provides real match practice and the opportunity to play with a variety of players.
Additionally, joining beginner clinics or lessons offers structured coaching, ensures correct techniques, and allows for faster improvement in your overall game.
FAQs About How To Play Pickleball
How fit do you need to be to play pickleball?
You don’t need to be very fit to play pickleball. The game is low-impact, joint-friendly, and adaptable for all ages and fitness levels. Because the court is smaller and the equipment is light, it’s easier on the body than many other racket sports. Success often comes down to strategy and skill rather than stamina, so beginners and seniors can enjoy it just as much as competitive players.
How do I play pickleball on a tennis court?
You can absolutely play pickleball on a tennis court, but it takes a few adjustments. Since a tennis court is much larger than a pickleball court, the first step is to set up the correct dimensions. A pickleball court measures 44 feet (13.4 metres) by 20 feet (6 metres), so you’ll need to mark out the sidelines, baselines, centre line, and the 7-foot non-volley zone called “the kitchen.”
You’ll also need to set up a net at the right height, as pickleball nets are 36 inches high (0.91 metres) at the posts and 34 inches (0.86 metres) in the middle, compared to a slightly taller tennis net. While you can play casually with a tennis net, most players prefer using a portable pickleball net, which is easy to assemble and offers a more accurate playing experience.
Depending on how the space is divided, you can fit up to four pickleball courts on one tennis court, making it possible for as many as 16 people to play at once.
How do I play pickleball alone?
You can’t play a full game of pickleball alone since the sport requires at least one other person, but you can practice pickleball on your own using solo drills! Solo drills are structured exercises that help you refine technique, improve consistency, and build muscle memory without needing a partner.
The simplest way to start is with a paddle, a ball, and a wall. Try these drills to build your skills:
- Static Drop Feed: Drop the ball in front of your feet, let it bounce once, then hit it in the centre of your paddle while focusing on form.
- Topspin Drive: Start with a drop feed, then hit the ball with a loose wrist in an upward low-to-high motion so it clears the net but dips quickly.
- Rolling Shot: Drop the ball near the non-volley zone, let it bounce, and drive it forward with a loose wrist to practise control close to the net.
- Serve and Split Step: Serve the ball underhand, then immediately hop into a split step and advance toward the kitchen line in controlled movements.
- Shadow Swings: Grip the paddle, swing it low to high without a ball, and repeat to practise proper form and mechanics.
Most of these drills can be done on a court, but many can also be practised wherever there’s a wall or with a portable net. They are one of the best ways to improve quickly and show up more confident and skilled the next time you step on the court.
How do I find people to play pickleball with?
One of the easiest ways to find people to play pickleball with is by joining local pickleball communities online. Look for Facebook groups, WhatsApp chats, or apps like Reclub where players post about open play sessions and social games.
You can also check community centres, sports clubs, and dedicated pickleball associations. For example, you can look at the Singapore Pickleball Association for scheduled sessions.
Where can I play pickleball in Singapore?
Some pickleball venues in Singapore include Bukit Canberra Sport Hall, Chong Fu Primary Pickleball Court, Wellington Primary School, Yishun Sport Hall, and Jurong Play Grounds.