Pickleball for beginners: rules, gear, and where to play
10 min read
Pickleball is the simplest racket sport to pick up. You can play a full game in 15 minutes, get a workout, and meet three new people. Here's the short version of what you need.
The rules in 60 seconds
- Serve underhand, diagonally, into the opposite service box.
- The ball must bounce once on each side before anyone can volley (the "two-bounce rule").
- You can't volley while standing inside the seven-foot "kitchen" zone near the net.
- First team to 11 wins, win by 2.
For the full rules with the 2026 changes, see our 2026 rules summary.
Gear for your first six months
Get a paddle between $50 and $100 (see our paddle buying guide and best paddles under $100), a can of outdoor balls (Franklin X-40 or Dura Fast 40), and court shoes. That's it.
Where to play
Free outdoor courts are everywhere. Start with a public park near you and look for "paddle up" or "open play" signs. That's how rotations work: you put your paddle on a rack, and you're next when a court opens. Our guide to finding courts covers four free sources that work in most US cities.
Etiquette
Announce the score before every serve. Don't coach unsolicited. Say "nice shot" when someone hits one. Lose gracefully. Open play etiquette in detail if you want to know what good rec players actually do.
Frequently asked
- Is pickleball hard to learn?
- No. Most beginners can play a full game within their first session. Serving, the two-bounce rule, and the kitchen line are the only rules that take a minute to learn.
- Do I need court shoes to play pickleball?
- Yes. Pickleball involves constant lateral movement. Running shoes can roll your ankles. Any tennis or court shoe works.
- What’s the difference between Franklin X-40 and Dura Fast 40?
- Both are standard outdoor balls. X-40 lasts slightly longer; Dura has a slightly softer feel. Either is fine for rec play.