Everything you need to know



Pickleball is an entertaining paddle sport with low intensity for people of all ages and every level of skill. It is not only the fastest growing sport in a row for two years, but interest has grown by 40% since 2022 and has achieved more than 4.8 million participants worldwide. As soon as you have a paddle, a ball, a network and shoes, you just have to know the rules.

“Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of a new interest – especially terminology – is important to ensure that you learn correctly” tour.

If you are new to sports and want to get started, read our comprehensive guide below. You will find the basic terms that every pickleball player should know.

Court and lines

Verywell fit / kristen horny


A pickle ball space is smaller than a tennis court and divided into four quadrants and a medium zone. Similar to other sports, it is important to learn the layout of the court to understand the rules and gameplay.

Base line or service line

The base line or the service line is the most away from the network. Here the players have to serve the ball and he runs between the two side lines. The players have to serve with both feet behind the baseline, otherwise it is a surcharge error and the other team automatically wins the point.

Non-volley zone (kitchen)

The non-volley zone is also known as a kitchen. It is the area on the court that is closest to the network between each side of the network and the non-volley line. Essentially it is the zone in the middle of the pickleball field. You cannot beat the pickleball in the non-volley zone or touch something. If you do this, this is considered a mistake.

Net

The network is stretched over the middle of the court and serves as a limit between team and as an obstacle to the exchange of the ball. If a pickle ball space nearby is not available, you may be able to use a tennis court. If the network is adjustable, it should be used about two inches lower than that for tennis. In addition, a tennis court is much larger than a pickle ball space, so you may want to use cones to highlight the pickle ball boundaries.

Double alley

Double alleys are two sections on each side of a tennis court, which is to expand the two -year team. Pickleball has no double alley because the size of the court does not change if the team sizes change.

equipment

Very well fit / Abby Moore


Pickleball is a low intensity and a rather accessible sport and great community activity. If you have access to a network and a friend – or some – then there are only a paddle, a ball and shoes everything that is needed. Here is a closer look at the equipment you may need.

Paddle

The paddle is the tool, with the pickleball player the ball hits the ball. Just like a paddle rack, there are different types of paddles, including those that are longer, shorter or of different materials. You cannot play pickleball without paddle. So make sure you choose a choice that feels directly in your hand and you feel comfortable.

ball

There are two types of pickle ball balls, one for interiors and one for outdoor use. Inner balls are typically lighter with larger holes, while the outer balls with smaller holes are heavier. The comparable ball with a pickle ball ball is a wiffle ball (unlike a tennis or paddle ball), but they are not interchangeable.

Pickle ball shoes

Pickleball is played in one place, so a few pickleball playing field shoes are recommended. Alternatively, a few sporty sneakers with a gripy sole should make the trick. Some functions that you should search for in a few sneakers are non-ski soles, arc support and breathable network. There are no rules for the shoes that you should wear while playing pickleball, but you want a supportive and robust couple.

Pimple ball bags

If you play a sport, you have to take devices with you. A bag not only serves as a place where balls and paddles can be kept, but also in the right pickleball bag you can accommodate your water bottle, a snack and everything you can bring. In contrast to conventional fitness bags, pickleball players should choose a bag with many subjects to store devices.

Basic lines

Verywell Fit / Riddley Gemperlein-Shell


A stroke or shot is just the action to beat the ball with the paddle in a pickleball game. This gives many options, and usually the chosen stroke depends on the speed, the angle and the trajectory of the ball. In a fast -moving game like pickleball, it is important to practice different strokes and strategies. Here are some ways to bring the ball back to your opponent.

forehand

A forehand stroke takes place by the dominant hand of the player with her hand parallel to the network. Usually her dominant hand is her stronger hand. When a ball comes on your dominant hand, you want to use a forehand stroke to achieve the greatest performance. A forecast is a versatile stroke that can be combined with other shots.

Backhand

A back hand is a way to hit the ball in which the hand of a player is on the net. It can be done either with one or two hands. According to Fleming, a return shot is useful when the ball comes to its non -dominant hand or breast. It may not be so powerful, but it is a smooth way to meet otherwise difficult angles.

volley

With a volley, the ball strikes without having bouncing off the ground. This is a very common type of shot and a very important concept in pickleball. Every contact with the kitchen in front of, during or directly after a salva is a mistake. You want to stay away from the kitchen if you push the ball back to your opponent.

Overhead

An overhead shot is similar to a serve in tennis. A hub and slam are sometimes also called in pickleball. However, an overhead shot is not used to serve the ball like in tennis. In pickleball, serving is always a negotiation shot. Overhead recordings are useful in pickleball when the ball rises just before the head.

Drop shot

A drop shot is a soft hit with the paddle that clears the ball the pickleball network and then only lags behind the opposing players. Sometimes it is also referred to as a dink. According to Fleming, it is the most important shot in pickleball. This is because it does not allow their opponents to volley the ball. If you only beat the ball in the kitchen briefly, the opponent has to let him jump because he can’t stand in the kitchen

Gameplay and gate

Very well fit / Alena Kharlamenko


As with every sport, understanding the gameplay and evaluating the key to playing the game is. Here are some terms that you should know before you step on the pitch:

Players and teams

Pickleball is to be played with two or four players in two teams. The same dish and the same rules apply regardless of whether they play with two or four people. The center line can help share the space when playing with four players.

portion

Only one performance attempt is permitted per server, and the surcharge must be made either in an upward bow or as a drop of load. In the event of an upward arch, the paddle cannot lie above the waist if the ball is cut and the head of the paddle should not be above the wrist.

Services are made diagonally via the court and the server must be outside the court. When playing with two people or teams from one, the server serves from the right when your score is straight and from the left when its score is odd.

Double jump rule

When the ball is served, the recipient team must have it jumped before it returns to the other side. Likewise, the serving team has to do the same and let it jump before it strikes it back. This double Rell rule eliminates the lead and volley volley and expands the rallies.

Mistake

An error is an action that violates a rule and thus stops the game. If the reception team is incorrect, the serving team wins a point. If the served team is faulty, lose the serve or side to the outside.

Rating

Games are usually played on 11 points and the points are only achieved by the serving team. A team wins by receiving two points through the reception team. Sometimes tournaments are played on 15 or 21 points.

Conclusion

Pickleball is a rapidly growing sport in the USA and there is a reason. It is an entertaining way to meet the dishes and stay active with friends. If there is a dish near you, take the fun and camaraderie from pickleball.