How to Play Pickleball: A Beginner’s Guide to the Fastest Growing Sport in America
- Scott Klemetson
- Jun 2
- 4 min read
Why More Families Are Learning How to Play Pickleball
Pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in America, and it's easy to understand why.
The game combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong into a sport that is easy to learn, social, and fun for players of all ages. Millions of people are already playing, and many homeowners are now installing backyard pickleball courts so they can enjoy the game whenever they want.
One of the most common questions we hear from homeowners interested in a Sport Court is simple:
"I've heard about pickleball, but how do you actually play?"
If you're new to the game, this guide will answer the most common beginner questions and help you understand why so many families are getting hooked on pickleball.
What Is Pickleball?
Pickleball is played with paddles and a plastic ball on a rectangular court that is about one-third the size of a tennis court. The smaller court size makes the game accessible for players of all ages and skill levels.
Many new players are surprised by how quickly they can start enjoying the game. Most beginners can rally back and forth within minutes of stepping onto the court.
What Does a Pickleball Court Look Like?
A pickleball court includes:
A baseline
Sidelines
Right and left service courts
A center line
A non-volley zone (commonly called "the kitchen")
The kitchen is often the most talked-about part of the court because it affects where players can hit certain shots.
Quick Question
Have you ever watched a pickleball match and wondered why players stop right at the line near the net?
That line marks the kitchen.
What Is the Kitchen in Pickleball?
The kitchen is the non-volley zone located near the net.
Players cannot hit the ball out of the air while standing inside this area. However, they can enter the kitchen after the ball bounces and return the shot.
One of the most important shots in pickleball is the dink.
A dink is a soft shot that lands inside the opponent's kitchen and is often one of the first skills beginners learn.
How Do You Serve in Pickleball?
The serve starts every point.
The server must:
Serve underhand
Contact the ball below the waist
Hit from behind the baseline
Serve diagonally across the court
Land the serve beyond the kitchen line
There are several rules that govern the serving motion, but the basic goal is simple: get the ball into the correct service box and start the point.
How Do You Score Points in Pickleball?
This is one of the most common beginner questions.
Unlike some sports, only the serving team can score points.
If the serving team wins the rally, they earn a point and continue serving.
If they lose the rally, the serve eventually passes to the opposing team through what is called a side out.
Most recreational games are played to 11 points and must be won by at least 2 points.
What Is the Two-Bounce Rule?
The two-bounce rule is one of the most unique rules in pickleball.
After the serve:
The receiving team must let the ball bounce.
The serving team must let the return bounce.
Only after those two bounces can players begin volleying the ball in the air.
This rule helps create longer rallies and makes the game more enjoyable for players of all skill levels.
How Do You Win a Point?
There are several common ways to win a rally:
Your opponent hits the ball out of bounds
Your opponent hits the ball into the net
The ball bounces twice on your opponent's side
Your opponent violates the kitchen rule
These simple rules are one reason pickleball is so easy for new players to learn.
Why Is Pickleball So Popular?
After helping many homeowners design Sport Courts throughout North Dakota and Minnesota, we have noticed the same themes repeatedly.
People love pickleball because:
It is easy to learn
It is social
It is great exercise
It can be played by multiple generations together
It is competitive without being intimidating
We've seen grandparents play with grandchildren, neighbors organize weekend matches, and families spend more time outside together simply because they have a court in their backyard.
A Real Example From a Backyard Court Project
One family initially contacted us because they wanted a basketball court for their kids.
During the design process, we discussed how the space would be used over the next 10 to 15 years.
After talking through their goals, they decided to include pickleball lines as part of their Sport Court design.
Today, the basketball hoop still gets used, but the pickleball court has become the gathering place for family events, neighbors, and visiting relatives.
It's a great reminder that sometimes the most-used feature is not the one homeowners originally planned for.
Should You Build a Pickleball Court at Home?
If your family enjoys being active, entertaining, or spending time outdoors together, a backyard pickleball court can provide years of enjoyment.
Many homeowners choose a multi-sport court design that allows them to play:
Pickleball
Basketball
Volleyball
Shuffleboard
Other recreational games
That flexibility helps families get the most value from their investment.
Key Takeaways
Pickleball is easy to learn and fun for all ages
The court is smaller than a tennis court and includes a non-volley zone called the kitchen
Only the serving team can score points
The two-bounce rule is one of the game's most important rules
Backyard Sport Courts make it easy for families to play at home
Ready to Learn More About Sport Court?
Whether you're curious about pickleball, basketball, or designing a multi-sport court for your backyard, we're happy to answer questions and help you explore your options.
Stop by our showroom, send us a message, or share a photo of your space. We'd be happy to help you determine what type of court might work best for your family.
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