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Pickleball is a fun, low-intensity paddle sport for people of all ages and skill levels. Not only is it the fastest-growing sport for two years in a row, but interest has expanded by 40% since 2022 and has reached more than 4.8 million participants worldwide. Once you have a paddle, ball, net, and shoes, all you need is to know the rules.

“Understanding the ins and outs of a new interest—especially the terminology—is essential to make sure you’re learning correctly,” says Dave Fleming, a senior pro player at the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and the broadcast voice of the PPA Tour. “With pickleball, the sport is so social and welcoming, being able to ‘talk the talk’ will help you ingratiate yourself with your new pickleball-obsessed friends.”

If you’re new to the sport and eager to get started, check out our comprehensive guide below. You’ll find the basic terms that every pickleball player should know.

Court and Lines

A pickleball court is smaller than a tennis court, and is separated into four quadrants and a middle zone. Similar to other sports, it’s important to learn the layout of the court to understand the rules and gameplay. 

Baseline or Service Line

The baseline, or service line, is the line furthest from the net. It is where players must serve the ball, and it runs between both sidelines. Players must serve with both feet behind the baseline, or else it is a serve fault and the other team automatically gains the point. 

Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen)

The non-volley zone is also known as the kitchen. It is the area on the court closest to the net between each side of the net and the non-volley line. Essentially, it is the zone in the center of the pickleball field. You may not bat the pickleball while in or touching something in the non-volley zone. If you do, it is considered a fault.  

Net

The net is stretched across the middle of the court, serving as a boundary between teams and an obstacle to exchange the ball over. If a pickleball court is not available nearby, you may be able to use a tennis court. If the net is adjustable, it should be moved about two inches lower than what is used for tennis. Also, a tennis court is much larger than a pickleball court, so you might want to use cones to highlight the pickleball boundaries. 

Doubles Alley

Doubles alleys are two sections on each side of a tennis court meant to expand the court for teams of two. Pickleball does not have a doubles alley because the court size does not change when team sizes change. 

Equipment

Pickleball is a low-intensity and fairly accessible sport and a great community activity. If you have access to a net and a friend—or a few—then just a paddle, a ball, and shoes are all that is needed. Here’s a closer look at the equipment you might need.

Paddle

The paddle is the tool that pickleball players use to swat the ball. Just like with a padel racket, there are different types of paddles, including those that are longer, shorter, or made of different materials. You cannot play pickleball without a paddle, so make sure you pick one that feels right in your hand and that you feel comfortable using.

Ball

There are two types of pickleball balls, one for indoor and one for outdoor use. Indoor balls are typically lighter with larger holes, while outdoor balls are heavier with smaller holes. The most comparable ball to a pickleball ball is a wiffle ball (different from a tennis or padel ball), but they are not exchangeable.

Pickleball Shoes

Pickleball is played on a court, so a pair of pickleball court shoes is recommended. Alternatively, a pair of athletic sneakers with a grippy sole should do the trick. Some features to look for in a pair of sneakers are non-skid soles, arch support, and breathable mesh. There are no rules pertaining to the shoes you should wear while playing pickleball, but you’ll want a supportive and sturdy pair.

Pickelball Bags

Playing any sport means you’ll need to carry around equipment. Not only does a bag serve as a place to store balls and paddles, but the right pickleball bag can house your water bottle, a snack, and whatever else you choose to bring. Unlike traditional gym bags, pickleball players should opt for a bag with many compartments to store equipment.

Basic Strokes

A stroke or shot is merely the action of hitting the ball with the paddle in a pickleball game. There are many ways to do so, and typically the stroke chosen depends on the ball’s speed, angle, and trajectory. In a fast-paced game such as pickleball, it is important to practice different strokes and strategies. Here are some ways to volley the ball back to your opponent. 

Forehand

A forehand stroke is done by the player’s dominant hand, with their hand parallel to the net. Typically, your dominant hand is your stronger hand. If a ball is coming toward your dominant hand, you’ll want to use a forehand stroke to gain the most power. A forehand stroke is a versatile stroke that can be combined with other shots. 

Backhand

A backhand stroke is a way to hit the ball where the back of a player’s hand faces the net. It may be performed with either one or two hands. According to Fleming, a backhand shot is useful for when the ball is coming toward your non-dominant hand or your chest. It may not be as powerful, but it is a smooth way to hit otherwise difficult angles.

Volley

A volley involves hitting the ball without letting it bounce off of the ground first. This is a very common type of shot, and a very important concept in pickleball. Any contact with the kitchen directly before, during, or directly after a volley is a fault. You’ll want to stay out of the kitchen when volleying the ball back to your opponent.

Overhead

An overhead shot is similar to a serve in tennis. In Pickleball, an overhead stroke is sometimes also called a smash or slam. However, an overhead shot is not used to serve the ball like it is in tennis. In pickleball, serving is always an underhand shot. Overhead shots are useful in pickleball if the ball is about to soar over your head.

Drop Shot

A drop shot is a soft hit with the paddle that causes the ball to clear the pickleball net and then fall just short of the opposing players. It is sometimes also called a dink. According to Fleming, it’s the most important shot in pickleball. This is because it doesn’t allow your opponents to volley the ball. If you hit the ball just short inside the kitchen, the opponent will have to let it bounce because they can’t stand in the kitchen to volley.

Gameplay and Scoring

As with any sport, understanding the gameplay and scoring is key to playing the game. Here are some terms you should know before you step on the court:

Players and Teams 

Pickleball is meant to be played with two or four players split into two teams. The same court and rules apply whether playing with two or four people. The centerline can help divide the court when playing with four players. 

Serving

Only one serve attempt is allowed per server, and the serve must be made either in an upward arc or as a drop serve. In the case of an upward arc, the paddle cannot be above waist level when the ball is struck and the head of the paddle should not be above the wrist. 

Serves are made diagonally across the court, and the server must be standing just outside of the court. When playing with two people, or teams of one, the server serves from the right side when their score is even and from the left when their score is odd.

Double Bounce Rule

When the ball is served, the receiving team must let it bounce before returning it to the other side. Likewise, the serving team must do the same, letting it bounce before hitting it back. This double-bounce rule eliminates the serve and volley advantage and extends rallies.

Fault

A fault is an action that violates a rule, therefore stopping play. If the receiving team faults, the serving team gains a point. If the serving team faults, they lose the serve or side out. 

Scoring

Games are usually played to 11 points, and the points are scored only by the serving team. A team wins by gaining two points over the receiving team. Sometimes tournaments will be played to 15 or 21 points. 

Bottom Line

Pickleball is a fast-growing sport in the U.S.—and there’s a reason. It’s a fun way to hit the courts and stay active with friends. If there’s a court near you, consider the fun and camaraderie of pickleball.