How to play Pickleball for beginners: Basic rules, techniques, and helpful tips.

Pickleball is a rapidly gaining popularity in Vietnam thanks to its simple, fun gameplay and minimal equipment requirements. If you're looking for easy-to-understand basic pickleball instructions for beginners, this article will help you quickly grasp everything from the fundamental rules and court setup to proper singles and doubles play. Pickleball combines the flexibility of tennis, the compactness of badminton, and the fast pace of table tennis, so you can learn to play in just a few minutes. Whether you play for fitness or for fun with friends, understanding how to play pickleball will give you confidence and enjoyment from your very first game.

Part 1: How to Start Pickleball for Beginners

Step 1: Find a suitable pickleball court to start playing.

Determine the type of court where Pickleball can be played.

• Pickleball can be played on a dedicated pickleball court or a badminton court , as both types of courts are roughly the same size.

• The most significant difference is the lower net height of the pickleball , which is more suited to the hitting style and ball trajectory.

Check and adjust the mesh height to the correct standard.

• A standard pickleball net is 34 inches (approximately 86 cm) high from the ground.

• If playing on a badminton court:

  • Lower the net to the correct height before starting.

  • Avoid playing with a net that is too high, as this will disrupt technique and the pace of the game.

Find a Pickleball court near where you live.

• Search on Google using keywords such as:

  • "Nearby Pickleball Court"

  • "Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City Pickleball Court"

  • Where to play Pickleball?

• In addition to outdoor courts, many stadiums, gyms, and sports centers now have indoor pickleball courts, suitable for year-round play.

Things to note when choosing a place to play

• Pickleball courts can be outdoors or indoors , each with its own advantages:

  • The outdoor area is airy and suitable for playing in the cool morning or afternoon.

  • The house is stable and unaffected by the weather.

• Prioritize courts with a flat surface and clearly marked lines to ensure a good and safe playing experience.

Step 2: Choose the Pickleball game format: Singles or Doubles

Determine the number of participants.

• Pickleball can be played with:

  • Two people facing each other directly is called singles.

  • Four people , divided into two teams , is called doubles.

Understand the difference between singles and doubles.

• Both forms are:

  • Use the same Pickleball pitch.

  • The rules regarding faults and the manner in which one loses the serve are applied are the same.

  • Games are usually played to 11 points and must be won by a significant margin.

• The main difference:

  • Singles matches require a lot of movement, making them suitable for physical training.

  • Doubles play emphasizes coordination, tactics, and positioning.

The most popular form of play

• Doubles play is the most popular way to play Pickleball , especially for beginners:

  • Easier to play, less need for constant movement.

  • Suitable for recreational play, socializing, and learning the rules.

  • It helps players quickly learn how to hit, how to position themselves on the court, and how to coordinate.

Step 3: Prepare the basic equipment for playing Pickleball.

Use the correct pickleball.

• Only one Pickleball is needed per match.

• Pickleballs are lightweight balls with many round holes , similar in construction to whiffle balls.

  • Fly slowly, easy to control.

  • Suitable for both beginners and experienced players.

• The ball comes in many different colors (yellow, orange, blue, etc.), you can choose a color that is easy to see depending on the lighting conditions on the field.

Each player needs a pickleball.

• Each person is required to use their own pickleball racket .

• Pickleball rackets are specifically designed for this purpose:

  • Smaller than a tennis racket

  • Larger than a table tennis racket

  • The racket face is flat, making it easy to control the ball.

• You shouldn't use a tennis racket or table tennis racket as a substitute because:

  • Easy to make technical mistakes

  • Affects the feel of the stroke and safety during play.

Notes for Pickleball beginners

• There's no need to invest in expensive equipment right from the start.

• Just need:

  • 1 Pickleball racket suitable for your grip

  • 1 standard pickleball

• As you play more regularly, you can upgrade your racket to match your playing style and skill level.

Part 2: Standard and Easy-to-Remember Pickleball Serving Rules

Step 1: Stand in the correct serving position when starting to play Pickleball

Determine your baseline position before serving.

• Every serve in Pickleball must be made from behind the baseline .

• The baseline is the end line of the court , approximately 20 feet (6.1 m) long on each side.

• At the start of a pickleball match, the server stands behind the baseline, on the right side of the court .

Understand the serving area.

• The area in front of the baseline is divided into:

  • Right service box

  • The service box is on the left.

• These two areas are collectively called service courts , and they are where the ball must land during a valid serve.

Alternate the serving position during the match.

• Once the match has started:

  • The server will alternate standing behind the right and left boxes after each point is scored.

  • Switching sides helps ensure fairness and adherence to the rules of Pickleball.

Special note for singles play

• In a singles match:

  • Even numbers → serve from the right box

  • Odd number of points → serve from the left box

• This rule helps players easily identify the correct serving position without having to memorize too many rules.

Step 2: Serve the Pickleball legally with an underhand shot.

Perform an underhand serve.

• In Pickleball, the serve must be an underhand shot .

• When preparing for delivery:

  • One hand holds the pickleball at the side.

  • The other hand holds the racket steadily , ready to hit.

• When starting:

  • Let the ball fall freely.

  • Use the racket to hit the ball with an upward, gentle, and controlled motion .

Maintain the correct height when polishing.

• The point of contact between the racket and the ball must be:

  • Below the waist

  • Do not hit horizontally or overhead.

• This is the most common mistake beginners make when serving with the pickleball.

Serving errors to avoid

• Serving over the waist counts as a fault .

• Allowing the ball to touch the ground before hitting it counts as a fault .

• These errors will cause you to lose your serve immediately.

Step 3: Serve diagonally across the court and let the ball bounce into the service box.

Aim for the opposite service box.

• When serving with the pickleball, you must:

  • Hit the ball over the net.

  • To make the ball bounce exactly once in the diagonal service box on the opponent's side of the court .

• You cannot serve directly to the same side; you must always hit diagonally across the court .

Understanding the correct principle of cross-serve

• Here's a specific example:

  • You serve from your right-hand service box.

  • The ball must bounce in the opponent's right service box , diagonally across the net.

• This is a basic but very important rule in the game of Pickleball .

Avoid common serving errors.

• A serve is considered a fault if:

  • The ball hit the net.

  • The ball goes out of bounds, either down the sideline or the end line.

  • The ball flew past the opponent's baseline before bouncing in the service box.

• Just one of these errors will cost you the right to serve .

Tips for safe serving for beginners

• Polish with moderate force, prioritizing accuracy over power.

• Aim for the ball to land in the center of the service box to reduce the risk of errors.

• When first playing Pickleball, consistent serving is more important than scoring beautiful points.

Step 4: Change service box when scoring a point in Pickleball.

Understand when the ball is considered to be in play.

• After you make a valid serve and the ball bounces in your opponent's service box , the ball is considered in play .

• The two sides will exchange blows until a fault occurs, for example:

  • The ball went out of bounds.

  • The ball hit the net.

  • The ball bounces more than once on the same side of the court.

Score points when your opponent makes a mistake.

• If your opponent makes a fault on your serve :

  • You or your team get 1 point.

• Important notes on how to play Pickleball :

  • Only the team that is serving gets to score a point.

  • The team receiving the serve does not score points even if they win the point.

Change the serving position after scoring a point.

• Each time you score a point:

  • The next serve must be switched to the other service box.

• Here's an easy-to-remember example:

  • Serve from the right box , score a point.

  • Next turn, move to the left to make the transaction.

Quick memorization tips for beginners

• Score a point → change service box

• No score → no change of square

• Just remember this rule and you won't be standing in the wrong place.

Step 5: Transfer the serve when enough errors are made in the Pickleball.

Rules for losing the serve in singles

• When playing singles :

  • You are allowed two faults during your serve.

  • After committing two faults , the right to serve passes to the opponent.

• This rule gives both players a chance to serve and score points.

Rules for losing the serve in doubles

• When playing doubles :

  • Each team has two serves , with two players.

  • If the team's first server makes a fault:

    • The teammate will continue to serve.

  • When both members of the team make a mistake :

    • The right to kick off will now transfer to the opposing team.

Understanding the "2 Faults" in Doubles Correctly

• "Two faults" here does not mean:

  • A person makes the same mistake twice in a row.

• Instead, it is:

  • The entire team used up both of their serves.

• This is a point that is very easy for beginners to misunderstand when learning how to play Pickleball .

Quick memory tips

• Singles play: 2 errors → lose serve

• Doubles play: Both servers make errors → lose their serve.

• Remember the rule: when your turn is over, it's your opponent's turn.

Step 6: How to score points legally in Pickleball

Only score points when you are serving.

• In Pickleball, only the team serving can score points .

• If it's your turn to serve and your opponent makes a fault , your team gets 1 point .

• If you are not the server, you cannot score a point even if you win the point .

Events following a valid serve

• After a legal serve and applying the 2-bounce rule :

  • Both sides are allowed to volley or let the ball bounce depending on the situation.

  • The game continues until a team commits a fault.

• Common mistakes that end a play include:

  • The ball went out of bounds.

  • The ball bounces twice on the same side of the field.

  • The ball hit the net.

Clearly distinguish between the two important situations.

• You are serving, your opponent makes a fault.

  • Your team gets 1 point.

  • Continue serving in the next round.

• You are serving and your team makes a fault.

  • No points were awarded.

  • You only lose one delivery attempt, no points lost.

When does the serve change?

• If your team makes two faults during the serve :

  • The right to kick off will now transfer to the opposing team.

• This mechanism helps to keep the game balanced and continuous.

Quick mnemonic tips for new Pickleball players

• Serve available → opponent makes a mistake → point scored

• Served → I made a mistake → no point

• End of serve → switch sides to serve

Part 3: Pickleball Volley Techniques for Effective Play

Step 1: Wait for the ball to bounce before returning the serve in Pickleball.

It is mandatory to let the ball bounce once when receiving a serve.

• When your opponent serves, you must not hit the ball directly into the air .

• Right kick-off:

  • The ball bounces exactly once within your service box.

  • Only then can you use the racket to return the ball.

• This is a mandatory rule in the Pickleball game , often referred to as the bouncing rule when receiving a serve .

How to return a serve legally.

• After the ball bounces on the field:

  • Use your racket to hit the ball over the net to the opponent's side of the court.

• There's no need to hit diagonally like when serving:

  • The return ball can bounce in any square on the opponent's side of the court.

  • As long as the ball is in the field , it's valid.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Volley (hitting the ball in the air) immediately after it crosses the net → fault

• Hitting the ball before it bounces → fault

• These mistakes will cause you to lose possession immediately.

Tips for Pickleball Beginners

• Stand slightly back when receiving a serve in order to:

  • The landing point is easy to observe.

  • Avoid premature striking reflexes.

• Prioritize returning the ball high and safely to maintain possession.

Step 2: Follow the double bounce rule in Pickleball

Understanding the Double Bounce Rule: What does it mean?

• In Pickleball, both the serve and the return must bounce once before a volley can be made.

• This rule is called the two-bounce rule , applies to all games, and is especially important for beginners learning how to play Pickleball .

The correct sequence of hitting the ball according to the rules.

• The standard order of events is as follows:

  1. You serve → the ball bounces once in your opponent's service box.

  2. Opponent receives serve → ball bounces once on their side of the court.

  3. You wait for the ball to bounce on your side of the court before you hit it back.

• After completing these two bounces:

  • Both sides are now allowed to volley freely (hit the ball in the air).

Common mistakes related to the double bounce rule.

• It is considered a fault if:

  • Hit the ball before it bounces after the return serve.

  • The return ball did not land in the field but flew out of bounds.

• If the return ball does not bounce in valid court :

  • The team that kicks off gets 1 point.

Why is this rule so important?

• Help:

  • Losing the attacking advantage too early.

  • Prolong the play

  • Create a fair playing field for both sides.

• This is why Pickleball is easy to play and suitable for many age groups.

Step 3: Hit the ball freely after completing the 2-bounce rule.

When is it permissible to volley in a pickleball?

• After following the two-bounce rule :

  • The ball has bounced.

  • The ball bounced back.

• From this point onwards:

  • You can hit the ball in the air (volley).

  • Or let the ball bounce once before hitting it.

The principle of valid polishing.

• Each time you polish:

  • You have to get the ball over the net.

  • Keep the ball within the boundaries of the pitch.

• Impossible:

  • Polish more than once in a row.

  • Pass the ball to a teammate before hitting it over the net.

Identify whether the ball is in or out of bounds.

• The ball is considered in play if:

  • Touch the sideline or the end line.

• A ball is considered out (fault) if:

  • Touching the ground outside the line.

  • The ball hit the net and couldn't get past the opponent's defense.

Tips for keeping possession of the ball during a game for beginners.

• Prioritize high and deep shots, avoid risky shots.

• Observe the position of the course lines carefully, especially the baseline.

• Beat evenly, avoiding excessive force.

Step 4: Avoid standing in the kitchen while volleying the pickleball.

What is a kitchen and where is it located?

• The kitchen is also known as the non-volley zone .

• This is the rectangular area next to the net on each side of the pickleball court.

• This area is clearly marked with court lines and is where beginners can easily make mistakes .

Do not volley while standing in the kitchen.

• You are not allowed to hit a volley if:

  • I'm standing in the kitchen.

  • My feet are touching the kitchen counter.

• Even just touching the line counts as a fault , even if only part of the foot is involved.

Check your position before volleying.

• Before taking the volley:

  • Make sure both feet are outside the kitchen counter.

  • Maintain a safe distance from the line to avoid errors due to inertia.

• If you want to volley close to the net, do the following:

  • Stand right behind the kitchen line.

  • Keep your body balanced, don't lunge forward.

Kitchen-related mistakes to avoid

• It is considered a fault if:

  • Volley while standing in the kitchen

  • Foot touches kitchen line during volley

  • After the volley, inertia causes the foot to touch the line or step into the kitchen.

• Besides:

  • Serving into the kitchen is also a foul and results in immediate loss of the turn.

Important note regarding inertia.

• Regardless of your preference:

  • Polishing is complete.

• But if:

  • The momentum caused his foot to touch the kitchen counter after the shot.

• It will still be counted as a fault , no exceptions.

Practical tips for Pickleball beginners

• When going over the net:

  • Get into the habit of stopping behind the kitchen line.

  • Avoid jumping or lunging when volleying.

• If the ball lands in the kitchen:

  • Let the ball bounce before hitting it ; this is the valid time.

Step 5: Continue typing back and forth until an error occurs.

Keep possession of the ball for as long as possible.

• After entering the free-style phase:

  • The two teams continuously hit the ball back and forth.

  • No limit on the number of volleys.

• The goal is:

  • Keep the ball in the field.

  • Avoid mistakes such as hitting the ball into the net, hitting it out of bounds, or violating kitchen rules.

Handling situations when a fault occurs.

• If it's your turn to serve :

  • Opponent makes a fault → your team gets 1 point and continues to serve.

  • You made a fault → no points were awarded.

• In case you:

  • Committing two faults during the delivery.

  • The right to kick off will now transfer to the opposing team.

Let's reiterate the key scoring principles.

• Only the team that is serving can score a point.

• Winning a point when not serving only gives you the right to serve , it doesn't award a point.

How to calculate the final score of a Pickleball match

• Most popular:

  • The match ended with 11 points.

  • The winning team must be at least 2 points ahead of their opponent.

• In competition or tournament:

  • It's possible to play up to 15 or 21 points.

  • The 2-point winning margin rule still applies.

Practical tips for playing effectively

• Prioritize:

  • Play it safe, keep the ball in the court.

  • Wait for your opponent to make a mistake instead of taking risks.

• Pickleball is a sport:

  • Winning is about consistency and strategy , not brute force.

Part 4: How to score and win the Pickleball

Step 1: Reach 11 points and be 2 points ahead of your opponent to win the Pickleball.

How to determine which team qualifies to win the match.

• In Pickleball, each match typically:

  • Play to 11 points

  • The winning team must have a lead of at least 2 points.

• When a team reaches 11 points , they are not guaranteed a win unless they have established a 2-point lead.

Understanding the winning conditions correctly

• The team wins the match when:

  • Having 11 points or more

  • And at least 2 points ahead of the opponent.

• If the difference isn't enough:

  • The game continues until one team takes a two-point lead.

An easy-to-understand example

• Score 10 – 4 :

  • The team currently has 10 points and scores 1 more point → 11 – 4

  • The gap is 7 points → the game is over.

• Score 10 – 10 :

  • The team's score is 11-10 → not yet won.

  • You must continue playing until you reach 12-10 or higher.

Tips for tracking scores for Pickleball beginners

• Always remember:

  • 11 points isn't enough , we need a +2 point lead.

• When the points are close together:

  • Prioritize safe play and minimize mistakes.

• Maintaining a steady pace will help you finish the game faster and more confidently.

Step 2: You must be 2 points ahead after the 11-point mark to win.

Conditions for winning a Pickleball match

• In Pickleball, scoring 11 points is not enough to win .

• Your team only wins when:

  • There are at least 11 points.

  • And lead the opponent by at least 2 points.

The game continues until the difference is sufficient.

• If a team scores 11 points but:

  • The gap is less than 2 points.

• The match will:

  • This continues until one team creates the necessary lead.

An easy-to-remember example

• The score is 11-10 .

  • Not yet won

  • We need to score more points to make it 12-10.

• The score is 11-9 .

  • It's already over 2 points.

  • The match has ended.

Applicable in competitions and tournaments.

• In Pickleball tournaments :

  • The game is usually played to 15 points.

  • But it is still mandatory:

    • A two-point lead is required to be declared the winner.

• This principle helps the match:

  • Fairer

  • Avoid ending up with a stroke of luck.

Practical tips for players

• When the points are close together (10–10, 11–10):

  • Prioritize hitting with a steady hand.

  • Minimize risks and self-inflicted errors.

• Winning the Pickleball in the late stages usually comes from:

  • Stability

  • Psychological control

  • Comply with the law.

Step 3: Play three rounds to determine the winner.

How to calculate wins and losses in a Pickleball game.

• A Pickleball game usually consists of more than one game.

• The most common format is:

  • 3 games

  • The team that wins the first two games wins the entire match.

• This style of play suits the fast pace and the ability of the Pickleball to score consistently.

Why does Pickleball usually play many games?

• Pickleball is a sport:

  • Easy to score

  • Rapid developments

• Dividing it into multiple rounds helps:

  • Reduce the element of luck.

  • Accurately assess the stability and performance of the player.

Format in competitions and tournaments

• In Pickleball tournaments :

  • Some matches may use a 5-round format.

  • The team that wins the first three games will win the overall match.

• The specific format will be determined by the organizers before the competition begins.

Practical tips for playing multiple rounds

• Don't rush and put too much effort into the first game:

  • Save your energy for the next rounds.

• Observe your opponent:

  • Adjust tactics for each game.

• A Pickleball win is a win achieved by:

  • Stability

  • Adaptability

  • Make fewer mistakes than the competition.

References

1. https://usapickleball.org/what-is-pickleball/official-rules/rules-summary/
2. https://youtu.be/fTvPYdKZqO0?t=44
3. https://youtu.be/fTvPYdKZqO0?t=81
4. https://youtu.be/fTvPYdKZqO0?t=101
5. https://youtu.be/fTvPYdKZqO0?t=90

Translated by: Lesley Collins Tran .