New to Pickleball? Here’s How the Game Works, From Serving to Scoring

If you have ever walked past a pickleball court, you have probably noticed the energy right away. Laughter between points, quick rallies, and players of all ages sharing the same space. Pickleball has a way of feeling welcoming even before you understand the rules. Once you learn how the game works, it becomes clear why so many first time players return for a second session almost immediately.

This guide walks you through the fundamentals of pickleball, focusing on how points begin, how rallies unfold, and how scoring keeps the game moving.

What Pickleball Is All About

Pickleball is a paddle sport played as singles or doubles on a court smaller than a tennis court. It uses solid paddles and a lightweight plastic ball with holes. The smaller court and slower ball speed allow players to focus on placement, timing, and smart decisions rather than power.

The game was designed to be easy to learn while still offering depth as players improve, which is why it appeals to beginners and seasoned athletes alike.

The Pickleball Court and Its Key Areas

The court is the same size as a doubles badminton court and is divided into two service courts on each side. At the front of the court sits the non volley zone, a seven foot area that stretches across the net. This area is commonly called the kitchen.

The net stands 36 inches high at the sidelines and dips slightly to 34 inches at the center. These dimensions encourage controlled shots and longer rallies.

Understanding where you can stand and when you can volley is essential to playing confidently.

How Serving Starts Every Point

Every rally begins with an underhand serve. The server must contact the ball below the navel while keeping at least one foot behind the baseline. The serve is hit diagonally across the court and must land in the opposite service box, clearing the non volley zone line.

Only one serve attempt is allowed, except when a let occurs and the ball lands properly after touching the net.

In doubles, both players on a team get a chance to serve before the serve switches to the opposing team. The only exception happens at the start of the game, when the first serving team begins with a single server.

The Double Bounce Rule That Shapes Rallies

One of pickleball’s most important rules is the double bounce rule. After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce once before returning it. The serving team must also let that return bounce before hitting it.

After these two bounces, players are free to volley or play the ball off the bounce. This rule slows down the early moments of a rally and prevents aggressive net play from dominating too soon.

The Kitchen Explained Without Confusion

The non volley zone extends seven feet from the net on both sides of the court. Players are not allowed to hit the ball out of the air while standing in this zone or touching its boundary lines.

You may step into the kitchen to play a ball that has bounced, but you must step back out before volleying again. Even slight contact with the line during a volley results in a fault.

The kitchen encourages patience and precision, rewarding players who use soft shots and thoughtful positioning.

How Scoring Works and Why It Feels Different

Pickleball scoring often surprises new players because 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 moves to the next server or to the opposing team.

Games are typically played to 11 points, and a team must win by two. In doubles, the score is called using three numbers to indicate the serving team’s score, the receiving team’s score, and which server is serving. Singles scoring uses two numbers.

This system keeps games competitive and creates natural momentum shifts.

Common First Time Mistakes

Most beginner mistakes happen near the kitchen or during the opening shots of a rally. Stepping on the non volley zone line during a volley, serving into the kitchen, or forgetting the double bounce rule are all common and easy to fix with a bit of experience.

These early errors are part of the learning process and usually disappear after a few games.

Why Pickleball Clicks So Quickly

Pickleball’s rules work together to create balance. The underhand serve keeps points accessible. The double bounce rule creates fairness. The kitchen promotes strategy over force.

Because of this thoughtful design, players often feel improvement quickly, which keeps the game engaging and rewarding.

Ready to Play Your First Game

Once you understand how serving starts a point, how rallies develop, and how scoring works, you are ready to play pickleball. You do not need perfection, only a willingness to learn and enjoy the flow of the game.

Pickleball thrives on repetition, friendly competition, and shared discovery. Step onto the court, trust the rules, and let the game introduce itself one rally at a time.