The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Pickleball

Are you on the hunt for an exciting, quick-moving activity that mixes fitness, strategy, and a chance to hang out with friends? Hey there! Welcome to the world of pickleball! It's a super fun sport that's easy to learn, addictive, and great for all ages! If you’re about to hit the court for the first time or just want to know what all the fuss is about with this awesome game, you’re in the perfect spot!

This guide will help you start your gaming journey. We'll cover the basic rules and some pro strategies to level up! Are you all set to jump in with the millions of players who are totally hooked on pickleball? Let’s jump in and create an awesome first game together!

THE RULES EVERY BEGINNER SHOULD KNOW

Before jumping into strategies, it’s essential to understand the foundational rules of the game. Here’s a simple breakdown:

The Court Setup

A pickleball court measures 20x44 feet, similar to a badminton court.

The net stands at 34 inches in the center and 36 inches at the sidelines.

The "non-volley zone," also known as the kitchen, is a 7-foot area on either side of the net where players cannot volley the ball.

How to Serve

• The serve must be made underhand with the paddle below the waist.
• The ball must be hit diagonally into the opponent’s service area.
• Serves must clear the kitchen zone to be valid.

Scoring

• Points can only be scored by the serving team.
• Games are typically played to 11 points, but you must win by at least 2 points.
• In doubles, each player on a team gets a turn to serve before the other team gains possession.

Faults

• A fault is any action that stops play, such as:
• Hitting the ball out of bounds.
• Failing to clear the net.
• Volleys made in the kitchen area.

Double Bounce Rule

Each team must allow the ball to bounce once on their side before hitting a volley. This rule promotes longer rallies and strategy.

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT FOR BEGINNERS

To get started, you'll need:

A Paddle

Your paddle is the ultimate game-changer, giving you the control and precision you need to play like a pro! If you're new, you'll definitely want to check out the sleek paddles crafted from composite or graphite, they're the real deal! They're incredibly sturdy yet featherlight making them just right for those starting out!

Take your game to the next level with an Orisbrite paddle, great for newbies and experienced players alike!

Pickleball

A perforated pickleball really boosts up the fun factor in the game, providing that fantastic bounce and control that makes the game a blast. The inner balls are smooth with just a few holes, while the outer ones are tough enough to handle the wind like a champ. Having some foam balls on hand is a great way to dive into a game whenever the vibe hits you!

Comfortable Gear

Comfortable gear with non-slip court shoes that offer the perfect support for quick moves and a fantastic feel! Pair them with some cozy, flexible athletic wear to keep the vibe relaxed while you’re having a blast in those action-packed games. The perfect gear really boost up your performance and keeps you cozy while you enjoy every rally to the fullest!

Grab a Portable Net (Optional)

A portable net lets you transform any flat surface into a pickleball court, perfect for honing your skills or enjoying some chill games with friends. So simple to set up and bring with you—you'll be ready to jump into the fun anytime! Bring the fun along and enjoy pickleball your way!

STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE YOUR PICKLEBALL GAME

Learn how to do the dink shot

The dink shot is a fun little move that gently glides over the net, tempting your opponent to rush in for an unexpected twist! Shake things up in the game with this slick shot to keep them guessing! Once you master the dink, you’ll completely change the game’s energy and create space for your next awesome play.

Choose where to stand wisely

When you and your partner can chat it up smoothly, you'll be moving around the court like pros in doubles. Stay close to your partner to avoid gaps and keep your opponents from making their move. Looking to level up and snag more rally victories? It all kicks off with clever positioning!

Keep it chill and easygoing

Hitting a cheeky little low ball over the net is such a fun way to keep your opponent guessing! Keeping those shots low and under control really throws your opponent off their game! Your opponent will be playing it safe, which means you get to take the lead in the game!

Master the art of serving consistently

When you serve with flair and nail that perfect spot, you’re kicking off each point with a bang! Why not spice things up by honing in on precision and depth when you hit the ball, rather than just racing for speed? Challenge your opponent in a whole new way! A great serve gets the game rolling and keeps your opponent guessing!

Try to figure out your opponent next move!

Check out your opponent's stance and how they move; you might just guess their next move before they even think of it! Once you’ve got a feel for what your opponent is planning, you can totally level up your game and be ready for their next move! Keep your edge in every meeting by being one step ahead of what’s around the corner!

With all those basic rules and handy strategies in your toolkit, it’s time to kick your performance up a notch and have some fun doing it! The right gear can totally change the game when it comes to pulling off these strategies.

Try and explore Orisbrite’s collection of premium pickleball paddles designed for power, control, and accuracy. They have the perfect paddle to help you play like a pro, even if you’re just starting out!