How Beginners can start playing Pickleball
#1 Get a basic understanding of the rules
Grasping these 3 basic concepts before you do anything else will give you a major head start.
- Serve underhand, and hit the ball below your waist (belly button)
- Not only do the returners need to let the serve bounce, but the serving team needs to let the return bounce
- Stay out of the Non-Volley Zone (aka Kitchen) when volleying Volleying is hitting the ball out of the air before it bounces on your side. If you are not hitting the ball out of the air, the kitchen line is meaningless
There’s a bit more to it than that, but those are the three most unique rules in pickleball when compared to other sports. I highly recommend you watch this video by Pickleball Pro and awesome content creator Kyle Koszuta (That Pickleball Guy) at least once before proceeding. Definitely subscribe to his newsletter and channel.
#2 Ask your local club or organizer about programs for beginners.
beginner programs near me
Not enough events near you? Help your pickleball community by adding events yourself or sharing this with your local club or event organizer.
#3 Visit a local park
You could always bring a paddle and potentially jump right in. At busy parks there is typically some kind of line you get in by putting your paddle in a rack, or stack.
most saved courts near me
Not enough courts listed near you? During our launch, we’ve focused on adding content around Long Island, NY, so be sure to help your pickleball community and add your favorite spot (anywhere in the US for now).
You could also try these well established court finders: Places2Play, Pickleheads, Pickle Play App, or Google “pickleball court near me”.
#4 Reach out to a local coach
These folks will also often be able to hook you up with other people, programs and paddles to help you get going.
Teaching Pros nearest me
Not enough instructors near you? Help your pickleball community by sharing this with your local instructors, clubs, or event organizers.
#5 Get a paddle!
The best way to select a paddle is by demoing them from clubs, your friends, local ambassadors, and pickleball retailers, so you know what you’re getting into. Keep in mind many people & businesses have allegiances that may color their suggestions. At the end of the day, if you like the paddle, and you don’t mind paying the price, it does not have to be a huge decision, and you will likely have an opportunity to get another one one day soon. Still, here are some things to think about.
- Standard length paddles are probably the most beginner friendly. They generally offer a bigger sweet spot and easier control than extended paddles.
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For just under $100, you can get a high performance paddle
This way you won't outgrow it for a while (but you can also buy lesser performance paddles for the same amount so watch out) -
You may value style over tip-top performance
There are lots of stylish paddle brands out there with tons of personality (Bread & Butter, Recess, and House are a few to check out) and most from reputable companies will perform great, especially if you love the way they look -
Be conscious of paddles less than $50
These typically have much less performance than any quality paddle. They make sense if you are on a tight budget or need to get a handful of paddles for a group to play -
Consider supporting the pickleball community
Your local club, pro, an online reviewer with a discount code, a pickleball dedicated online store, or local shop offering demos would really appreciate your business. It helps them as they invest their efforts to make the sport better for everyone
Top paddles under $100 from a very well-respected, independent paddle reviewer
Be sure to follow The Pickleball Studio and use their discount codes if their review helps you choose a paddle.
Check back soon as we are building this area to include suggested paddles, more reviews, discounts, local and online stores, etc.
Hope this helps you discover the wonderful sport of pickleball! See you on the court!
HONORABLE MENTIONS
- Join a group near you (coming soon)
- Watch online instruction (coming soon)
- Create an account and keep coming back to The Pickleball Index for more resources