Gameplay

Pickleball is played with a paddle and a perforated plastic ball on a badminton-sized court. The objective is to score points by hitting the ball over the net into your opponent’s side of the court. Games are typically played to 11 points, with the winner needing to win by two points. Here’s a quick breakdown of the essentials:

Serving: The serve must be underhand and diagonally crosscourt, with the ball landing in the opposite service box.

‍Double Bounce Rule: After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce once before returning it, and the serving team must let the return bounce as well.

‍The Kitchen: This non-volley zone, known as the kitchen, extends seven feet from the net. Players cannot volley (hit the ball out of the air) while standing in this zone.

Pickleball isn’t just about power—it’s about smart positioning and knowing when to strike. Whether you're playing singles or doubles, understanding court positioning and shot selection can give you a huge advantage over your opponents. Here are a few key strategic tips:

Dinking: This soft shot, played into the kitchen, is crucial for controlling the pace and forcing errors from your opponent.

‍Third Shot Drop: Often seen as one of the most important shots in pickleball, the third shot drop is a soft shot designed to land in the kitchen, neutralizing your opponent’s advantage and allowing you to take control of the net.

‍Volleys & Smashes: Timing is everything. Knowing when to stay back and when to charge the net is key to maintaining pressure on your opponent.

‍Court Awareness: Keep an eye on your opponent’s positioning and use it to your advantage by placing shots that force them into difficult returns.