New to pickleball?
Everyone
started here.
Learn the rules, scoring and basic shots in three one-hour Saturday classes. No experience needed.
Start here
Start with the basics.
The Intro to Pickleball Series includes three one-hour classes on Saturdays. Take them back to back or spread them across three Saturdays. We recommend starting here before other programs.
- Rules & ScoringScoring, serving order, the two-bounce rule and the kitchen, on a court with a coach.
- Serves, Returns & VolleysThe shots that start every point.
- Dinks & DropsThe soft game at the kitchen line.
The rules
Know the rules.
A quick introduction, based on the USA Pickleball rules summary.
Only the serving team scores
Games go to 11, and you have to win by 2.
Serve underhand
Contact the ball below your waist with an underhand motion. A drop serve, where you let the ball bounce first, is allowed too.
Serve cross-court
Serve diagonally into the opposite service box, with at least one foot behind the baseline.
Start on the right
The first serve comes from the right-hand side. Score a point and you switch sides with your partner and serve from the other one.
The first-serve exception
Normally both partners serve before a side-out. At the very start of a game the serving team gets just one server, so one fault sends the serve across the net.
Two bounces first
The return of serve must bounce, and the serving team must let that return bounce too. After those two bounces, either team can volley.
Stay out of the kitchen
The 7-foot zone on each side of the net is the non-volley zone. You cannot volley from inside it, and if your momentum carries you in after a volley, that is a fault as well.
Lines are in
A ball that lands on any line is in.
Except on the serve
A serve that lands in the kitchen, or on the kitchen line, is a fault.
Read the USA Pickleball rules summary for more detail.
Skill levels
Which level am I?
Use this guide to choose an open play session, league or clinic that fits your experience.
| Rating | What it looks like on court |
|---|---|
| 1.0–2.0 | New to pickleball, no prior athletic experience. |
| 2.5 | Inexperienced, but can sustain a short rally. |
| 3.0 | Understands the fundamentals and court positioning. |
| 3.5 | Distinguishes the soft game from the hard game, moves quickly to the non-volley zone, understands stacking. |
| 4.0 | Recognizes and exploits weaknesses, moves as a team. |
| 4.5 | Good footwork and strategy, communicates well with a partner. |
| 5.0 | Expert strategist, efficient footwork, rare unforced errors. |
| 5.5+ | Mastery. The highest caliber of play. |
After the intro
Keep playing.
Build on what you've learned with games and coaching at your level.
Open Play
Practice with different partners in an All-Level session, where players of similar levels naturally find each other. Balls are provided.
See the Schedule
Beginner Programs
Try the beginner track in Ladies Lessons, Queen of the Court or 2.0–3.0 Live Play Coaching.
Lessons & Clinics
Leagues
Leagues start at 2.0–2.9. Each week, play with others close to your ranking.
Find Your LeagueBefore you come
Ready for the court.
Beginners welcome
Start on a Saturday.
Register for the Intro Series or join an All-Level open play session.