Understanding the Pickleball Court and Equipment

Before learning the rules, it helps to understand the court.

A standard pickleball court is the same size as a badminton doubles court – 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. A net divides the court, slightly lower than a tennis net.

Here are the main parts of the court:

Baseline: The back line of the court
Sidelines: The side boundaries
Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen): The area near the net where special rules apply
Service Areas: Where the ball must land during a serve

As for equipment, you only need two things:

A paddle (solid, without strings)
A plastic ball with small holes
That’s it – simple and beginner-friendly.

Basic Pickleball Rules Every Beginner Should Know

1. The Serve

Every rally starts with a serve, and in pickleball, the serve is done underhand.

The paddle must hit the ball below your waist
The serve must go diagonally across the court
The ball must land in the correct service box

You can either hit the ball directly or let it bounce first (called a drop serve). Unlike tennis, if the ball touches the net but still lands in the correct area, the game continues.

2. The Double-Bounce Rule

One of the most important rules for beginners is the double-bounce rule.

Here’s how it works:

The serve must bounce once before the receiver hits it
The return must also bounce once before the serving team hits it

Only after these two bounces can players start hitting the ball in the air (called a volley).

This rule helps create longer rallies and makes the game more balanced and fun.

3. The Kitchen Rule (Non-Volley Zone)

The kitchen, or non-volley zone, is one of the most unique parts of pickleball.

You cannot hit the ball in the air (volley) while standing in the kitchen
You can step into the kitchen only if the ball has already bounced

If your momentum carries you into the kitchen after a volley, it’s a fault

This rule adds strategy to the game and prevents players from staying too close to the net.

4. Scoring System

Pickleball scoring may feel confusing at first, but it becomes easy with practice.

Only the serving team can score points
In doubles, both players get a chance to serve
The score is called as: server’s score – receiver’s score – server number

Most games are played up to 11 points, and you must win by at least 2 points.

5. Common Faults to Avoid

A fault stops the play and results in losing the serve or giving a point to the opponent.

Here are the most common mistakes:

Hitting the ball out of bounds
Hitting the ball into the net
Volleying inside the kitchen
Not following the double-bounce rule
Serving above the waist or overhand

Avoiding these simple errors will already improve your game quickly.

Start Playing Pickleball Today

Learning pickleball rules for beginners doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few basic rules, you can already enjoy a full game and start improving your skills.

As pickleball continues to grow in the Philippines and around the world, there’s never been a better time to get involved. Whether you’re playing for fun, fitness, or competition, this sport offers something for everyone.

So grab a paddle, head to the nearest court, and start playing – your pickleball journey begins today.