Pickleball for Beginners 2026: Rules, Gear and First-Game Tips

Invited to your first pickleball game? Here's everything you need to know before you step on court — no experience required.

The rules in 60 seconds

• Games to 11, win by 2; you only score on your serve.
• Serve underhand, diagonally, behind the baseline.
• Double-bounce rule: the ball must bounce once on each side before volleys are allowed.
• The kitchen: no volleying inside the 7-foot non-volley zone.

Starter gear checklist

• Court shoes — the one item not to skip; see our Pickleball & Tennis collection
• Midweight paddle (7.8–8.2 oz, 16mm core) — our paddle guide explains why
• Outdoor or indoor balls to match your local courts
• Moisture-wicking shirt, water, and sunscreen

5 first-game tips

1. Stand behind the baseline until the double bounce is done.
2. Aim deep serves — depth beats power.
3. Get to the kitchen line as soon as safely possible.
4. Dink patiently; don't smash from your shoelaces.
5. Call the score loudly before every serve — locals will love you for it.