What Should You Learn First as a Pickleball Beginner?

If you’re new to pickleball, welcome! It’s an exciting game that blends elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, and has become especially popular among seniors for its accessibility and fun. But as with any sport, getting started can feel a little overwhelming. So, what should be your first step?

The best place to begin as a pickleball beginner is with the basics of the game’s rules and court positioning. This knowledge will give you a strong foundation and boost your confidence when you step onto the court.

Start with the Serve
The serve is how every point begins, so it’s an essential skill to master early on. In pickleball, you serve underhand, and the ball must be hit diagonally to the opponent’s side of the court. The key is to keep the serve simple. You don’t need to aim for speed or spin right away—focus on control and consistency.

Learn the “Double Bounce Rule”
This is unique to pickleball and can trip up new players. After the serve, both the receiving team and the serving team must let the ball bounce once before hitting it. After these two bounces, the ball can be hit out of the air, making for faster and more exciting rallies. Understanding this rule is critical and will help you quickly get into the rhythm of the game.

Court Positioning Is Key
Pickleball is largely about positioning. One of the first things to learn is how to move between the baseline and the kitchen line (the area close to the net) efficiently. The kitchen, also known as the non-volley zone, is a no-go area for smashing volleys. Knowing when and where to stand on the court helps you anticipate the ball better and play smarter, not harder.

In summary, start with mastering your serve, understanding the double bounce rule, and learning where to position yourself on the court. These three areas will set you up for success as you move deeper into the game.