How to Play Pickleball – A Beginner’s Guide by Zygo Sports
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the world, now taking root in India! Combining the best of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, pickleball is an easy-to-learn, highly engaging sport suitable for all ages and skill levels. Whether you're searching “how to play pickleball” or looking for pickleball courts near me, this guide from Zygo Sports India has everything you need to get started.
What Equipment Do You Need to Play Pickleball?
To get on the court, you’ll need the following pickleball equipment:
- Pickleball Paddle: Choose from wooden, composite, or graphite paddles. Zygo offers a wide range of top-rated pickleball paddles in India, designed for performance and durability.
- Pickleball Ball: A lightweight, perforated plastic ball—similar to a wiffle ball. Zygo provides high-quality, long-lasting pickleball balls suited for indoor and outdoor play.
- Pickleball Court: A standard pickleball court measures 20’ x 44’, with a net height of 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the center. You can play on indoor pickleball courts or outdoor setups.
- Court Shoes: Proper footwear is important. Choose court or tennis shoes that offer grip and ankle support to move confidently on any surface.
Basic Pickleball Rules – Learn the Game
Understanding the rules is key to playing confidently. Here are the essential pickleball rules:
The Serve
- Serve underhand and diagonally across the court.
- The serve must land beyond the non-volley zone (also called the "kitchen").
- Only one serve attempt is allowed.
Double Bounce Rule
- After the serve, each team must let the ball bounce once before hitting it.
- This prevents immediate volleying and promotes longer rallies.
Volleys
- Volleys (hitting the ball in the air without a bounce) are allowed—but not within the 7-foot non-volley zone near the net.
Scoring
- Only the serving team scores points.
- Games are played to 11 points, and a team must win by 2.
- In some tournaments, games go up to 15 or 21.
How to Play a Game of Pickleball
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to play pickleball in singles or doubles format:
The Serve
- A player serves from behind the baseline.
- The ball must land in the opposite diagonal service box.
The Return
- The receiving team lets the serve bounce once, then returns the ball.
- The serving team must also allow the return to bounce before hitting back.
The Rally
- After the double bounce, players may volley or hit after a bounce.
- Keep the ball in play and within the court boundaries.
Faults
- Faults include hitting the ball out of bounds, into the net, volleying from the kitchen, or missing a shot.
- When the receiving team faults, the serving team scores a point.
- In doubles, servers alternate sides after winning a point.
How to Win a Pickleball Game
- Reach 11 points with at least a 2-point lead.
- If the game is tied 10-10, play continues until one team leads by 2 points.
- Advanced games may be played to 15 or 21 points in competitive settings.
Pro Tips for Better Pickleball Play
- Stay Active: Quick footwork is key. The ball moves fast—stay alert!
- Master Your Serve: A consistent serve sets the tone for the rally.
- Learn to Volley Smartly: Control at the net can turn the game in your favor.
- Positioning Matters: Play smart, especially near the non-volley zone.
- Have Fun: Pickleball is about connection, joy, and improvement.
Join the Pickleball Movement in India
Whether you're playing at a pickleball court near you or looking to build one at home, Zygo Sports has you covered. From pickleball bats to best paddles for pickleball, our products are designed for beginners, pros, and everyone in between.
