Learn pickleball, one guide at a time

Every guide on the site, grouped by topic and listed in the order a new player should read them. If you have never played, begin with the four-step path below.

New to the game? Read these first

  1. What pickleball is

    The game in five minutes

  2. The rules

    Serve, return, rally, fault

  3. Keeping score

    What the three numbers mean

  4. The kitchen

    The seven feet that decide points

Rules & Basics

What the game is, how a point works, and the rules that trip up new players.

  1. What Is Pickleball? The Game, Its History and Rules

    Pickleball is a paddle sport played on a 20 by 44 foot court with a perforated ball. Learn where it came from, why it grew and how a game works.

    7 min read

  2. Pickleball Rules: The Complete Beginner Overview

    Learn the official pickleball rules in one place: serving, the two-bounce rule, the kitchen, scoring, faults and line calls, based on the 2026 rulebook.

    8 min read

  3. How to Keep Score in Pickleball: Doubles and Singles

    Learn how pickleball scoring works: the three-number doubles score, server numbers, the 0-0-2 start and singles scoring, with a worked example table.

    7 min read

  4. Pickleball Kitchen Rules: The Non-Volley Zone Explained

    The pickleball kitchen is the 7-foot non-volley zone by the net. Learn when you can step in, how the momentum rule works and which common myths are wrong.

    7 min read

  5. Pickleball Serving Rules: Volley Serve and Drop Serve

    Pickleball serving rules explained: the volley serve and drop serve, where to stand, where the serve must land, service faults and the two-bounce rule.

    8 min read

  6. Pickleball Court Dimensions: Official Size Guide

    Official pickleball court dimensions: a 20 by 44 foot court, 7-foot kitchen, 15 by 10 foot service courts and a 34-inch center net, with a court diagram.

    7 min read

  7. Pickleball Terms Glossary A to Z

    An A to Z glossary of pickleball terms, from ATP and dink to side out and volley, with short definitions based on the official USA Pickleball rulebook.

    9 min read

Getting Started

What to bring to your first game and how pickleball compares to sports you know.

  1. Pickleball vs Tennis Differences Explained

    Pickleball vs tennis compared side by side: court size, net height, paddles and rackets, balls, serving rules, scoring and how much ground each game covers.

    8 min read

  2. Pickleball Equipment List for Beginners

    A beginner pickleball equipment list: paddle, balls, court shoes, net and bag. See what to buy first, what can wait, and typical US price ranges for each.

    7 min read

Strategy

Where to stand, what to hit, and why the soft game wins points.

  1. Pickleball Doubles Strategy for Beginners

    Learn the core pickleball doubles strategy: get to the kitchen line, serve and return deep, move as a pair, aim for the middle, talk, and stack simply.

    7 min read

  2. Third Shot Drop in Pickleball Explained

    What the third shot drop is, why it matters in doubles, step by step mechanics, when to drop or drive, where to aim, and practice drills to build touch.

    7 min read

  3. Pickleball Dinking Guide for Beginners

    How to dink in pickleball: the purpose of the shot, grip and swing mechanics, cross-court vs straight dinks, patience, attackable balls and simple drills.

    7 min read

  4. Pickleball Singles Strategy for Beginners

    Pickleball singles strategy basics: where to serve, why deep returns matter, how to cover the court alone, passing shots, and how singles differs from doubles.

    7 min read

Gear Guides

Paddles, balls and materials, explained without the marketing copy.

  1. How to Choose a Pickleball Paddle

    How to choose a pickleball paddle by weight, grip size, shape, core thickness and face material, with a decision table and what USA Pickleball approval means.

    7 min read

  2. Pickleball Paddle Materials Explained

    Pickleball paddle materials explained: polymer honeycomb cores, fiberglass vs graphite vs carbon fiber faces, thermoforming, and what each one really changes.

    7 min read

  3. Indoor vs Outdoor Pickleball Balls Compared

    Indoor vs outdoor pickleball balls compared: hole counts, hardness, weight and durability, plus official USA Pickleball ball specs and when to use each type.

    6 min read

Ready to pick a paddle?

The reviews section compares paddles by published specs and price, starting with a short list for beginners.

Go to paddle reviews