Archived guide: Baylan & Co no longer sells pickleball equipment. This article is kept for reference. Read about our range change and support for existing orders.
Your first pickleball session is easier when you know what happens at the start of a rally. Begin with these essentials, then ask your session organiser which scoring format and rules apply.
1. Start with a legal serve
Serve diagonally into the opposite service box, beyond the kitchen line. You can use a volley serve or a drop serve; these have different requirements. Serve from behind the baseline within the extensions of the centreline and sideline.
2. Remember the two bounces
The receiver lets the serve bounce. The serving side then lets the return bounce. After that, either side may volley or play after a bounce.
3. Understand the kitchen
The kitchen extends seven feet from the net on each side. You may stand there, but you cannot volley while touching it or its boundary. Momentum after a volley must not carry you into it.
4. Learn traditional scoring
Under traditional side-out scoring, only the serving side scores. Doubles calls give your score, the opponents’ score and the server number. Games commonly go to 11, winning by two. The opening doubles score is 0–0–2.
For explanations and official rule links, see USA Pickleball’s beginner guide. Your organiser can explain any different format used locally.
Make your first session simple
Book a beginner session and check whether the organiser supplies paddles and balls. Before buying equipment, count how many people need paddles, confirm whether a net is available, and check the playing surface. Borrowing equipment for a first session can help you decide what you prefer.
Read our guide to finding a local court.