Have you heard of pickleball? It's the fast-growing sport that’s got everyone talking.
With its mix of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong elements. Pickleball has attracted the athletes of all ages.
But, how can you start a new sport without knowing the basic rules?
Luckily, pickleball is easy to learn and fun to play. We will break down this dynamic sport into simpler guidelines. To make you feel confident hitting the court.
At Trojan Fitness, we stock a range of sporting equipment including pickleball gear for you. So, you can enjoy the game at ease of your home. Just you, your racket, and your energy.
Let’s get to know the game of pickleball.
What is pickleball?
Invented in 1965 with over 3.3 million players in U.S. Pickleball came into Australia in 2017 and became the fastest-growing sport here too.
It is played on a short and narrow court. Plastic paddles are used in it to hit a perforated plastic ball. That ball goes into air & after one bounce over the net.
The holes in the ball make it slower and the small court eliminates running. That’s why, pickleball is popular among all ages and skill levels. From children to competitive adults and retirees, everyone can play it with ease.
Just like its playing style, pickleball has an interesting origin story too.
How Does Pickleball Started?
Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by three dads. Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum. They wanted to give their kids some weekend entertainment. A badminton court was there but no set of rackets. So, they improvised to play with ping pong paddles and a plastic ball.
Further variations were added to make the game easier to play. E.g. badminton net was lowered from 60 to 36 inches.
Soon, the three men created proper rules of game in accordance with its original purpose. Which was to create a game that the whole family could enjoy together.
Most interesting aspect of this origin story is naming of the game.
Pickleball | Why is it named so?
There are different theories related to the naming of pickleball. But according to Barney McCallum. the game was named after Pritchard’s dog, Pickles.
A sweet being opposite to the sour taste of pickles. He used to run off with the ball during the game. So, the family decided to dedicate the game to him. How adorable is that❤️
Today, Pickleball has grown into a popular movement worldwide. Proper communities are made in every country to make the game accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Pickleball Australia Association (PAA)
As pickleball gained popularity across Australia. Need for a regulatory body emerged to manage the game and grow it in a structured way.
The Pickleball Australia Association (PAA) is the primary governing body for pickleball in the country. Established in 2020, the PAA oversees the sport’s development at all levels.
Due to its affiliation with the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP). It follows global rules and makes sure that game is played according to international standards.
Here’s what this Pickleball Association does:
- Develops and promotes pickleball across the country.
- Hosts national tournaments and events to encourage participation at all levels.
- Provides support to local and state pickleball clubs.
- Promotes the sport & provide training resources
- Maintains a nationwide ranking system for competitive players.
If you are serious about playing or considering going pro. You must know the rules and playing guidelines set by PAA.
How is Pickleball Played?
If you're familiar with tennis or badminton, you’ll pick up the pickleball basics easily.
The game is played on a badminton-sized court (roughly half the size of a tennis court). You can play in singles (two players facing each other) or doubles (four players).
Equipment You Need
- 2 or 4 Paddles
Smaller than a tennis racket made of lightweight materials. (e.g. plastic, wooden, fiberglass).
- A Plastic Ball
A perforated plastic ball similar to a wiffle ball (an old variant of baseball).
Lower than a tennis net but higher than a ping-pong net.
You can get a whole set of pickleball equipment at Trojan Fitness.
Once you’ve got your gear, the objective is simple.
Hit the ball over the net and into your opponent’s side of the court without them returning it. The game starts with an underhand serve and continues until one side fails to return the ball.
Let's memorise the rules you have to follow while playing.
5 Rules of Pickleball You Should Know
Before you head to your nearest court. Know the basics of pickleball to avoid any penalty shots or fouls.
1. Serving Rules | You Must Serve at the Baseline
The serve is where every pickleball game begins. In pickleball, serving is done from baseline point. Here’s what you should remember while serving:
Serving Rule |
Description |
Serve Style |
Underhand stroke Paddle should be below waist when it contacts the ball |
Direction |
Ball must serve diagonally across the court Aim for the opponent’s service box |
Number of Attempts |
One serve attempt is allowed If you miss, it is considered “fault” 2nd attempt is allowed in "let" serve |
Service Area |
Serve must land within the correct service box |
2. Two-Bounce Rule | There Must Be One Bounce Per Side
One of the most distinctive rules of pickleball is the double-bounce rule.
This rule is designed to prevent players from dominating the net right away. It makes the game more tactical and strategic. This rule states:
“After the serve, both the serving team and the receiving team must let the ball bounce once on their side before they can hit it out of the air”.
So, the game will be in following steps:
- The serving team sends the ball
- Receiving team lets it bounce and returns it
- Serving team must let it bounce again
- Serving team play the next shot
3. The Kitchen Rules | Serves Cannot Land in the Non-Volley Zone
The pickleball kitchen rules also set it apart from other racket games. They allow you to balance aggression with skill. And allow for well-placed shots.
What is the Kitchen?
The kitchen, also known as "non-volley zone," is a critical 7-foot zone on both sides of the net. There are some specific rules regarding this area.
- Serves Cannot Land in Kitchen
The kitchen along with separation line is fault area for serves. A serve will only be considered in bounds if it is outside kitchen line. After the serve, of course, the ball can land in the kitchen.
- Players Body Can’t Hit the Kitchen During or After Volley
Make sure that any part of your body can't touch the kitchen during or after a volley. It also includes what you are wearing or holding.
So, if momentum carries you into kitchen after hitting. Your paddles touch the line of kitchen. Or you touch your partner standing in the kitchen for support. It will be considered a fault.
- When are You Allowed to Enter the Kitchen?
You’re allowed to step into the kitchen, but only to hit a ball that has already bounced. After hitting the ball, you must immediately exit the kitchen.
4. Scoring Rules | The Game Ends At 11, 15, or 21 Points
Scoring in pickleball follows a simple and unique system. Some scoring rules of the traditional pickleball are:
- Serve to Score Scoring
Only the serving team can score points. If the receiving team wins a rally, they don’t get a point. But they gain the chance to serve next.
- Win is Considered Only with 2-Points Margin
Matches are typically played to 11 points, and you must win by 2. This means that if both teams are tied at 10-10, the game continues until 15 or 21 points.
- Losing the Serve
If the serving team commits a fault, they lose the serve. And the other team gets the chance to serve.
In doubles, both players on the serving team get a chance to serve before handing it over to the other side. Even if one player faults, the second player can still serve before losing it.
5. Fault Rules | Avoid these Mistakes
In pickleball, faults result in the loss of a point or serve. Here are some common faults considered during a pickleball match.
Fault |
Description |
Out of Bounds |
Ball lands outside the boundaries of the court |
Into the Net |
Ball fails to clear the net during a rally |
Kitchen Fault |
Player volleys from inside the kitchen or steps in after the volley |
Double Hits |
Player hits the ball twice before it crosses the net |
Serving Fault |
Missing the serve entirely, hitting the ball out of bounds, and not following the proper serve technique |
Advanced Strategy | Use the Kitchen to Your Advantage
Pickleball Kitchen Rules seem restrictive. But only pro players know how to use the kitchen to their advantage.
The kitchen zone encourages players to develop a soft-touch game. If you place the ball just over the net and into the kitchen. You can limit the opponent’s ability to return aggressive volleys.
What is the Difference Between Tennis and Pickleball?
You might wonder how pickleball matches are different from a typical tennis game. While both sports share a common style and elements, they differ in several ways.
Feature |
Pickleball |
Tennis |
Court Size |
Smaller (20x44 ft) |
Larger (36x78 ft) |
Equipment |
Paddle and plastic ball |
Racket and tennis ball |
Scoring |
Points scored by serving side only |
Points scored by either side |
Game Speed |
Slower, with more rallies |
Faster, with few long rallies |
Physical Demand |
Lower impact, easier on joints |
Higher impact, running required |
Playing Style |
Relaxed |
Aggressive |
These differences make power pickleball easier for beginners and older adults to enjoy without the heavy physical demands of tennis.
Why is Pickleball So Popular Suddenly?
You might have considered, why are people so crazy about pickleball?
The following qualities make it the preferred choice and adds to its popularity.
- The game’s short learning curve can be enjoyed by all fitness levels. so you can enjoy it easily at home.
- It is great for socialising and doing fun with friends without physical demands. You can enrol in a pickleball academy to enjoy it with like-minded people.
- It has a blend of simplicity and challenge. The rules are easy enough for beginners but still offer a competitive edge.
- It can be enjoyed by all ages. You can play it well into your later years without worrying about injuries.
Ready to Master the Pickleball Game?
Get Your Sports Gear at Trojan Fitness
We got a wide range of equipment for pickleball and other sports.
From paddles to nets, and everything in between. You can set up a home court or play at a local facility with our equipment.
We offer you a trusted Australia-wide shipping service. And even if you need assistance with the installation of your net. We can connect you with professional installers across the country.
The information provided on this website is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional or medical advice. We make every effort to ensure the information provided is accurate and up-to-date, but we cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. Always consult a qualified professional before making any significant changes to your diet, exercise routine, or lifestyle. We are not responsible for any adverse consequences resulting from the use of, or reliance on, any information provided on this website.