What is Pickleball?

Pickleball is fast becoming one of the most popular racquet sports in the world, combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis into one exciting, sociable and easy to learn game!  In the UK, Pickleball has seen a surge in popularity over the last few years, with more and more people discovering the sport. It can be played as singles (two players) or doubles (four players), however doubles is the more popular option. 

Here are the key features of the game:

• The ball is always served underhand diagonally across the net, ie from Right Service Court A to Right Service Court B or from Left Service Court A to Left Service Court B (see court diagram green areas).

• The ball must bounce once before the receiving team can hit a return of serve. 

• The serving team must then allow the return shot to bounce again before they can hit the 3rd shot.

• The ball can the be volleyed by any player after the 3rd shot.

• A volley is hitting the ball before it bounces. Players cannot volley the ball while standing in the Non Volley Zone or Kitchen (see court diagram blue areas) but can volley in all other areas of the court.

• You can only score points when you are serving

• Points are scored when the opposing team is unable to return the ball or hits the ball out of bounds or into the net.

• The first team to reach 11 points (with at least a gap of 2 points) wins the game

Pickleball is widely regarded as one of the easiest racket sports to learn, especially when compared to tennis. With a smaller court, a slower-moving ball, and simple, intuitive rules, beginners can quickly pick up the basics and start enjoying real rallies within minutes. Unlike tennis, which often requires more strength, stamina, and technical skill to sustain play, pickleball is accessible from the very first session. Even better, it’s a truly inclusive sport, whether you’re 10 or 80+, the game can be played at your own pace while still providing excellent physical activity, improving balance, coordination, and fitness. It’s this unique combination of simplicity, fun, and health benefits that makes pickleball so appealing to players of all ages and abilities. 

Whether you are wanting to try a new, fun and exciting sport or whether you are looking for a gentle way to stay active, then please drop me a line via the Get In Touch page or send me an email directly to info@pickleball101.uk to find out the best way to start hitting those wiffle-like balls!