Pickleball is taking Australia by storm—and for good reason. Fast-paced, easy to learn, and fun for all ages, this sport is becoming a staple at indoor venues like Eastern Indoor Sports Center. Whether new to racquet sports or looking for a social way to stay active, pickleball ticks all the boxes.
But before you jump on the court, it helps to know the basics. Let’s walk you through the pickleball rules for beginners, cover key pickleball court rules, and break down exactly how to serve in pickleball—one of the most important skills to master early on.
Let’s get you ready to play with confidence!
What Is Pickleball & Why Is It So Popular?
TPickleball is a fun fusion of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Played on a smaller court with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes, it’s ideal for anyone looking to stay active without the intensity of traditional tennis. It can be played as singles or doubles, and the shorter court means quicker games, less running, and more action.
What sets pickleball apart is its community feel. It’s welcoming, inclusive, and easy for newcomers to pick up—especially in a supportive indoor setting like Eastern Indoors, where you don’t need to worry about wind, weather, or sunburn.
From kids to retirees, everyone’s jumping on the pickleball trend. And once you play a few rounds, you’ll understand why.
Understanding Pickleball Court Rules
Knowing the pickleball court rules makes gameplay smoother and way more fun—especially for beginners. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- The Court: A standard pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long—about the size of a badminton court. It’s divided into right and left service courts, with a central non-volley zone (also known as “the kitchen”) close to the net.
- The Kitchen: You can’t volley (hit the ball before it bounces) while standing in the kitchen or on its lines. This keeps net play strategic rather than overpowering.
- Serving Position: The serve must be made from behind the baseline, diagonally across the court, into the opponent’s service box.
- Court Etiquette: Wait until both players are ready before serving, and always call out the score clearly before each serve.
At Eastern Indoor, the courts are set up to regulation standards and designed for maximum visibility and comfort—so you can focus on your game, not your footing.
Pickleball Rules for Beginners: What You Need to Know
If you’re just starting, these pickleball rules for beginners will help you hit the ground running:
- Scoring: Only the serving team can score points. Games are typically played to 11, and you must win by at least 2 points.
- Serve Rotation: In doubles, both players on a team get a chance to serve before the serve switches to the other team (except at the start of the game).
- Double Bounce Rule: After the serve, each team must let the ball bounce once before volleying. This keeps rallies fair and encourages longer play.
- Faults: A fault occurs when the ball is hit out of bounds, into the net, or volleyed from the kitchen. Serving faults also include missing the correct service box.
These rules might seem like a lot at first, but they’re designed to create balanced, exciting rallies—and they become second nature in no time.
How to Serve in Pickleball: A Beginner’s Guide
Learning how to serve in pickleball is crucial—it sets the tone for every rally.
Here are the essentials:
- Underhand Only: Serves must be made with an underhand motion, striking the ball below the waist.
- Footwork Matters: Keep at least one foot behind the baseline during the serve. Stepping on or over the line is a fault.
- Cross-court aim: The serve must land diagonally in your opponent’s service box. No sidelines or kitchen landings are allowed.
- One Shot Only: You get one chance per serve (no second serves like in tennis), so focus on consistency over power.
Serving Tips for Beginners:
- Start with a soft, controlled serve to build confidence.
- Aim deeper in the service box to push opponents back.
- Try a few warm-up serves before every session.
Eastern Indoors offers beginner-friendly coaching and open-play sessions, perfect for refining your serve and gaining match experience in a relaxed environment.
Tips to Improve Your Game (Even as a Total Beginner)
Mastering pickleball doesn’t take years of training—just a bit of practice and smart play. Here are a few quick ways to level up:
- Warm Up Properly: Dynamic stretching and a few minutes of light rallying will help prevent injuries and sharpen your focus.
- Footwork First: Stay light on your feet and ready to move, especially when transitioning to the kitchen line.
- Communicate in Doubles: Clear calls like “Mine!” or “Yours!” help avoid missed shots.
- Watch the Ball: Keep your eyes on the ball—not your opponent’s paddle.
Eastern Indoor Sports Center runs casual sessions and coaching clinics, where beginners can learn alongside others, make new mates, and sharpen their skills in a low-pressure setting.
Play Pickleball Indoors at Eastern Indoor Sports Center
Ready to give it a go? Eastern Indoor Sports Center has created the perfect environment for newcomers and seasoned players. The indoor courts mean no weather delays, no wet surfaces, and no wind messing up your serve. Just pure pickleball fun— whether it rains, hails or shines.
Whether you’re flying solo, bringing a group, or joining a social competition, we’ve got the space, the gear, and the community to help you thrive.
Whether you’re picking up a paddle for the first time or brushing up on the basics, understanding the pickleball court rules, pickleball rules for beginners, and especially how to serve in pickleball is the key to enjoying every game.
At Eastern Indoor, we make learning fun, social, and beginner-friendly. Grab your paddle, book your session, and hit the court!
Book a court, drop into a session, or start your pickleball journey today!