Dive into the world of
pickleball with tips,
expert advice, and
must-have gear for
players at every level.

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All you need
to get
started


You can get pickleball shoes if you like, but they
are definitely not necessary at the beginner level.
You can also get quiet paddles if that’s important
to you (or your HOA).


If you need help choosing, Pickleball Superstore is
always happy to help!

  • You don’t need much to get started, accessibility
    and simplicity are two of the many reasons to love
    pickleball!     We are Amazon affiliates and these are
    affiliate links, so we earn a small commission at no
    cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Pickleball
in a
Nutshell -
The Rules,
Explained

The Court -

The court is 20 feet X 44 feet, with a 7-foot non-volley zone (the "kitchen") on both sides of the net. Stay
out of the kitchen when hitting the ball, you can’t do it from there. You can get driveway sets or pickleball
marking sets so you can play anywhere.


Serving -

Underhand only, your paddle must be below your waist when you hit the ball. It has to go diagonal, and hit in
the opponent’s service court. Only one attempt is allowed, unless the ball touches the net and lands in the
correct service court (a "let").


Serving Rotation in Doubles -

Each player on the serving team gets to serve before the serve rotates to the opposing team.

The first server starts on the right side of the court and alternates sides after each point scored.


Bounce Rule -

The first two times across the net ball must bounce once on your side before you or your opponent hit it.
So, the serve must bounce once, and the return must bounce once, then it’s game on and no more bounces
required.


The Kitchen -

You can’t “volley” or hit the ball in the air when you are standing in the “kitchen.” You can enter and exit the
kitchen, you just can’t hit the ball while you’re in there.


Scoring -

Only the team that served can score. The game is played to 11 and a team must win by 2 points or more.


Faults -

A fault occurs when the ball is hit out of bounds, the ball doesn’t clear the net, a player volleys in the kitchen, or the ball is volleyed before it has bounced
once on each side. Here’s where it gets a little complicated, but it’s manageable.


If the fault is committed by the serving team in singles, it is the opponent's turn to serve. In doubles, if it’s the first server’s fault, the second server gets a
chance to serve. If it’s the second server’s fault, the opposing team gets to serve. If the fault is committed by the receiving team, the serving team scores a
point and continues serving, alternating sides of the court.


TO LEARN MORE, CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO THAT EXPLAINS IT ALL.


Choosing a
Paddle -
What
Really
Matters

Check with a pro if you need help choosing a paddle. Let’s go through the minimum
you need to know to make an informed decision and find the paddle that suits your
playing style and needs.


Weight

The weight of a paddle is one of the most critical factors to consider:

-Lightweight (6.5-7.2 oz) is easier to maneuver and control. It’s ideal for players who
prioritize finesse and quick reactions. It may lack power, which could lead to shorter
shots.

-Midweight (7.3-8.4 oz) offers a balance between power and control. It’s suitable for
most players, including beginners and intermediates.

-Heavyweight (8.5+ oz) provides more power for hard-hitting players but can strain
the wrist or arm over time, so it’s better for stronger players.


TLDR: If you're unsure, start with midweight for versatility.

Paddle Material

The material of the paddle affects its performance and feel:

-Wood is affordable and durable but heavier and less responsive. It’s best
for casual or beginner players on a budget.

-Composite is made from fiberglass or carbon fiber with a polymer core. If
offers a good balance of power, control, and spin and is popular among
intermediate and advanced players.

-Graphite is lghtweight and highly precise. It’s ideal for players focused on
control and quick reactions, It can be more expensive but worth the
investment for serious players.


Core Material

The core of the paddle influences its feel and performance:

-Polymer is soft, quiet, and offers excellent control. It’s great
for players who want finesse and accuracy.

-Nomex is hard and loud, providing more power and
durability. It is preferred by aggressive players who like to hit
hard.

-Aluminum Core is lightweight and offers excellent control
but can have less power compared to Nomex or polymer
cores.



Grip Size

The grip size affects how comfortable the paddle feels in your
hand:

Small Grip (4”-4.25”):

- Allows for more wrist action, improving spin and control.

- Ideal for players with smaller hands.

Medium Grip (4.5”):

- Provides a balance of control and stability.

- Suitable for most players.

Large Grip (4.75”+):

- Offers more stability and reduces wrist strain.

- Best for players with larger hands.


TLDR: If you're between sizes, choose a smaller grip—you can
always add an overgrip to make it larger.


Paddle Shape

Different shapes cater to different playing styles:

Standard Shape:

- Balanced for power and control.

- Suitable for most players.

Elongated Shape:

- Narrower and longer for extended reach and more power.

- Ideal for singles players or those who want extra reach.

Wide-Body Shape:

- Offers a larger sweet spot, making it forgiving for beginners.







Surface Texture

The paddle surface can impact your ability to spin the ball:

Smooth Surface:

- Best for beginners and casual players.

- Offers consistent performance without spin.

Textured Surface:

- Helps generate spin, giving advanced players more control over the
ball.


Noise Considerations

Some paddles are noisier than others, which may matter in certain
communities:

- Opt for paddles with a polymer core if you play in noise-restricted
areas, as they are quieter.

Fan
favorite
paddle

If you’re looking to level up to a
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feeling like a pro, this Owl model is one
of the best on the market and the
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Tips for
Beginners -
Master the
Court in No
Time!

  • Know the rules! You won’t play perfectly as a beginner but do
    know the rules as best you can. Spend time looking over them
    and watching matches on YouTube.
  • Practice serving! Before you start playing, if you can, practice
    accurate serving.
  • Placement over power - in pickleball it’s more important to hit
    precisely than hard.
  • Communicate if you’re playing doubles. Partners need to call
    shots and strategize out loud - don’t be shy!
  • Keep a low, athletic stance in as much as that’s an option for
    you. You’ll be more balanced and have more agility and control.
  • Practice dinking! (Not drinking, DINKING.) More info on that here.
  • Read or watch up on how to defend against a lob.
  • Keep an eye on the opposing paddle when they volley or serve,
    it can give an idea where the ball is headed!
  • Practice staying on your toes, flat footed stance is not your
    friend.
  • Keep your paddle up - always be ready.
  • Play with better players - winning is fun but so is getting better.
    Challenge yourself to play with people more experienced than
    you.

Build

Community
&

Get
Involved!

No matter where you are, you can find somewhere to play
and someone to play with! These groups make it easy.


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