Pickleball Court Basics: How to Play Pickleball Step by Step

Pickleball Court Layout (What You’re Looking At)

A standard pickleball court looks simple, but every line has a purpose.

Pickleball Court Dimensions

• Court size: 20 feet wide by 44 feet long
• Same size for singles and doubles
• Roughly the size of a badminton court

The Main Areas of a Pickleball Court

Baseline
The line at the back of the court. All serves must start from behind this line.

Sidelines
The long lines running down each side of the court.

Centerline
Divides the left and right service courts.

Non-Volley Zone (The Kitchen)
Extends 7 feet from the net on both sides. You cannot volley (hit the ball in the air) while standing in this zone. Most beginner mistakes happen here.

Understanding the kitchen rule alone will save you a lot of early frustration.

The Net on a Pickleball Court

• 36 inches high at the sidelines
• 34 inches high in the center

It’s slightly lower than a tennis net, which is one reason pickleball rallies stay more controlled and accessible.

How to Start a Point on a Pickleball Court

The Serve

Every point begins with an underhand serve.

Here’s what must happen:

• Serve diagonally into the opposite service box
• Both feet behind the baseline
• Paddle contacts the ball below the server’s navel
• Serve clears the kitchen line

Only one serve attempt is allowed (no second serves).

The Two-Bounce Rule (Critical for Beginners)

After the serve:

1. The receiving team lets the ball bounce
2. The serving team must also let the return bounce

Only after those two bounces can either team volley.

This rule keeps players from rushing the net immediately and helps rallies develop.

How to Rally on a Pickleball Court

Once the two-bounce rule is satisfied:

• You can volley outside the kitchen
• You can step into the kitchen only after the ball bounces
• Dinking (soft shots into the kitchen) becomes the core strategy

Most points are won at the kitchen line, not from power shots.

How Scoring Works on a Pickleball Court

• Games are typically played to 11 points
• You must win by 2
• Only the serving team can score

In doubles, each team gets two servers per side—except at the start of the game. If you ever hear “side out,” it means the serve switches to the other team.

Singles vs Doubles on the Same Pickleball Court

The court itself doesn’t change.

Singles

• You cover the entire court alone
• More movement, more passing shots

Doubles

• Most common format
• Emphasis on teamwork, positioning, and soft shots
• Kitchen play matters even more

Common Pickleball Court Mistakes Beginners Make

• Volleying while standing in the kitchen
• Serving into the wrong service box
• Stepping on the baseline during a serve
• Forgetting the two-bounce rule

Every beginner makes these mistakes. They disappear fast once you understand the court.

Why the Pickleball Court Makes the Game Easier to Learn

The pickleball court is small by design. That means less running than tennis, faster improvement, and longer rallies sooner. It’s one of the biggest reasons pickleball works for all ages and skill levels.

FAQ: Pickleball Court & How to Play

How big is a pickleball court?

A pickleball court is 20×44 feet, the same size for singles and doubles.

What is the kitchen on a pickleball court?

The kitchen is the non-volley zone, a 7-foot area on each side of the net where you can’t hit the ball out of the air.

Can you step into the kitchen?

Yes—but only after the ball bounces. You cannot volley while standing in the kitchen.

Do tennis courts work as pickleball courts?

Yes. Many pickleball courts are painted on tennis courts using temporary or permanent lines.

Is pickleball easier than tennis?

For most beginners, yes. The smaller court and underhand serve make pickleball much easier to pick up.