Rules learned. More play ahead.
Learn the rules.
Play with confidence.
A step-by-step course for pickleball beginners. Get clear on serves, scoring, and the kitchen—then spend less time guessing and more time in the game.
Beginner friendly · Learn at your own pace · No court experience needed
Your starting line
From “wait, whose serve?” to game on.
01Plain language, not rulebook overload
02Start with the moments that matter
03No question is too basic
The playbook / rules before rallies
A little know-how.
A lot less guessing.
You don't need to memorize every rule to get started. Build a foundation around the moments that come up in your first game.
Let's clear this one up
The kitchen isn't off-limits.
You can step into the non-volley zone. The catch? You can't volley while touching it—or let your volley momentum carry you in.
- 01
Start the point
Get comfortable with where to stand, serving diagonally, and letting the serve and return bounce before volleying.
- 02
Make sense of the score
Understand who serves, when points are earned, and why traditional doubles scoring calls out three numbers.
- 03
Know what counts
Untangle kitchen rules, line calls, and common faults so the next rally comes with fewer “was that allowed?” moments.
A quick start / court sense
Know where to stand.
Know what to play.
A few dependable basics make the first game easier. Learn the serving side, the two-bounce rule, and how each shot can help you shape a point.
Choose a shot for the moment.
Shot / situation / purpose
- Serve
Start the point with height and depth.
A deep serve makes the returner play from farther back and gives you time to get ready for the next ball.
- Return
Send it deep, then move forward.
A deep return buys time to follow your shot toward the kitchen line, where you can be ready for a shorter reply.
- Third-shot drop
Soften the ball as you come in.
After the serve and return, a gentle arc into the kitchen can make opponents hit upward and give your team a safer path to the net.
- Dink
Keep a net exchange low and patient.
A soft shot that lands in the kitchen makes opponents let it bounce. Move them side to side and wait for a ball you can attack.
- Drive
Use pace when there is room to press.
A firm, low shot can rush opponents who are back or off balance. Choose a clear lane and be ready for a block back.
- Lob
Lift it over players crowding the kitchen.
A high shot can push opponents away from the net, but use it selectively: they may answer with an overhead.
- Volley
Take a ball out of the air to keep pressure on.
A controlled volley can shorten an opponent's reaction time. Stay outside the kitchen when you hit it.
Your next move
Pick your starting point.
Explore available courses and current pricing. Each course page has the lesson details and enrollment options.
You've got a place on the court
Less “huh?”
More “let's play.”
Start with the rules. Then bring your new know-how to your next game.