If you're new to pickleball, you're in for a fun ride! Whether you're looking to pick it up as a casual hobby or dive deeper into the competitive side, understanding the rules of pickleball is your first step. Let’s break down the pickleball basics, explain the pickleball game rules, and share pickleball tips for beginners to help you get started. Plus, we’ll introduce you to DUPR—a great way to track your progress and connect with other players!

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What is Pickleball?

Before jumping into the pickleball rules, let’s quickly explain what the game is. Pickleball is a fast-paced sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s played with a paddle and a perforated plastic ball, and the objective is to score points by getting the ball over the net and into the opponent's court. It can be played one-on-one or in teams of two.

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How to Play Pickleball: A Beginner's Guide

If you're wondering how to play pickleball, it’s simple! The game is played on a rectangular court with a net in the middle. Here’s a quick rundown of the pickleball basics:

1. Serve: The game starts with the serve. To serve, stand behind the baseline, keep the paddle below your waist, and hit the ball diagonally into the opponent's service box. The serve must be underhand and clear the net.
2. Return: After the serve, the opponent must return the ball. This is done by hitting the ball back over the net, aiming to land it in the opponent’s court. The ball must clear the net and stay inbounds.
3. Rally: Once both players have hit the ball back and forth, it becomes a rally. You’ll continue hitting the ball until one side fails to return it or hits it out of bounds.
4. The Kitchen: The non-volley zone near the net is called the kitchen. You can't step into the kitchen and hit the ball before it bounces unless you’re standing behind the line. This rule helps keep the game safe and strategic.

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Pickleball Rules Explained

Now that you have a basic understanding, let’s dive into the pickleball game rules you need to know:

1. Scoring: Only the serving side can score points. A point is earned if the opponent faults (e.g., misses the ball, hits it out, or steps into the kitchen). Games are typically played to 11 points, and you must win by at least 2 points.
2. Pickleball Scoring Rules: In pickleball scoring rules, players must call out the score before each serve. The score is stated as: server score – receiver score. For example, 3-2 means the server has 3 points, and the receiver has 2 points.
3. Double Bounce Rule: After the ball is served, it must bounce once on each side before players can volley (hit the ball in the air without a bounce). This rule makes the game more strategic.
4. Faults: A fault occurs when a player makes an error, like missing the ball, hitting it out of bounds, or stepping into the kitchen. Faults result in the loss of a point or serve.

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Pickleball Tips for Beginners

If you’re just starting out, here are some pickleball tips for beginners to help you improve your game:

• Practice your serve: Serving is key to starting the point off right. Make sure you get comfortable with underhand serves and aim for accuracy.
• Stay patient: Pickleball can be fast but try to focus on making accurate shots instead of rushing to hit the ball.
• Move your feet: Positioning yourself properly is essential. Keep your feet moving to get into the best spot for each shot.
• Communicate in doubles: If you're playing doubles, communication with your partner is crucial. Make sure you both know who’s covering which side of the court.

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Track Your Progress with DUPR

As you start mastering the pickleball game rules and improving your skills, tracking your progress becomes important. That’s where DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) comes in! DUPR is a player rating system that helps you measure your skills and compare your performance against others in the pickleball community. Whether you’re playing for fun or looking to compete, DUPR offers a fair and dynamic way to track your growth in the sport.

By using DUPR, you can find local players of similar skill levels and join competitive games that match your experience. It’s an excellent tool for pickleball for beginners and seasoned players alike. Download the DUPR app today on iOS and Android!