Pickleball welcomes everyone, regardless of gender, size, age, skill level, or athletic ability. No paddle or balls? No problem! We offer complimentary paddles to get you started. This accessible game is simple to learn, offering a refreshing break for your knees and the flexibility to customize your cardio intensity.

Pickleball has gained incredible popularity, making it the most rapidly expanding sport in the United States. Originating in Bainbridge, Washington in 1965, this paddle ball sport ingeniously merges elements from tennis, ping pong, and badminton. Interestingly, the game's name, "Pickleball," is said to have been inspired by the founder's wife. She likened the inventive sport to the "Pickle Boat" in crew, where leftover oarsmen were assembled from other boats.

Pickleball is a versatile sport that can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors, with its popularity extending worldwide. The dimensions of a Pickleball court are 44 by 20 feet, divided by a net that stands 34 inches high at the center and 36 inches at the posts. Each side of the court features designated LEFT and RIGHT service areas, while a 7-foot section known as the "non-volley zone" (often called the Kitchen) exists on both sides of the net.

There are two basic rules that you must know when you play pickleball. People will help you out on the courts, but it’s best to have these rules swimming around in your mind before heading out. Don’t worry if you mess up and forget about these rules. Even experienced players mess up on these sometimes!

One of the most well-known regulations in pickleball revolves around the kitchen, also known as the non-volley zone. This designated area is located 7 feet from the net on both sides of the court. Here's a concise explanation of the kitchen rule:

You are not allowed to volley a ball while standing within the kitchen, nor if the momentum of your volley causes you to step into the kitchen.

A volley refers to striking the ball in mid-air before it has touched the ground. If the ball has already bounced, you can safely enter the kitchen to hit it. 

However, if you volley the ball while inside the kitchen before it bounces, it is considered a fault. It's important to note that this rule only applies to volleys, and you are free to be in the kitchen as much as you like once the ball has bounced.

The purpose of this rule is to prevent players from dominating the game by continuously smashing shots from the net. Such a tactic would obviously be unfair, and the kitchen rule effectively eliminates it.

The key strategy for the kitchen is to position your feet approximately 1-2 inches behind the kitchen line. When it's time to execute a volley, make a conscious effort not to step forward. It may take some practice to become accustomed to this technique, but it's the most effective way to train yourself. Trust us, everyone experiences moments of stepping into the kitchen and committing a fault, especially in the early stages of learning the game.

This is another rule that often catches beginners off guard. I remember when I was starting out, it would trip me up multiple times during a match. It's actually quite amusing when someone forgets this rule because it's fairly straightforward. Let me explain:

The double bounce rule requires the ball to bounce once after the serve and once again after the return serve.

Essentially, when someone serves the ball, the opposing return server cannot hit it directly out of mid-air (volley). Similarly, when the return server hits the ball back to the serving team, they too must let it bounce before attempting a volley. Hence the name "double bounce rule" - the ball must bounce on each side before volleys can be made.

Sounds simple enough, right? Well, our former self as a beginner in pickleball would beg to differ.

This rule can be a bit challenging to get accustomed to since it's easy to forget in the heat of the game. The temptation to hit balls in the air can be strong. The best way to avoid this mistake is to consciously remind yourself and your partner not to step too far forward when serving the ball. Staying back in the court will help prevent premature volleys.