Simple Rules, Serious Fun: How to Play Pickleball

If you’ve been hearing the word Pickleball everywhere lately, you’re not alone. It’s the fastest-growing sport in the country—and for good reason! Pickleball is easy to learn, incredibly fun to play, and a great way to get moving, no matter your fitness level. And now, it’s coming to be FITNESS!

Whether you’re brand new or just curious, we’ve broken down the basics so you can hit the court with confidence.

What Is Pickleball, Anyway?

Think of Pickleball as a mashup of tennis, ping pong, and badminton. It’s played on a smaller court with a paddle and a plastic ball (yes, the one with holes in it). You can play singles or doubles, and it's just as fun either way.

The Court & Equipment

Court Size: 20 x 44 feet (smaller than a tennis court)
Net Height: 36 inches at the sidelines, 34 in the middle
Paddle: Bigger than a ping pong paddle, smaller than a tennis racquet
Ball: Lightweight plastic with holes

Don't worry—we provide paddles and balls at be FITNESS, so all you need to bring is yourself (and maybe a water bottle).

The Basic Rules

Pickleball is known for being beginner-friendly, with rules that are simple to pick up:

1. Serving

Serve underhand and diagonally across the court.

The ball must land in the opposite service box.

Only one serve attempt is allowed—no do-overs (unless the ball hits the net and lands in the correct box—called a “let”).

2. Scoring

Games are usually played to 11 points (win by 2).

Only the serving team can score points.

Points are scored when the opposing team commits a fault (like hitting the ball out of bounds or into the net).

3. Double Bounce Rule

After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before players can start volleying (hitting it in the air).

4. Stay Out of the Kitchen!

The “kitchen” (aka the non-volley zone) is a 7-foot area on both sides of the net.

You can’t hit the ball in the air while standing in the kitchen. It keeps the game fair and strategic!

Why You’ll Love It

Pickleball is:

Social – Great for connecting with others
Low Impact – Easier on the joints
Quick to Learn – But challenging to master
A Workout in Disguise – You'll break a sweat without

Ready to Play?

Our new Pickleball program at be FITNESS is open to all levels. Whether you want to learn the ropes, get competitive, or just have a blast with friends, we’ve got you covered. First-timers welcome—bring a friend and give it a shot!