Rules · Courts · Gear · Drills

Pickleball rules, court dimensions and paddles — explained simply.

How to play pickleball, how scoring works, what the kitchen rule actually says, how big a pickleball court is, and which paddles and shoes are worth buying. Written for beginners and rec players — no jargon, no affiliate hype.

Rules

Pickleball rules: the complete guide for beginners

The basic rules of pickleball — serving, the two-bounce rule, faults and line calls — in one page.

Updated Aug 2026

Rules

Pickleball scoring: how to keep score in doubles and singles

Why the score has three numbers, how many points you need to win, and how rally scoring differs.

Aug 18, 2026 · 6 min

Rules

Pickleball kitchen rules: the non-volley zone, settled

What the kitchen is, how big it is, when you can stand in it, and why it's called the kitchen.

Aug 11, 2026 · 5 min

Courts

Pickleball court dimensions and size, in feet

20 × 44 ft, the kitchen depth, net height, and how much total space you need around the court.

Updated Aug 2026

Gear

Pickleball paddles for beginners: what to buy first

How to choose a first paddle — weight, grip size, 14mm vs 16mm core — plus what to ignore under $120.

Jul 28, 2026 · 7 min

Gear

Best pickleball shoes: court shoes vs tennis shoes

Pickleball is lateral movement. Running shoes were built to go straight — here’s what to wear instead.

Jul 21, 2026 · 6 min