
How to Play

How to Play
Rules of the Game
Official Ball
Hard plastic white, yellow or orange 2 3/4 inches diameter.
Like Tennis in slow motion!
The pickleball flies about one-third as fast as a tennis ball, on a court that is about one-third as large as a tennis court.
Paddles
Hard-surface paddles may be made of wood, metal or graphite. The hitting surface must be noncompressible or not have holes or textures to increase the speed or spin of the ball. Paddles and grips must conform to size standards.
Divisions
• Junior's (Youth)
• Men's/Women's/Seniors Singles
• Men's/Women's/Seniors Doubles
• Mixed (Co-ed) Doubles
Scoring
Serves are made underhand from behind the baseline (service area), diagonally to the opponent's service court, alternating from the right and left.
The serve and the service return must bounce once before striking the ball. After that, returns can include volleys.
The server scores when the opponent fails to return the ball over the net.
A game is when a play or team has 11 points and leads the opponent by at least 2 points. Matches are two-out-of-three games.
Beginning Fundamentals & Tips
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FIRST 5 SHOTS...................IN, IN, LOW, LOW, LOW
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SERVE DEEP, RETURN DEEP, GET TO THE KITCHEN
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RESET AT THE KITCHEN LINE, PADDLE UP
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FOLLOW THE BALL WITH YOUR SHOULDERS
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HELP YOUR PARTNER WITH LINE CALLS
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NEVER BACK UP, TURN & GO TO THE BALL
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SAFETY FIRST, BALL ON COURT-STOP PLAY IMMEDIATELY
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COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR PARTNER
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FOREHAND HAS PRIORITY
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FOOTWORK IS KEY
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KNEES BENT/HEAD/LOWER BODY REMAIN STILL TILL PADDLE MEETS BALL
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SHORT BACKSWING & FOLLOW THROUGH WITH UPWARD MOTION

PLAYER SKILL RATINGS
1.0 - 2.0
Just starting to play and has no other sports background. Minimal Understanding of the rules.
2.5
Limited Experience. Can short rally with players of equal ability. Basic ability to keep score.
3.0
Understands fundamentals. Knows proper court positioning. Can keep score. Tournament ready.
3.5
Moves quickly and acknowledges difference between fun play and tournament play. Knows basics of stacking and understands situations where it can be effective.
4.0
Aware of partner's position on the court and is able to move as a team. Able to identify opponents weaknesses and forms a game plan to attack. Seek out more competitive play.
4.5
Good footwork and moves well and efficiently on the court. Communicates well with partner. Understands strategy and can adjust style of play and game plan according to the opponent's strengths and weaknesses.
5.0
Master in Pickleball strategies. Has efficient footwork and improved quickness. Rarely makes unforced errors.
5.5
Top caliber - performance and tournament. Consistently performs at a high level.
Instructional pickleball clinics offer a dynamic and engaging environment for players of all skill levels to refine their pickleball game. These clinics are designed to provide guidance on the rules, techniques, and strategies of pickleball, ensuring that participants not only understand the fundamentals but also acquire advanced skills. Participants benefit from a structured curriculum, led by experienced instructors, that covers everything from proper grip and footwork to strategic court positioning and effective shot selection.
The clinics often incorporate a combination of drills, match simulations, and personalized feedback, fostering a supportive learning community among participants. Whether you're a novice looking to grasp the basics or an experienced player seeking to elevate your game, instructional pickleball clinics offer an invaluable opportunity to enhance your skills and passion for this rapidly growing sport.