Played as singles or in pairs and suitable for all ages & abilities, Pickleball is a cross between tennis, badminton and table-tennis. As one of the world’s fastest growing sports, the game is easy to learn and simple to play.

Played on a badminton-sized court with a lowered net, Pickleball uses large, flexible paddles to hit a plastic ball with holes in it. The ball is less bouncy than a tennis ball and doesn’t fly as fast through the air. The table tennis-style paddle is also much easier to handle as it’s shorter and lighter than a tennis racquet.

The size of the court and design of the ball - with its reduced velocity compared to other racquet sports - means people of all different ages and abilities can enjoy the game together. It’s an exciting, social game that still provides a good workout and is also easier on the body than tennis or squash, meaning it’s the perfect game for all ages to play together. Racquet sport novices and enthusiasts alike will enjoy Pickleball, with the added benefit of improving their reaction time and coordination.

Like any sport, it takes a bit of practice to get good but if you’ve ever had a go at hitting a ball or shuttlecock around during P.E or at the park with friends, you’ll soon be able to pick up the basics.

A beginner’s guide to the rules of Pickleball:

• The first player or pair to win 11 points (with at least a 2-point lead) is the winner.
• Service is made diagonally cross-court and serves must be underarm. There are no second serves.
• There’s a 7-foot non-volley zone on either side of the net (often referred to as ‘the kitchen’ – see below for more terminology!)
• The service ball must bounce in the receiving court (beyond the non-volley zone) before it’s returned, then bounce in the service court on its way back before it can be returned again (the double bounce rule).
• The rally can then continue with any combination of volleys and strokes (except in the kitchen).
• Only the server can win a point. If they fault, service goes to the opponent.
• If playing doubles, player one serves until they fault and service then passes to their partner. When they fault, play passes to the opposite team.
• Ways to fault include: not following the double bounce rule, hitting the ball into your side of the net or out of bounds, violating the service rules and volleying in the Kitchen.
• In a bit of a pickle? For a more detailed explanation of the rules, here’s a handy PDF and you can watch a short video demo on the official Pickleball Scotland Website.

Part of the fun of Pickleball is all the unique terminology that you will soon pick up and incorporate into your games.

Useful Pickleball terms to know:

• The Kitchen: Informal term for the non-volley zone - the area within seven feet of each side of the net where volleying is not allowed.
• No-Man’s Land: The area on the court between the kitchen and the baseline. Also referred to as the transition zone.
• Dink: A light, controlled shot that moves downward shortly after it clears the net, landing in the no-volley zone.
• Pickle!: Some players shout ‘Pickle!’ to let the other players know they are about to serve. Don’t worry, this is totally optional!
• Pickled: If a team scores zero points by the end of the game, they have been pickled.
• Volley llama:If you fault by hitting a volley in The Kitchen then you are a Volley Llama!