What is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis (ping-pong). It's played on a compact court - about a third the size of a tennis court - with a solid paddle and a lightweight perforated plastic ball. The game can be played as singles or doubles, indoors or outdoors, and suits all ages and abilities.

What makes pickleball unique is its simplicity. The rules are easy to learn, the underhand serve removes power as a barrier to entry, and the 'kitchen' (non-volley zone) keeps rallies long and strategic. Most beginners are playing competitive points within their first session. That accessibility - combined with genuinely engaging gameplay - is why pickleball is now the fastest-growing sport in the world.

Australia has embraced pickleball faster than almost any country in the world. Participation has grown exponentially year-on-year, with dedicated pickleball venues, converted tennis courts, and pop-up events now operating in every capital city and many regional centres. The sport appeals to Australians' love of outdoor activity, social sport, and friendly competition - whether you're a retired tennis player looking for lower-impact rallies, a young athlete chasing a new competitive outlet, or a family looking for something everyone can play together.

Pickleball has a handful of simple rules that make it easy to pick up but endlessly strategic at higher levels. Here are the key concepts you need to know — or read the full pickleball rules guide for serving, scoring and the kitchen in detail.

Scoring is the part that confuses every new player. It takes about two games to click - here it is in four steps.

1. 1

   Only the serving side can score

   If the receiving side wins the rally they do not get a point - they get the serve (or a side out). That's why games can swing quickly once a team strings rallies together.

2. 2

   Call three numbers, in order

   In doubles you call your score, then the opposition score, then whether you are the first or second server: '4-2-1'. Every game starts at '0-0-2', because the first serving team only gets one server before handing over.

3. 3

   Both partners serve before a side out

   When the first server loses a rally, the serve passes to their partner. When the second server loses a rally, the serve goes to the other team. Serving partners switch sides of the court after each point they win.

4. 4

   Games to 11, win by 2

   Standard games are first to 11 with a two-point margin, so 12-10 or 15-13 are common finishes. Matches are usually best of three. Some league and tournament formats use rally scoring or games to 15 or 21 - always check the event format.

Official measurements used across Australian clubs, tournaments and the NPL. Handy if you're marking out a court or converting a tennis court.

A fault ends the rally. If your side is serving you lose the serve; if you're receiving, the other team scores.

• -Serving into the net, out of bounds, or into the wrong service court
• -Failing to let the serve and the return bounce (the two-bounce rule)
• -Volleying while standing in - or falling into - the non-volley zone
• -Hitting the ball out of bounds or into the net
• -Letting the ball bounce twice before returning it
• -Touching the net, posts or opponent's court while the ball is live

The words you'll hear courtside in your first month of playing.

Dink

A soft shot from near the kitchen that lands in the opponent's non-volley zone.

Third-shot drop

The serving team's soft third shot, used to neutralise the returners and get to the kitchen line.

Kitchen

Nickname for the non-volley zone, the 2.13 m strip either side of the net.

Erne

A volley hit while jumping around, or standing outside, the kitchen beside the net post.

ATP

Around the post - a legal shot that travels outside the net post, below net height.

Stacking

A doubles formation where partners line up on the same side so each stays on their stronger wing.

Side out

Loss of serve by both partners, handing the serve to the opposition.

Poach

Crossing in front of your partner to intercept a ball intended for them.

Reset

Taking pace off a hard drive so the ball lands softly in the kitchen and neutralises the attack.

Banger

A player who drives almost every ball hard rather than playing the soft game.

Getting started is affordable. All you really need is a paddle and a ball - most venues provide both for beginners.

You don't need gear, a partner or any experience. Here's exactly how a first session works in Australia.

1. 1

   Find a session near you

   Most venues run beginner or open-play sessions where paddles and balls are supplied. You don't need a partner - players rotate on and off court. Use the NPL venue finder to see courts, session times and booking links in your city.

2. 2

   Turn up in what you'd wear to the gym

   Shorts or a skirt, a t-shirt, and court shoes with lateral support. Bring water and a towel. Avoid running shoes if you can - pickleball involves a lot of side-to-side movement.

3. 3

   Learn the two-bounce rule first

   The serve must bounce, and the return must bounce, before anyone volleys. Get that right and the rest of the game follows naturally.

4. 4

   Get to the kitchen line

   The team that gets to the non-volley zone line first usually wins the point. Beginners tend to stay back - move up after the return and you'll improve quickly.

5. 5

   Find your level

   Ratings run from 2.0 (beginner) to 5.0+ (pro). DUPR is the Official Ratings Partner of the National Pickleball League, and every NPL match is DUPR-rated. Most social sessions are split by rough skill bands so you're matched with similar players.

The questions new players ask most often, answered for Australia.