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How to Play Pickleball

start your Pickleball journey at Austin Pickle Ranch

Rules

Pickleball is a mashup of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, but with its own unique twist!

Serving

Start the point by standing behind the baseline and underhand that funky plastic ball diagonally across the court.

Two Bounces

After the pickleball bounces once on each side, that's your green light to make your friends run all over the court like they're late to a BBQ.

Hold On Ya’ll

If you want to step into the kitchen to smack the ball, you have to let it bounce first.  It is a strict no-volley zone. After you hit it get back out so you can keep playing

Score  Point

Opponents must hit the ball in the court or on the line to score a point.

Scoring

Let us give you the 4-1-1 on Pickleball scoring.

Only the serving team can score

Serve from the right side when your score is even and from the left when it’s odd,  keep serving as long as you win the point. The only exception is the first serve of the game, when only one player serves.

Lose the Point,
lose your serve

Hit the ball in the net or out of bounds? Score doesn't change. Now it's your partner's turn to serve. Both servers lose? It's the other team's turn.

Games usually go to 11 (win by 2)

Play to 11. If it’s close, keep going until someone’s ahead by two.

Lingo

Words you might hear on the court.

“dINK”

A soft and controlled shot played close to the net.

“Sideout”

When the serving team fails to win the rally, resulting in a loss of serve and the opposing team gaining the opportunity to serve.

“match”

A series of games played to determine the overall winner.

“Volley”

Hitting the ball out of the air before it bounces on your side of the court.

“Kitchen”

A non-volley zone located near the net where players are restricted from hitting volleys.

“Rally”

The continuous, dynamic exchange of shots between opponents.

Learn
Pickleball

Start your pickleball journey by learning the four key areas of the game!  Our beginner clinics are called Greenhorn, which are designed to help you learn the basics of pickleball and build confidence on the court.

Start Playing Today

Introducing

Greenhorn Clinics

Learn how to play pickleball by completing our 4 Greenhorn Clinics.

1

INTRO TO PICKLEBALL

Learn the basics of rules, scoring, and equipment so you feel confident on the court.

2

Intro to Non-volley Zone

Get comfortable at the net and learn how to move, position yourself, and enjoy the non-volley zone.

3

Intro to Serve & Service return

Build confidence and consistency while serving and returning to keep the ball in play with ease.

4

INTRO TO Transition zone

Master court movement, learn smart positioning, and get ready for your first open play.

Learn how to play pickleball.

Book Greenhorn

More ways to Learn

More ways to play, grow or start your pickleball journey.

Zoeya Khan
Riley O’Connor
Jeff Rausch
Jed Miracle
Camden Suhoza
Austin Bricker

Lessons

Strengthen your game with a coach

Practice & Drills

Play with others learning the game

Open Play

Get on court and play

Pickleball  Pro tips

Coaches tips on Instagram @austinpickleranch

How to Third Shot Drop

How to Return & Serve

3 Simple Warm Ups

View all Pickleball Pro Tips

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