Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S. Fans of the game grew by nearly 40% during the pandemic and continued to climb to an estimated 20 million players in 2024. A simple-to-learn, easy-to-play sport that offers a great way to stay active and social, it’s easy to see why pickleball has become so popular.
This post breaks down everything you need to know to get started, including what to wear, what gear to bring, fundamental rules, and what to expect from your first game.
What Is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a paddle sport that draws inspiration from tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It’s played on a small court with a net, a perforated plastic ball, and a paddle. Games are usually played in doubles, making it naturally social and easier to pick up than many other sports.
Because the court is compact and the rules are straightforward, beginners often find success quickly. The game offers light cardio, sharpens reflexes, and builds strength without putting too much strain on joints.
Why So Many Women Are Trying It
- It’s active without being intense
- It’s easy to learn at almost any age
- It supports coordination, balance, and focus
- It’s fun and social, and only as competitive as you want it to be
Many women enjoy pickleball because it offers a combination of movement, structure, and a low-pressure way to stay physically engaged. It’s a game that can be picked up quickly, whether you play once a week or dive in more regularly.
What to Wear
Pickleball doesn’t require a special uniform, but athletic wear similar to what you would wear for a tennis match will likely be the most comfortable on the court.
Consider wearing:
- A lightweight or sweat-wicking t-shirt
- A pair of shorts, skort, or lightweight leggings
- Court or tennis shoes that support side-to-side movement. Avoid running shoes that typically don’t offer the stability needed for a court game.
Gear to Bring or Borrow
If you’re just starting out, most pickleball clubs offer loaner paddles. Once you’ve decided you like the game, here are suggestions for your own starter pack of gear.
Paddle Look for a composite or graphite paddle in a midweight range (7.5 to 8.5 ounces). A few beginner-friendly brands include Selkirk, HEAD, and Onix.
Ball Pickleballs are available in both indoor and outdoor versions. Outdoor balls are a bit heavier and have smaller holes.
Other helpful items include a reusable water bottle, a sweat towel, and a bag to carry your gear.
How Long Does a Game Last?
Most games are played to 11 points and must be won by 2 points. A casual game of doubles usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. If you’re playing during open court time, expect to rotate in and out with others, which keeps things moving and low-pressure.
Some local parks and centers offer beginner’s hours, so beginner’s can learn at a slightly slower pace. No one expects perfection, and most people are happy to explain things as you go.
Basic Rules Beginners Should Know
Understanding these simple rules will help you feel confident stepping onto the court:
- Games are played to 11 points and must be won by 2 points. Only the serving team can score points.
- Each serve must be underhand and hit diagonally across the court. The serving player must keep both feet behind the baseline during the serve.
- Each team must let the ball bounce once on each side before volleying it out of the air, a rule known as the two-bounce rule.
- No volleys are allowed in the kitchen, which is what the non-volley zone, extending 7 feet on each side of the net, is called.
- After a fault, the serve rotates. In doubles, both players on the serving team take a turn before the other team serves.
These rules may seem overwhelming at first, but most players catch on quickly. Watching a few games before you play can also help everything click. Author’s side note: In this author’s first game, a woman twenty-five years my senior was also on the court for her first game. In our doubles game together, she learned the rules faster and scored twice as many points as I did without breaking a sweat. #schooled
Tips to Get Started
- Learn the basics, especially serving and court boundaries
- Start with doubles to get comfortable
- Stay light on your feet and keep your paddle up
- Focus on consistency more than power
If You’re Easing Back Into Fitness or Want a New Way to Move
Pickleball makes social exercise simple and fun. It supports your health, gives you a reason to get outside, and builds a connection with others.
Consider showing up once and seeing how it feels. One game is all it takes to find out if it’s for you.
