Frequently Asked Questions for Pickleball
Welcome to the Dink Quest Pickleball General FAQ! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, we’ve compiled answers to the most common pickleball questions to help you better understand and enjoy the game.
1. General Pickleball Questions
Pickleball is a fast-growing sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is played on a smaller court with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes. It can be played indoors or outdoors, in singles (1v1) or doubles (2v2) format.
There are two common stories:
Some say it was named after the inventor’s dog, Pickles, who would chase the ball.
Others claim it was named after a “pickle boat” in rowing, which refers to a mix of leftover rowers—similar to how pickleball is a mix of different sports.
Is pickleball easy to learn?
Yes! Pickleball is very beginner-friendly due to its smaller court, simple rules, and slower-paced play compared to other racquet sports. However, mastering advanced strategies like dinking, third-shot drops, and volleys takes time and practice.
Where can I play pickleball in the UK?
Pickleball is growing across the UK, with more courts opening in leisure centres, community centres, and dedicated clubs. Check Pickleball England or local club directories to find a court near you.
2. Pickleball Rules & Gameplay
✅ Games are played to 11 points (win by 2).
✅ Only the serving team can score.
✅ The ball must bounce once on each side after the serve (two-bounce rule).
✅ You cannot volley (hit in the air) while standing in the Non-Volley Zone (“kitchen”).
What is the “two-bounce rule”?
The ball must bounce once on the receiving team’s side and then once on the serving team’s side before volleys are allowed. This prevents quick smash plays and encourages longer rallies.
What is the “kitchen” in pickleball?
The kitchen, or Non-Volley Zone (NVZ), is a 7-foot area on both sides of the net. Players cannot volley the ball while standing in this zone. They can enter the kitchen to play a ball only after it has bounced.
Can you serve overhand in pickleball?
No. Pickleball serves must be underhand, with the paddle contacting the ball below waist level. The motion must be an upward arc, and the ball must be struck diagonally into the opponent’s service box.
What happens if the ball hits the net on a serve?
If the ball hits the net but lands in the correct service area, it is a let serve and is replayed. If it lands outside the service box, it is a fault and the server loses their turn.
3. Scoring & Serving
Only the serving team can score. The game is typically played to 11 points (win by 2), though some tournaments use 15 or 21 points.
How does serving work in doubles pickleball?
Each player on a team gets a turn to serve before a side out.
The first serve always starts on the right-hand side of the court.
If a point is won, the server switches sides with their partner and continues serving.
If a fault occurs, the serve goes to the second server.
If both players on a team lose their serve, the other team gets the ball.
How do you call the score in doubles?
The score in doubles is called using three numbers:
📢 (Your Team’s Score) – (Opponent’s Score) – (Server Number)
For example:
🔹 If your team has 4 points, the opponents have 3, and you’re the first server: “4-3-1”
🔹 If you lose the rally and your partner is serving next: “4-3-2”
🔹 If the opposing team wins the serve: “3-4-1”
4. Equipment & Court
You need:
🏓 A pickleball paddle (wood, composite, or graphite).
🎾 A pickleball (a perforated plastic ball, like a wiffle ball).
🏟 A pickleball court (20 ft x 44 ft, smaller than a tennis court).
👟 Non-marking court shoes (recommended for indoor play).
How is a pickleball court different from a tennis court?
A pickleball court is smaller—the same size as a doubles badminton court (20 ft x 44 ft). Unlike tennis, the kitchen prevents players from volleying near the net, making for a unique playing style.
Can you play pickleball on a tennis court?
Yes! Many tennis courts are lined for pickleball. You can set up temporary pickleball nets or use a lower tennis net adjusted to 34 inches at the centre.
5. Strategy & Skill Improvement
A dink is a soft shot that lands in the opponent’s kitchen, forcing them to hit upwards. It’s a key strategy in the “soft game” that helps set up winning shots.
What is the third shot drop?
The third shot drop is a soft, controlled shot hit from the serving team’s backcourt into the opponent’s kitchen, allowing the serving team to move forward and take control at the net.
Where should I stand during a game?
After serving: Move up toward the kitchen line as soon as possible.
When returning serve: Stay back until after the two-bounce rule, then advance to the kitchen.
During rallies: Maintain control at the kitchen line, as most points are won near the net.
How can I improve my pickleball game?
Master dinking to control the pace of play.
Improve your serve placement to force weaker returns.
Practice the third shot drop to transition to the net effectively.
Communicate with your partner in doubles for better positioning.
Stay patient—pickleball is about control, not just power!
6. Pickleball in the UK
Yes! Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK, with new clubs, courts, and tournaments popping up nationwide. More leisure centres and sports facilities are adding pickleball lines to courts.
Are there professional pickleball tournaments in the UK?
Yes! There are regional, national, and international tournaments in the UK. Organisations like Pickleball England and UK Pickleball Association help promote and organise events.
How can I find a local pickleball club?
Check out Pickleball England, local community centres, or search on social media for clubs near you. Many cities now have dedicated pickleball courts and clubs.
We hope this FAQ guide answers your questions about pickleball! If you have more, feel free to contact us or check out our latest articles at Dink Quest. 🏓🔥
Here is a printable version for you to print and learn quickly.