Learn to
Play.
Everything you need to know — from your first swing to understanding the rules. Easy to learn, hard to put down.
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Played on a court roughly the size of a badminton court with a lower net, a plastic perforated ball, and solid paddles. One of the most accessible sports around — you'll be rallying within minutes of picking up a paddle for the first time.
Court Dimensions
A pickleball court is 20ft wide and 44ft long — similar in size to a badminton court, much more manageable than a tennis court. The same dimensions apply for both singles and doubles.
The Key Rules
Simple enough to learn in a few minutes. Here are the five things to know before your first game.
Serve underhand, below the waist, diagonally into the opposite service box. Only one attempt allowed. Always start from the right side.
After the serve, both sides must let the ball bounce once before volleying. Receiver bounces first, then server. After those two bounces, volleying is allowed.
The 7ft zone on each side of the net. You cannot volley while standing in it or on the line. You can enter the kitchen to play a ball that has bounced there.
Only the serving team scores. Games are played to 11, win by 2. In doubles both players serve before the serve changes sides.
Ball out of bounds, not clearing the net, volleying in the kitchen, or serve landing in the kitchen. A fault by the serving team passes the serve to the opponent.
Line calls: Any ball touching any line is in — except a serve touching the kitchen line, which is a fault.
The "Ball On" Rule
We operate a clear "ball on" policy at all sessions. If a stray ball enters the court during a live point, either player has the right to call "ball on" immediately — at which point play stops and the point is replayed.
This is first and foremost a safety issue — a ball underfoot mid-rally is a real hazard. It's also a clear distraction that makes fair play impossible.
Other clubs may have some flex on this, but our position is simple: if "ball on" is called promptly and clearly as soon as it happens — the point is halted and replayed, no questions asked.
Equipment
You don't need much. We have loaners available for newcomers at sessions.
Paddle
Smaller than a tennis racquet, bigger than a ping-pong bat. Lightweight composite, graphite or carbon fibre. Beginners often prefer lighter paddles (7–8oz) for control.
Ball
Hard plastic with holes. Outdoor balls have 40 smaller holes for stability in wind. We play both indoors and outdoors — outdoor balls for the courts, indoor balls for the Dome.
Net
Lower than a tennis net — 36 inches at the sides, 34 at the centre. Six outdoor courts and an indoor Sports Dome at Woodbridge School.
Footwear
Court shoes or trainers with lateral support. Avoid thick running soles. Non-marking soles are ideal for court surfaces.
Skill Levels
Pickleball uses a self-rating system useful for tournaments and finding evenly matched games. Every level is welcome at our sessions.
Give it a go.
All abilities welcome. Join our Spond group to book a session — paddles available for newcomers at Woodbridge School sessions.