Pickleball is one of the easiest racket sports to pick up — the court is smaller than tennis, the ball moves slower, and most beginners are rallying comfortably within their first session. Here's what you need to know before you play.
What is pickleball?
A paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. It's played on a court about the same size as a doubles badminton court, with a perforated plastic ball (like a wiffle ball) and solid, lightweight paddles. Games can be singles or doubles.
What you need
- A pickleball paddle — solid, not strung. Paddle rental is available at every Top Padel pickleball venue.
- Comfortable court shoes with good lateral grip.
- A pickleball (perforated plastic) — provided at the club.
The basic rules
- Serve underarm, diagonally, below waist height.
- The "kitchen" — a 7-foot no-volley zone either side of the net — is central to the game. You can't volley (hit the ball out of the air) while standing inside it.
- Only the serving side can score a point.
- Games are typically played to 11, win by 2.
Tips for your first game
- Don't rush the kitchen line — most beginner mistakes happen from volleying too early or standing in the kitchen by accident.
- The soft "dink" shot (a gentle shot into the opponent's kitchen) is the heart of pickleball strategy once you're past the basics.
- Play doubles first — it's more forgiving for beginners and how most social pickleball is played.
Play your first game at Top Padel
Top Padel runs pickleball at four venues: Me'aisem (Dubai, outdoor), AIS Sharjah (indoor + outdoor), Universal American School and Deira International School (both Dubai, indoor). See our full pickleball page for community details, or read our padel vs pickleball guide if you're deciding between the two. Message your nearest club on WhatsApp to book.
