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Pickleball 101 - A Guide for Beginners

A mix of tennis, badminton and ping pong, pickleball is a sport that can be played by people of all ages. But don’t let the funny name and perforated plastic ball fool you, the game can be addictive and quickly develop into a fast-paced competition for seasoned players.

The fastest growing sport in the U.S. (for the fourth year running as of 2025), pickleball was founded in 1965 in Bainbridge Island, Washington as a way for three dads to entertain their bored kids. Combining a wiffle ball, table tennis paddles and a lowered badminton net, Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum created a game that would eventually take the world by storm.

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Today, several pickleball governing bodies like USA Pickleball and the Global Pickleball Federation exist alongside professional tours and leagues to standardize rules, sanction events and grow the sport on a global level. It’s certainly one of the most popular fitness activities at most private country clubs, and Superstition Mountain is no exception. Our members get together on a weekly basis and play for fun, exercise and bragging rights.

If you’re new to the game, USA Pickleball.org and the organization’s guide on how to play pickleball, is a great place to start. Also check out our blog: 4 simple pickleball playing tips to improve your game.

Learn the Basics of Pickleball

Can be played 1:1 (singles) or 2:2 (doubles)

Only the serving team can score and serves must be underhand and hit crosscourt

There’s a two-bounce rule – the serve and return must bounce before volleys can begin

A 14-foot area near the net is designated as the “kitchen” and volleying is not allowed in this space

A point loss is issued for hitting out of bounds, hitting the net, double bounces and kitchen volleying

Games are played to 11 points, but you must win by at least two points

Pickleball Equipment

The paddles are key to the game, and a variety of styles are available. We’ll quickly break down the material options but there are also some variations in shape and size.

Wood and composite paddles are the most common for beginning and intermediate players. Wood is the most affordable choice but can be heavy, causing increased fatigue and slower reaction times. Composite paddles are a more balanced choice offering power and control at a reasonable price point. Some models even sport a textured surface for better spin. Graphite paddles take it up a notch and are usually more expensive but advanced players enjoy the control and maneuverability of this lighter weight paddle. The tradeoff of the lighter materials is they may lack the raw power of heavier paddles. And carbon fiber paddles are the premium option for advanced players. These stiff paddles offer great precision, spin and power but they are the most expensive and can be unforgiving on mishits.

Tip: Beginners often start with a composite paddle to balance affordability and performance. Advanced players usually gravitate toward carbon fiber paddles for extra power, spin, and precision

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Talk the Talk

Like any sport, pickleball comes with its own jargon. Learning a few common terms will help you follow the action and feel more confident on the court.

Dink: a soft shot that lands just over the net in the non-volley zone, often used to slow the game and force errors

ATP (around-the-post): a legal shot hit around the net post rather than over the net

Erne: an advanced play where a player steps outside the kitchen to volley the ball near the net

Poaching: crossing into your partner’s side to intercept a shot

So head out there, drop a dink into the kitchen and stay ready in case your opponent tries to poach.

Whether you’re picking up a paddle for the first time or perfecting your soft game at the net, Pickleball offers a fun, social way to stay active and connected. Grab a paddle, join a game and see why this fast-growing sport has become a favorite on our courts or stop by the sports club and hit the court.