Woman lunging forward to hit a yellow pickleball with a paddle on a blue court outdoors.
The Pickleball Directory / Getting started

NEW TO
PICKLEBALL?

Never played before? You’re in the right place. Watch how the game works, explore the court and find your first place to play in the UK.

Find your first game ↗ See how to play ↓
A player holding a pickleball paddle and ball before serving on an outdoor court Your first rally starts here
Watch / Discover / Try

SO, WHAT IS
PICKLEBALL?

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. You rally a perforated plastic ball over a net on a court smaller than a tennis court.

Play one against one (singles) or two against two (doubles). It's easy to start learning, sociable, and offers plenty of room to develop your skills.

Serve Begin with a diagonal serve.
Rally Keep the ball in play.
Score Play to the agreed target.

Watch Coach Pickle, then use the interactive court below to learn the lines and positions. Detailed pickleball rules ↗

Next up: discover the court

Tap its zones and explore the positions before you step on court.

Explore the court ↓
LEARN THE LAYOUT

EXPLORE THE COURT.

Tap the different areas of the court to discover what they do, where to stand and how to play. Try the singles, doubles and guided modes.

Interactive guide

Learn The Pickleball Court

Tap a zone to see what it means, or switch to Singles or Doubles to see exactly where players stand and move.

SERVE SERVE KITCHEN NVZ NET 44FT / 13.4M 7FT NVZ 7FT NVZ A B C D
Tap the court to explore
Your next move

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO START?

There's no one right way to begin. Choose the experience that sounds most like you.

OPTION 01 / GUIDED

LEARN WITH A COACH

Prefer a friendly introduction where someone shows you the basics? Look for a beginner coaching session or introductory lesson.

Explore pickleball coaches ↗ OPTION 02 / SOCIAL

JOIN A SOCIAL SESSION

Want to meet other players? Find an organised social club and ask which sessions welcome first-timers.

Browse social clubs ↗ OPTION 03 / WITH FRIENDS

HIRE A COURT

Already have someone to play with? Search nearby courts and check availability, booking rules and equipment hire before you go.

Find a pickleball court ↗

Good to know: A venue being listed doesn't necessarily mean it offers coached or beginner sessions. Check the listing and confirm with the organiser before booking.

The quick version

FOUR RULES. THEN YOU'RE OFF.

You don't have to memorise the rulebook before your first rally. Start with these.

01 / THE SERVE

Serve diagonally

Serve from behind the baseline into the opposite service area, past the kitchen line. A legal drop serve is also allowed.

02 / TWO BOUNCES

Let it bounce twice

The returner lets the serve bounce. The server then lets the return bounce. After that, volleys are allowed.

03 / THE KITCHEN

Mind the kitchen

You can't volley while touching the non-volley zone or its line. You can step in to play a bounced ball.

04 / THE SCORE

Agree how to score

Traditional scoring lets only the serving side score. Games often go to 11, win by two. Check your session's format.

Need the complete rules?

Serving faults, doubles rotation, line calls, kitchen momentum and scoring examples are all covered in our dedicated Rules guide.

Read the full Rules guide ↗
Take the nerves out of it

YOUR FIRST SESSION, SORTED.

Here's what the experience is usually like — and what to check before you arrive.

WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS?

  1. Choose an appropriate session. Check whether it's explicitly described as beginner-friendly, social or coached, and whether advance booking is needed.
  2. Arrive and introduce yourself. Let the organiser know it's your first time, and ask about paddle and ball availability.
  3. Warm up and learn the basics. Some sessions start with demonstrations; others introduce new players through informal rallies.
  4. Play at your own pace. You may rotate partners and courts at a social session, or work through drills with a coach. Formats vary.

You can ask the organiser about accessibility, session length, changing facilities, parking and any additional equipment fees in advance.

Learn by doing

READY TO RALLY?

Five quick questions to check you've got the basics. No sign-up, no pressure — just a confidence boost before your first game.

Question 1 of 5

Loading your first question…

Questions before your first game

BEGINNER QUESTIONS, ANSWERED.

Everything from turning up alone to what to wear — without the jargon.

Can I try pickleball with no experience?

Yes. Introductory and beginner sessions are intended for people who are new to the game. Check the session's advertised level and tell the organiser you're a first-time player.

Can I go to pickleball on my own?

Often, yes. An organised social session may match players and rotate partners. Court hire usually means organising your own playing group. Ask the organiser how that particular session works.

Do I need my own pickleball paddle?

Not necessarily. Some beginner sessions and venues supply paddles and balls, sometimes for a hire fee. Check before booking rather than buying equipment just to try the sport.

What should I wear to my first session?

Wear comfortable sports clothing, suitable supportive court shoes and bring water. If you're playing indoors, check whether the venue requires non-marking soles.

What happens during a beginner pickleball session?

Formats vary. You might begin with a short introduction and practice rallies, move on to serving and scoring, and finish with informal games or rotation between courts. Coaching sessions may be more structured.

How much does it cost to try pickleball?

Prices vary depending on the venue, session length, whether coaching is included, and equipment hire. Look for booking prices on the listing or contact the organiser to confirm the total cost.

Do I need a club membership?

Not always. Some venues offer pay-and-play court hire or organised sessions without membership. Other clubs restrict access to members, so check the booking conditions.

Can children or older adults try pickleball?

Pickleball can be adapted for a range of ages and abilities. Check the organiser's age restrictions, supervision requirements, accessibility arrangements and session intensity to find a suitable option.

How many people do you need for pickleball?

Two people can play singles, and four can play doubles. A social session may allow you to join without bringing a playing partner; a court booking may not.

Is pickleball easier to learn than tennis?

Many newcomers find the smaller court and shorter paddle approachable, but that depends on individual experience. You'll still develop technique and tactics as you play more.

How long does a pickleball session last?

It depends on the venue and organiser. Check the actual start and finish times when booking and allow extra time to find the court, change and warm up.

Where can I find beginner pickleball sessions near me?

Start with our social club directory, pickleball coaches or the court finder. Confirm directly that a listed session welcomes beginners.

From curious to on court

YOUR FIRST RALLY IS WAITING.

You've seen the game, explored the court and learned the essentials. Now find somewhere that suits you and give it a go.

Find a pickleball court ↗Find a social club ↗Find a coach ↗
The Pickleball Directory.
Find your place in pickleball.

Your next game is only the start.

Find places to play, clubs, sessions and useful updates across the UK and Ireland.

1,600+ venues listed
UK & IRELAND places to discover
  • Find somewhere to play Venues, clubs and organised sessions.
  • Get the essentials Rules, coaching and practical guides.
  • See what's happening News, events and community updates.
THE PICKLEBALL DIRECTORY COMMUNITY

Be part of what's next.

Tell us where you play and choose whether you'd like updates from The Pickleball Directory.

Just your town or postcode area. No full address needed.

Privacy notice.