PICKLEBALL BEGINNER'S GUIDE

A Beginner’s Guide to Playing Pickleball in Orange County

Pickleball is America’s fastest growing sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis.  It’s a fun and social game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. If you’re interested in getting started playing pickleball in Orange County but don’t know where to begin, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to jump right into this exciting sport.

Rules of the Game:
Click here to download the 2024 official rulebook from USA Pickleball.   

The rules of pickleball can seem daunting at first, so below are the basics. 

The non-volley zone: 

Pickleball is played on a court that is 20′ wide x 44′ long, the same size as a doubles badminton court.  What makes pickleball unique is the non-volley zone (aka “the kitchen”), which is the area 7 feet behind both sides of the net.  IF you volley the ball, or hit it out of the air, then you must avoid the non-volley zone before, during, or after (momentum rule) your shot.  You can be in the kitchen at any time if you hit the ball AFTER it bounces. 

The 2-bounce rule:

Speaking of bounce, after the serve (shot 1), each team must let the ball bounce once prior to making contact.  The receiving team must let the ball bounce (1^st bounce) prior to returning the ball (shot 2).   Once the ball bounces anywhere (2^nd bounce) on the other side of the net, the serving team can then hit their third shot (shot 3). 

Which team serves first?  Tradition dictates that the team that is closest to Bainbridge Island near Seattle, the birthplace of pickleball, starts serving first.  In Orange County, that would be the team on the north side of the court. 

Keeping score:

The rally begins with the right-side player announcing the score out loud, using 3 numbers, before their serve.  For example, the score is 5-3-1. The first number indicates your own score.  The second number indicates your opponent’s score.  The last number indicates whether you are the first or second server for that serving opportunity, or “side out.” 

What is a “side out”?  A side out occurs when your opponent has lost both their serves, and it is now your team’s turn to serve.  The person standing on the right side of the court will be Server #1, and the person standing on the left side of the court will be Server #2, for the current side out.  Throughout the course of the game, you can be either Server 1 or Server 2, depending on where you are positioned after a side out.

The serving team is the only team that can score.  The serve must go past the non-volley zone line diagonally cross-court.  If Server 1 scores a point on their serve, they switch positions from the right side to the left side of the court, then serves again.  They continue serving, and switching positions, as long as they keep scoring points.  Once they lose a rally, then it is their partner’s turn to serve as Server 2.   If they lose this second serve, then it is a side out and it is your opponent’s turn to serve.  Each team gets 2 serves per side out.

The exception to the rule:  When starting a new game, the first team to serve only gets 1 serve.  The server must announce the score as 0-0-2, even though they are standing in the Server #1 position.  This is because they only have 1 serve, and side outs happen after the second server loses their serve.

Paddle Advice

One of the first things you’ll need to play pickleball is a paddle. Pickleball paddles come in a variety of materials, weights, and sizes. As a beginner, it’s best to start with a lightweight paddle made of composite materials, as these paddles offer a good balance of power and control. Look for a paddle with a comfortable grip and a size that feels right for your hand. When choosing a paddle, it’s a good idea to try out a few different options to see what feels most comfortable for you.  Do not buy the cheap Amazon paddles, because after one month playing with it, you will want to upgrade to a higher-quality paddle from one of the top brands such as Engage or Selkirk.  There are also a lot of smaller companies such as Vatic and SixZero offering top-rated paddles at an affordable price.  

Whichever option you choose, use this link for 10% off your purchase at Pickleball Superstore.

All of the paddle manufacturers sponsor players or ambassadors for their brand.  These ambassadors usually have demo paddles and discount codes ranging anywhere from 10-50% off.   Send us an email with the words “discount code for (brand)” and we can provide a code or connect you with an ambassador.

Recommended: Engage Pursuit Pro EX featherweight (dm for discount code)

Appropriate Gear:

As with paddles, your choice in shoes is abundant and specific to your needs.  Since pickleball is played on a hard-court surface, it’s essential to wear shoes that provide good traction and support to prevent injuries.  The best shoes for pickleball offer lateral support, are comfortable, and have long-lasting soles (some brands have 6-month guarantees).  Basketball shoes are also a great option for pickleball since it provides stability, ankle support, and even more comfort.  Running shoes are NOT recommended due to the lack of lateral support, and the high cushioning which can cause rolled ankles.

Recommended:  Skechers Viper Court Pro

Additionally, wearing comfortable and moisture-wicking clothing can help keep you comfortable during play, especially if you’re playing outdoors in warm weather.

Finally, get a quality insulated water bottle.  Proper hydration improves performance and prevents injuries on the pickleball court. 

Recommended:  Takeya 40 oz insulated water bottle

Finding Courts:

The best clubs to play pickleball in Orange County:

1.       iPickle – 13 courts in La Habra, and 10 at Cerritos.  Also, multiple locations in LA.

2.       Los Cab Sports Club – 39 courts in Fountain Valley

3.       Tustin Pickleball – 10 pickleball courts in Tustin

4.       The Tennis and Pickleball Club – 35 courts in Newport Beach

5.       Lifetime Fitness – 8 courts in San Clemente

6.       Courtside Superstores – 5 indoor courts in Irvine

7.       Huntington Beach Pickleball – 24 courts in Huntington Beach

8.       Seal Beach Tennis and Pickleball Center – 16 courts in Seal Beach

Free public courts in Orange County:

1.       Bonita Canyon Sports Park  – 4 courts in Newport Beach

2.       Veteran’s Sports Park – 8 courts in Tustin

3.       Worthy Park – 4 courts in Huntington Beach

4.       Map of Irvine pickleball courts – City of Irvine Parks and Rec

5.       Twila Reid Park – 3 courts in Anaheim

Take lessons:

Beginners should consider taking pickleball lessons to build a strong foundation in the sport and accelerate their learning curve.  Professional instruction can provide invaluable guidance on essential techniques, such as proper grip, footwork and shot selection, helping beginners avoid developing bad habits that could hinder their progress later on.

Additionally, structured lessons offer the opportunity to meet new people on the same pickleball journey, understand strategy, and gain confidence in a supportive environment.  Our experienced instructors can provide you with personalized feedback, tailored drills, and constructive criticism, which are crucial for improvement and long-term enjoyment of the game.