Pickle is a simple and fun game that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. With two to four players, it’s an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors and engage in a bit of friendly competition. If you’re new to the game, here are 14 steps to help you get started.

1. Gather Equipment: Obtain a pickleball paddle, a pickleball net, and a pickleball (a perforated plastic ball, similar to a whiffle ball). You can also find pickleball sets that include all of the necessary equipment.

2. Find a Court: Pickleball can be played on a modified tennis or badminton court. The court dimensions are 20 feet wide by 44 feet long with a net height of 36 inches at the ends and 34 inches in the center.

3. Establish Boundaries: Mark boundaries using chalk or temporary lines if playing on a non-regulation court.

4. Determine Serving Team: Flip a coin or decide among yourselves who will serve first.

5. Know the Serve Rules: In doubles play, each person on the serving team serves once per rotation. In singles play, you only serve once before switching sides.

6. Prepare to Serve: Stand with both feet behind the serving line and hit the ball underhand into the service box diagonally across from you.

7. Follow Double-Bounce Rule: The receiving team must let the served ball bounce once before returning it over the net, and then the serving team must let it bounce again on their side before returning it.

8. Obey Non-Volley Zone: This zone covers 7 feet on either side of the net and is commonly called “the kitchen.” Avoid stepping into this area while smashing or volleying the ball without letting it bounce first.

9. Understand Scoring: You score points only when your team serves, and a game is typically played to 11 points, winning by at least two points.

10. Rotate Sides: Each time your team scores a point while serving, rotate positions with your partner (if playing doubles).

11. Switch Ends: Once one team reaches six points, both teams switch ends of the court to equalize any advantages caused by wind or sun.

12. Keep Track of the Score: Announce the score before every serve, starting with the serving team’s score, followed by the receiving team’s score and the server number in doubles (1 or 2).

13. Move Continuously: Position yourself and be ready to move quickly from side to side and toward or away from the net as needed.

14. Win the Game: Continue playing until one team wins by reaching at least 11 points and leading by two points.

Now that you understand how to play pickle, grab some friends and give this entertaining game a try!