Get in a pickle: A beginner’s guide to playing pickleball in Yorba Linda

YORBA LINDA, Calif. — If you’ve been hearing all about pickleball, it’s because this sport has become a really big dill, with people of all ages hitting the courts. Whether you’re an ace or just getting into the pickle, this quick guide will have you ready to relish your next match!

What Is Pickleball?

Pickleball is played with a paddle and a plastic ball (no pickles required!). Think of it as a hybrid of tennis, badminton, and table tennis—all in a smaller court. It’s perfect for those who want to have fun without running laps around a full-size tennis court.

The Pickleball Court

The court is like a mini tennis court, about 44 feet long and 20 feet wide. The net sits at 36 inches high at the edges, a little lower in the middle. It’s divided into a right and left service area, and the front areas near the net are known as the “kitchen”—don’t worry, there’s no cooking involved. But you’ll want to keep your feet out of there unless you’re making a volley; stepping into the kitchen at the wrong time is a recipe for a fault.

Equipment You Need

Grab a paddle, which is bigger than a ping pong paddle and smaller than a tennis racket, and a plastic ball that looks like a smaller whiffle ball with holes. No need for a fancy racquet or expensive gear—pickleball’s all about keeping it simple and fun. Comfortable sneakers and some friends ready to dink around are all you need!

How to Play

1. Serving – Stand behind the baseline and serve underhand, hitting the ball diagonally across the court. The serve must clear the net and land in the opposite service box. If you miss the net or send it flying, no worries—you get a second serve. Just no “pickle-brainers” (overhand serves)!
2. Scoring – Games are played to 11 points, and a team must win by at least 2 points. You can only score when you’re serving. You get a point when your opponent misses the ball, hits it out of bounds, or makes an illegal shot.
3. The Double Bounce Rule – No, you don’t have to double-check your bounce; this rule is here to keep things interesting. After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before players can start hitting volleys (a.k.a. not letting the ball touch the ground). That means you can’t go smashing it “pickle-style” until the ball has taken two bounces.
4. Volleys and Dinks – Once those first bounces are out of the way, you can volley all day! But watch out—don’t step into the kitchen unless the ball bounces first, or it’s a “fault.” Mastering a “dink” (a soft shot just over the net) is the key to getting yourself out of a pickle.

Top Tips for New Pickleballers

• Master the Basics – Focus on getting your serves and returns consistent. Pickleball is a game of strategy as much as it is skill, so don’t rush to hit powerful shots; aim for accuracy and control.
• Learn to Dink – A dink isn’t just fun to say; it’s a strategic move to keep your opponent from smashing the ball right back at you. A soft touch is key here—think of it as giving the ball a little pickle pat.
• Stay Out of the Kitchen – Seriously, unless the ball bounces in there first, keep your toes out of the kitchen. You wouldn’t want to get caught sizzling where you shouldn’t be!
• Communicate with Your Partner – Playing doubles? Talk to your partner! Nothing worse than getting into a pickle because you both thought the other was going to take the shot. Teamwork makes the dream pickles work.

Why Pickleball?

Why not? It’s a sport that’s easy to learn, great for socializing, and suitable for all ages. Plus, you get to drop puns like it’s dill-iberate. The pace is faster than badminton but not as intense as tennis, so it’s perfect for anyone looking for a smashing good time. Plus, it’s a great way to socialize and meet new people.

So, grab a paddle, some friends, and get on the court—because it’s time to pickle some balls! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, you’ll find yourself getting hooked, one dink at a time.

Yorba Linda has pickleball courts at Box Canyon Park, Brush Canyon Park, and Las Palomas Tennis Park. For indoor play, our sponsor West Coast Pickleball is a fabulous, state-of-the-art facility, perfect for learning pickleball and not worrying about the weather or waiting for a turn at a public park. They are located at 23061 Savi Ranch Pkwy in Yorba Linda. For more information, call 714.869.7095 or visit www.wcpb.com/wcpb-yorba-linda.

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