Blog - Pickleball Rookie

How to Play Pickleball for Beginners: A Quickstart Guide

December 18, 2025April 6, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court with a perforated plastic ball and solid paddles. The game is unique because of the “Non-Volley Zone” (Kitchen)—a 7-foot area near the net where you cannot smash the ball out of the air. To start playing in 2026, you only need three things: court shoes (for safety), a learner-friendly paddle (to keep the ball in play), and a willingness to stay out of the kitchen!

Congratulations on deciding to give pickleball a try! This fun and engaging sport is an excellent way to stay active, socialize, and learn new skills. As a beginner, especially if you haven’t played sports before, you might feel overwhelmed or unsure about where to start. Pickleball Rookie has helped many people get started; we’re happy to share advice to help you begin your pickleball journey.

It’s in the Stars: Zodiac Signs and Pickleball Play

November 20, 2025April 3, 2023 by Drew Pierce

What if the stars aligned to determine how you play pickleball? We know it sounds out of this world, but for the astrologically inclined, there’s a connection. Here’s a light-hearted look at how your zodiac sign influences your pickleball game.

The Best Pickleball Vacations for Players at All Levels

November 20, 2025March 26, 2023 by Drew Pierce

From all-inclusive spots for a week-long getaway to a la carte overnights, we share some of the best places to travel for a pickleball vacation.

Pickleball fanatics, it’s time to unite and embark on the ultimate adventure – pickleball vacations! With the sport’s meteoric rise in popularity, vacation spots worldwide are jumping on the bandwagon and offering unforgettable experiences tailored to pickleball players of all skill levels.

Whether you’re dreaming of a luxurious all-inclusive weeklong retreat or a spontaneous weekend escape to play pickleball, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll unveil some of the most enticing pickleball vacation havens that cater to players at all levels. So, gather your gear, dust off your paddle, and prepare for an exhilarating journey through the captivating world of pickleball vacations!

How to Improve Reaction Time in Pickleball

November 20, 2025March 24, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Pickleball players of all ages understand that improving your reaction time can elevate your game to the next level.

The fierce exchange of volleys. Four players at the line, dripping sweat, ripping forehands and backhands with mind-numbing speed. High-level pickleball can be an exhilarating knife fight. Aside from an insanely cool Erne or ATP, winning a rally like this is the best feeling in pickleball.

But losing? Losing one of these tenacious rallies is a drag.

Here’s the good news. You can increase your reaction time, and I’m going to give you some tips and tricks on how to do it.

Pickleball Accessories and Gadgets to Level Up Your Game

November 20, 2025March 22, 2023 by Drew Pierce

From score counters to funky visors to compression gear, new pickleball accessories hit the market every day.

Hey there, pickleball fanatics! You know what they say: “Look good, feel good, play good.” As fellow pickleball enthusiasts, we understand that having the right accessories and gadgets can make a world of difference in your game. With pickleball skyrocketing in popularity, the world of pickleball treasures is overflowing with innovative and cutting-edge products designed to elevate your performance while ensuring you look and feel like a pro on the court.

Our Favorite Pickleball Outfits for 2023 and Beyond

November 20, 2025March 17, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Are you looking to level up your pickleball outfits with fresh pickleball clothes?

Pickleball offers players greater latitude when it comes to fashion rules, making the court a colorful place to be.

Look, it’s no secret that pickleball does not enjoy the same lauded reputation in the fashion world as tennis. Close your eyes and imagine the stereotypical pickleball player’s clothing. Are you envisioning a boxy shirt that features tacky, paddle-wielding pickles? Are the pickles wearing sweatbands and sunglasses? Yikes.

11 Unwritten Pickleball Rules: The Ultimate Etiquette Guide (2026)

January 25, 2026March 13, 2023 by Drew Pierce

Pickleball is unique because it is 50% sport and 50% social event. The quickest way to get ostracized at Open Play isn’t missing shots—it’s breaking the unwritten rules. The “Golden Rule” is simple: Call line calls in your opponent’s favor, announce the score loudly before every serve, and for the love of the game, stop coaching your partner unless they ask.

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world and is enjoyed by millions of people. It’s a great way to get some exercise and socialize with friends, but it also brings an unspoken code of conduct — pickleball etiquette.

Like most sports, there are some unwritten guidelines that all players should follow to ensure everyone has a fun, safe, and enjoyable game.

This article will focus on the basic unwritten rules of pickleball etiquette that all beginners should know. From what to wear to how to tap paddles, we’ll prep you for your first few pickleball matches so you can focus on the game.

Pickleball Open Play – Playing for the First Time

November 20, 2025March 9, 2023 by Drew Pierce

If you have yet to discover the expanding sport of pickleball, you’re in the right place to open up a whole new world. You may have heard all about pickleball and would love to try it out, but you need to figure out how you join in the fun.

When Do You Switch Sides in Pickleball?

January 5, 2026March 8, 2023 by Drew Pierce

In standard recreational play (games to 11), you typically do not switch sides unless wind or sun is a major factor. In tournament play (Match format), you switch sides after Game 1. If a third game is needed, you switch sides when the first team reaches 6 points (in a game to 11) or 8 points (in a game to 15).

Knowing when to switch sides is one of the most challenging concepts for new pickleball players to grasp. I’ve seen my fair share of confusion on the court when it comes to switching sides, but it gets better with time and practice.

From alternating serves to showing common courtesy when in rec play, this is your guide on when to switch sides when playing pickleball.

6 Pickleball Trends You Need to Know About

November 20, 2025March 6, 2023 by Drew Pierce

From more aggressive play to high socks and higher court rental rates, we look at the latest pickleball trends.

Pickleball is a rapidly growing sport that has captured the attention of players of all ages and skill levels. With its unique blend of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, it’s no surprise that pickleball has become a favorite pastime for many.

Let’s explore several of the latest pickleball trends currently taking the sport by storm. From more aggressive play to celebrity investors, these pickleball trends are shaping the future of the sport and helping to take the game to new heights. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to pickleball, there’s never been a better time to pick up a paddle and join the fun.