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.