Learning and coaching pickleball

Pickleball is a racket sport for people of all ages and abilities.

It mixes parts of badminton, tennis and table tennis, and two or four people can play.

These notes cover the basics for new players and for anyone who wants to coach. They draw on guidance from Pickleball England, which runs the coaching pathway in England.

How the game works

Players use solid paddles and a perforated plastic ball. The court is the size of a badminton court, 6.1m by 13.4m. The net is 36 inches high at the sides and 34 inches in the middle.

The serve is hit underhand from behind the baseline. It goes diagonally into the opponent's service box, and each server gets one attempt. After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before anyone can hit it out of the air. Only the serving side scores points. A game ends when one side reaches 11 points with a 2-point lead.

The kitchen

Each side of the net has a non-volley zone, which players call the kitchen. You may hit a ball in the kitchen once it has bounced. You may not volley while standing in it, and your momentum after a volley must not carry you into it.

Finding a court

Indoors, you can play on a badminton court. Its lines leave the kitchen about 6 inches too narrow on each side, so some sports centres agree to add a kitchen line if you ask. Outdoors, one tennis court can hold up to 4 pickleball courts. Clubs mark lines with chalk, tape or spray paint.

New players need no special kit. Comfortable clothing and tennis shoes or trainers are enough for a club taster session.

Playing safely

Pickleball England encourages clubs to teach one lesson early. Not every ball needs to be reached, and letting a hard one go is often the safest choice. Players should never run backwards for a ball over their head.

Each player decides whether they are fit to play and stops if they feel pain or dizziness. Coaches and volunteers should welcome a conversation about a health condition, without trying to assess it. Pickleball England also strongly encourages protective eyewear.

Becoming a coach

The first course for new coaches is Pickleball Activator, which used to be called the Pickleball Leaders Certification. It suits competent players starting a club, coaches from other sports and teachers. The next step is the Level 1 Club Instructor workshop, and Activator is now required before it. Level 2 was first piloted in 2025.

Pickleball England lists a coach on its website once they have shown these steps are complete.

A passed workshop assessment, rules and workbook exam, and written reflections assignment.
An enhanced DBS check.
Safeguarding in sport training.
First aid training.

It also recognises the IPTPA coaching qualification.

Starting a club

Pickleball England suggests a sports centre with badminton courts as a good place to begin. Regular block bookings and your own equipment are a good reason to set up a formal club. Pickleball England offers a club constitution template and a risk assessment form to adapt.