Pickleball 101: A Beginner's Guide to Getting Started

Whether you’re completely new to the game or just looking to sharpen your skills, Power Pickleball Club is the ideal place to start your journey. Our top-notch Spokane Valley facilities and supportive community make it easy for beginners to fall in love with pickleball from the very first serve.

A Brief History of Pickleball

Pickleball may be a modern craze, but it has been around since 1965. The game was invented right here in the Pacific Northwest, on Bainbridge Island near Seattle, by three dads who wanted to create a fun activity for their families to enjoy during the summer. They improvised with a badminton court, a perforated plastic ball, and paddles they crafted from plywood. The game quickly gained popularity, evolving into the sport we know and love today. Despite its quirky name, which some say was inspired by the family dog named “Pickles,” pickleball has become a staple in communities across the country.

What Equipment Do You Need?

Getting started with pickleball is simple, and you don’t need a lot of equipment to play. In fact, at Power Pickleball Club, new players can try it out for free in our Pickleball 101 intro class on Monday and Wednesday at 5:30 PM or Saturday at 10:30 AM. Use one of our loaner paddles for free or pay $25 to try out as many of our top-tier demo paddles as you want (the $25 will be applied to your purchase when you buy from our pro shop.) For those who catch the pickleball bug and want to acquire their own gear, here are the essentials:

1. Pickleball Paddle: The paddle is a bit smaller than a tennis racket and is typically made of lightweight composite or graphite materials. As a beginner, you don’t need to invest in the most expensive paddle, but it’s worth visiting the pro shop at Power Pickleball Club to find a paddle that suits your grip and playing style.

2. Pickleball: The ball used in pickleball is a lightweight, perforated plastic ball, similar to a wiffle ball but slightly smaller and made of thicker plastic. There are different versions of the ball, each designed for optimal play on specific surfaces. Here at Power, we play with “outdoor” balls as they perform best on our SportMaster cushioned hardcourts. “Indoor” balls are better for slick courts such as the wooden floors commonly found in gyms.

3. Court Shoes: Unlike running shoes, court shoes offer the lateral foundation and grip you need to move quickly and safely on the court. The climate-controlled building and supple playing surfaces at Power Pickleball Club are designed to keep you comfortable while you play, so a good pair of court shoes will provide all the foot support you need to get started.

4. Comfortable Athletic Wear: Wear something that allows for a full range of motion. Clothing created with moisture-wicking fabric will keep you cool and dry, especially if you plan to play for extended periods.

Understanding the Basics: Rules of the Game

Pickleball is played on a court that’s about a third the size of a tennis court, making it less physically demanding and easier for beginners to pick up. Here’s a quick rundown of the rules:

The Serve: The game begins with one side serving the ball from behind the baseline, underhand. The serve must be diagonal, landing in the opposite service box without touching the net. Unlike tennis, pickleball only allows one serve attempt.

Double-Bounce Rule: After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before players can hit it in the air (volley). This rule keeps the game fair and encourages longer rallies.

Scoring: Points can only be scored by the serving team. Typically, games are played to 11 points for the win, and a team must win by 2 points. Matches can be singles (one-on-one) or doubles (two-on-two), with doubles being the more common format.

Non-Volley Zone: The area close to the net is called the non-volley zone or “kitchen.” Players cannot volley (hit the ball in the air) while standing in this area. This rule prevents aggressive net play and keeps the game more strategic and balanced.

Why Play at Power Pickleball Club?

Starting your pickleball journey at Power Pickleball Club comes with some fantastic benefits. Our climate-controlled courts ensure that you can play in comfort, no matter the weather outside. The sound-dampening technology in our facility makes for a more enjoyable playing experience, especially during busy times. If you’re looking to improve your skills, our pro shop offers a variety of paddles and accessories, and our staff can help you select the gear that’s right for you.

Additionally, Power Pickleball Club is more than just a place to play. Our snack bar provides the perfect spot to refuel between games, and we even offer rentable space for corporate events, making it easy to combine business and pleasure. Whether you’re playing for fun or getting serious about your game, we have everything you need to succeed. Check out our website to learn more about our Grand Opening Event, membership benefits, and the upcoming Spokane Slam tournament!

Ready to Have Some Fun?

As a sport, pickleball is simple to learn but challenging to master, making it an ideal activity for beginners and seasoned athletes alike. With the right equipment, a basic understanding of the rules, and the fantastic amenities available at Power Pickleball Club, you’ll be ready to jump into the game in no time. So, why wait? Grab your paddle, hit the court, and discover why so many people are falling in love with pickleball!