What are the basic rules of pickleball?

Serve Each point starts with an under-hand serve, from behind the back line which must be hit diagonally to the opposite square. The serve must clear the non-volley zone (including the non-volley line). A server gets 1 service attempt. If the server wins the point, they continue to serve and alternate sides. In doubles, both players get to serve regardless of whether they win their first point on serve. When the service is lost, then both players in the opposing pair get to be the server. Play ‘Double Bounce Rule’ - Each team must play their first return shot off the bounce. It is only after the third short that the ball can either be volleyed or played off the bounce. Volleys - Players are only allowed to volley when their feet are behind the non-volley zone line. The point is lost if the volleyer’s momentum carries the player into the non-volley zone after volleying. Scoring Pickleball is scored as a first to 11 points, with two clear points needed to win. A point can only be won by the serving team.

Are pickleballs the same as tennis balls?

No. A pickleball is a round plastic ball which weighs roughly half the weight of a tennis ball and has between 26 and 40 holes across its surface. Pickleballs are available to hire or purchase at our Chiswick venue.

What should I wear to play pickleball?

Like tennis or padel, for pickleball you can play in whatever you feel most happy in – think t-shirts, shorts, tracksuit bottoms, sweatshirts and a comfortable pair of trainers.

Getting Started in

Pickleball

Why You Should Start Playing Pickleball

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America and for good reason! It's a social sport, that is great for all ages and based more on control and reactions rather than just speed and power!

Played in both 'singles' or 'doubles', Pickleball is very easy to pick up and uses a court similar in layout to a tennis court but, about a quarter of the size.

An Introduction To Pickleball

We've put together a guide on how to play, the history of the game, our top Pickleball activities and a list of FAQ's with help from our friends at Pickleball England.

Park Sports Chiswick has four floodlit outdoor pickleball courts available for pay & play bookings and adult coaching sessions.

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Park Sports Chiswick Pickleball Game Play

Invented in Washington in 1965, Pickleball mixes elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis.

Download the Rules

Pickleball How to Play

Pickleball - Frequently Asked Questions

Browse all FAQs

Can I hire pickleball equipment?
What are the basic rules of pickleball?
Serve
- Each point starts with an under-hand serve, from behind the back line which must be hit diagonally to the opposite square.
- The serve must clear the non-volley zone (including the non-volley line).
- A server gets 1 service attempt.
- If the server wins the point, they continue to serve and alternate sides.
- In doubles, both players get to serve regardless of whether they win their first point on serve.
- When the service is lost, then both players in the opposing pair get to be the server.
Play
- ‘Double Bounce Rule’ - Each team must play their first return shot off the bounce. It is only after the third short that the ball can either be volleyed or played off the bounce.
- Volleys - Players are only allowed to volley when their feet are behind the non-volley zone line. The point is lost if the volleyer’s momentum carries the player into the non-volley zone after volleying.
Scoring
- Pickleball is scored as a first to 11 points, with two clear points needed to win.
- A point can only be won by the serving team.
Are pickleballs the same as tennis balls?
What should I wear to play pickleball?

Book a Pickleball Court

Playing together is a brilliant way for the whole family to keep active and playing with your kids will help them progress their game.

To book a pickleball court online you will first need to set up an account. We strongly recommend booking online. Alternatively, you can take a chance and 'drop in' at our Chiswick venue.

Everyone can book up to 7 days in advance, with new court availability released at 7.00am each morning.

Paddles and balls can be hired during café opening hours. To collect your equipment, please visit reception before your booking. You’ll need to present a valid photo ID, which will be securely held at reception while you play.

Book a Court

Join a Weekly Social

Ideal for beginner and improver players, Weekly Pickleball Socials are the ideal introduction to Pickleball and a great chance to meet players of a similar playing ability. Each social includes one hour of coach-led pickleball drills focusing on key elements of the game, followed by an hour of mix-in and play.

Available to book up to 7 days in advance.

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Park Sports Chiswick Pickleball Weekly Socials

Join a Beginner Course

Our Adult Beginner Pickleball Courses are for new Pickleball players just starting, or those who may struggle with the fundamentals.

Coaching includes drills and games to steadily introduce players to the game; teaching the basics of stroke play, in game tactics and how to keep score.

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Park Sports Chiswick Pickleball Beginner Courses

Sign up to a Double's Social Tournament

Compete in one of our Park Sports Chiswick Pickleball Tournaments in a friendly and sociable atmosphere.

For doubles events, no partner is needed, and our coaches will organise player pairings throughout the day. Players play with different partners, against several different opponents over the duration of the 3 hour tournament.

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