Saved assistant message 2026-07-28 22:42

Hi Janna! I've put together a study reviewer based on the pickleball lesson document to help you prepare.


Pickleball Lesson 1 Reviewer

1. Definition & Gameplay

  • What is it? A fast-paced paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong.

  • Court: Played on a badminton-sized court with a lowered net.

  • Format: Can be played as singles (1v1) or doubles (2v2), with doubles being the most common.

  • Objective: Score points by hitting the ball so the opponent cannot return it.

2. The Serve

  • Motion: Must be hit underhand (or via the drop serve option).

  • Direction: Must be hit crosscourt into the opponent’s diagonal service court.

  • Baseline Rule: At least one foot must remain behind the baseline; neither foot can touch the court or baseline during the strike.

  • Contact: Must be below waist level (navel) and the paddle head must be lower than the highest part of the wrist.

3. Core Rules

  • Two-Bounce Rule:

    1. Receiving team lets the serve bounce once.

    1. Serving team lets the return bounce once.

    1. After these two bounces, players can volley or play off a bounce.

  • The Non-Volley Zone ("The Kitchen"):

    • 7-foot area on both sides of the net.

    • Players cannot volley the ball while standing inside this zone.

    • It is a fault if your momentum carries you into the kitchen after a volley.

    • You may enter the kitchen to hit a ball that has already bounced.

4. Scoring & Match Structure

  • Scoring: Only the serving team can score. Games are played to 11 points, winning by a margin of 2.

  • Calling the Score: In doubles, call: Serving Team Score – Receiving Team Score – Server Number (1 or 2).

  • First-Server Exception: To start a game, the first serving team only gets one partner service turn (0-0-2).

  • Match Structure: Best of three games (first to win 2).

5. Equipment

  • Paddle: Made of wood, composite, or graphite. Max length: 17 inches. Combined length/width: max 24 inches.

  • Ball: Lightweight plastic with holes (26–40 holes).

  • Court: 20 feet wide by 44 feet long. Net: 36 inches at sidelines, 34 inches at center.


Common Faults (Rally Ends)

  • Hitting out of bounds or into the net.

  • Letting the ball bounce twice on one side.

  • Volleying before the two-bounce rule is satisfied.

  • Stepping into the kitchen while volleying.

  • A live ball touching a player or their clothing.

Good luck with your studying! Let me know if you need any clarification on these points.