Pickleball basics are the foundation of confident play. This section is designed to help new and returning players understand how the game works before stepping on the court.
Here you’ll find clear explanations of the rules, scoring system, serving requirements, and court guidelines that shape every match. Whether you’re learning for the first time or brushing up on details you’ve forgotten, this hub points you to the right place.
Start with the sections below to explore specific topics like official rules, serving legality, scoring formats, and common faults.
A legality-first serve hub for 2025–2026: quick glossary, legal serve snapshot, yes/no checklist, drop vs volley serve rules, spin-on-release clarity, foot faults, net-touch serves, 0-0-2, and the most common serve FAQs.
Learn the rules to pickleball, including serving, scoring, and net height. Our guide covers everything you need to know about this fast-growing sport.
Banned Pickleball Paddles 2025: The Complete USAP & UPA-A List of Illegal, Decertified, and Removed Models You just fought through a tough bracket. The referee approaches, clipboard in hand, and points to your paddle. “Sorry, that model was decertified this morning,” they say. “You’re disqualified.” Even if you only play local events, questions about Banned…
UPA-A Approved Paddle List + Certification Guide UPA-A Approved List Updated: January 23, 2026 • Coverage: 31 brands, 145 models Quick Summary: The UPA-A paddle list is the new standard for professional pickleball. If you compete on the PPA Tour or in MLP, you must use a UPA-A certified paddle. Recreational and amateur players can…
Check if your paddle is USA Pickleball approved and tournament-legal – and see what that really means. Unlike the official database, this live-updated USAP Approved Paddle List doesn’t just show the names; it allows you to search, see what’s new, and check which paddles were banned this year. Last Updated: January 30, 2026 (Updated Daily)…
Think power wins games? Think again. These no-fluff Pickleball Tips for Beginners fix the 3 habits sabotaging your success, so you can win smarter, not harder.
Dekel Bar’s serve is shaking up pickleball. Here’s how he does it, why it matters, and what you can learn to amp up your own game.
Pickleball Scoring: How to Keep Score the Easy Way (With Examples) Last Thursday, right after open play wrapped, a new player stepped off the court, shook his head, and told me, “Coach, I swear I hit more winners than anybody here… but everyone kept telling me it wasn’t my turn to serve.” I’ve seen that…
Pickleball Targeting Rule: The New Safety Standard Everyone Is Talking About The pickleball targeting rule has taken center stage, setting strict penalties for shots aimed above an opponent’s shoulders. As professional players adapt, fans and officials are debating its impact. Is it a step toward safer play, or does it stifle the game’s explosive power?…
Everything You Need to Know About the 2025 Pickleball Rules Every January, the rulebook resets, and the whole sport takes one collective breath. Some players panic, some cheer, and some shrug until a ref calls something they’ve never heard before. But whether you’re a seasoned grinder chasing every edge or a beginner trying to sort…