Pickleball 101: Your Ultimate Beginner’s Guide
- FORGE PB
- Feb 16
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 27
Welcome to The Forge, Orleans' premier indoor pickleball club! Whether you're brand new to the sport or looking to refine your game, this guide will cover everything you need to know to get started. From rules and equipment to strategy and club culture, consider this your gateway to the fastest-growing sport in North America.
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What is Pickleball? Pickleball is a dynamic sport that blends elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. Played on a badminton-sized court, it’s easy to learn but offers deep strategic play that keeps enthusiasts coming back. With a unique mix of reflex-driven volleys, tactical placement, and engaging rallies, pickleball is popular among all ages and skill levels.
Why people love pickleball:
Low-impact and easy on the joints
Social and community-driven
Fast-paced and fun for all skill levels
Indoor and outdoor play options
Basic Rules of the Game Pickleball is played as either singles or doubles, but doubles is by far the most common format.
Serving – Underhand only, with the paddle below the waist. The serve must be diagonal and land beyond the opponent’s non-volley zone (the kitchen).
Two-Bounce Rule – The serve return must bounce before being hit, and the serving team must also let the ball bounce before playing their shot. After these two required bounces, volleys are allowed.
The Kitchen – The 7-foot non-volley zone (NVZ) near the net where volleys are not allowed.
Scoring – Only the serving team can score. Games are typically played to 11, win by 2.
Faults & Let Calls – The ball must land in bounds, and players can’t volley while standing in the kitchen. If a serve hits the net and lands in, play one.
For a full breakdown of the rules, check out our Complete Pickleball Rules Guide.
What to Bring: Essential Gear To have the best experience, you'll want the right equipment in your bag.
Paddle – Your weapon of choice, never leave home without it!
Balls – Outdoor-specific balls for the premium outdoor surface at The Forge.
Shoes – Non-marking court shoes with good grip and lateral support prevent injuries.
Water & Towel – Stay hydrated and wipe off sweat to maintain grip.
Extras – Grip tape, protective eyewear, sweatbands, and a change of clothes for the après session!
Read our Pickleball Equipment Guide for expert gear recommendations.
Pickleball Strategies for Different Skill Levels No matter your level, there are key strategies to elevate your game:
Beginner (2.0-3.0)
Focus on consistency over power.
Master dinking (soft shots into the kitchen).
Learn proper court positioning and the double-bounce requirement on serves.
Intermediate (3.5-4.0)
Improve third-shot drops to transition to the net.
Use strategic shot placement and understand and execute spin for your advantage.
Communicate with your partner in doubles play.
Advanced (4.5+)
Master deception and disguise your shots.
Develop speed-ups and counterattacks at the kitchen.
Utilize stacking and positioning to maximize your strengths.
Identify opponent weaknesses and capitalize on them.
For more in-depth tactics, visit our Pickleball Strategy Guide.
The Spirit of Play: Engaging with Others on the Court Pickleball is as much about sportsmanship as skill. At The Forge, we promote:
Inclusivity – Welcome players of all levels and support their unique set of goals.
Good Etiquette – Call your own faults, compliment good shots, and be respectful.
Level Matching – Engage in games with similar levels but be open to learning from stronger players.
For more on community play, check out our Spirit of Pickleball Guide.
Being a Member at The Forge As a member, you gain:
Unlimited court access (depending on membership tier).
Discounts on clinics, tournaments, and merchandise.
Priority court reservations and exclusive events.
Access to training resources and coaching sessions.
Learn more about The Forge Membership Benefits.
Training & Nutrition for Pickleball Your performance isn’t just about practice—it’s also about fueling your body.
Eat Right – Balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and carbs keep you energized.
Train Smart – Strength, mobility, and reaction drills improve your game.
Recover Well – Proper rest and hydration prevent fatigue and injury.
For tailored tips, check out our Pickleball Fitness & Nutrition Guide.
Injury Prevention & Performance Tips Want to stay pain-free while improving your game? Here’s how:
Footwork & Balance – Proper positioning reduces stress on knees and ankles.
Common Movements – Master the split-step, pivoting, and proper swing mechanics.
Stretching & Warmups – Pre-game warmups and post-game cooldowns prevent tightness and strains.
For more, read our Injury Prevention & Performance Guide.
Next Steps: Where to Go From Here Now that you know the basics, it’s time to hit the court!
Visit The Forge – Book a court and start playing.
Join a Clinic – Our beginner and intermediate clinics accelerate learning.
Meet the Community – Attend open play sessions and connect with fellow players.
Explore Our Event Calendar to see upcoming programs!
This is just the start of your pickleball journey. The more you play, the more you’ll improve and love the game. See you on the courts at The Forge!
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