Start the game with an underhand serve from the right side of the court. The serve must land in the diagonal box behind the kitchen line. It bounces and the receiver returns the ball. The ball must bounce again anywhere on the serving team’s side of the court. After those two bounces, anything goes. The point ends when the ball is hit out, in the net or if it bounces twice. If the serving team wins the rally, the server switches from the right side to the left side of the court and continues to serve. If the rally is lost, the second person on that team serves. Again, if they win the rally, they get a point, switch sides and the second server continues serving. If the rally is lost, the serve goes to the other team and it is their chance to do the same. The player on the right side of their court starts serving and it continues from there until one of the team’s get to 11 points. You can only score points when you are the serving team.

The kitchen, also known as the Non-Volley-Zone (NVZ), is the 7-foot front area on both sides of the net. As the name suggests, you cannot volley while standing in that area. A fault also occurs if your momentum from the shot carries you into the NVZ.

The two-bounce rule applies after a serve. The serve must bounce on the opposite side of the court in the opposite box. When it is returned to the serving team, the ball must bounce again. After the two bounces – one on each side of the court – players may volley the ball if they choose to.

There are 3 numbers in pickleball scoring. The first number is the serving team’s score and the second number is the opposing team’s score. The third number is always a 1 or 2, which reflects if the server is the first or second server when it is their team’s turn to serve.

You only get points when your team is serving, and you must win the rally to score a point. If your first server serves and you lose the rally, the serve goes to your second server who serves from their side of the court. If you score a point, you switch sides of the court, and that second server keeps serving. If you lose the rally, the serve now goes to the opponents, and it is their turn to serve and try to score points.

The main reason that we play pickleball is for fun! If you want to call another player on a kitchen fault (i.e. volleying while standing in the kitchen), let them know nicely that they were in the kitchen. Most players will accept that and move on. If they get upset, continue playing the game. It’s not worth the argument.

Yes, the score needs to be called to start the rally. If a serve is hit before the score is called, the ball is considered dead and must be re-served. Make sure your opponents are ready as well.

The line call must be called immediately after the ball bounced. As soon as the call is made, the ball is dead and the rally is over. Any ball that is hit after the call, is still a dead ball. If the call is made before the ball bounced, it is considered player communication and if the ball then bounces and a player plays it, it is still alive.

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of Badminton, Table Tennis and Tennis. It can be played in singles or doubles formats using paddles and a plastic ball with holes.

A paddle and a ball are essential. Court shoes are ideal for the side-to-side lateral movement on the rougher surface. Safety glasses are highly recommended.

Outdoor pickleballs are usually slightly heavier and harder than indoor balls, and they usually have 40 holes (hence the Franklin X-40). Indoor balls are lighter and softer, and they usually have 26 holes.

No, players need to sign up for a drop-in session or for a bookable court just like any other fitness class.

We have a rental program that allows you to play without buying a paddle. As you get more into the game, it is recommended that you purchase your own paddle.

For people who know how to play and would like to find people to play with, signing up for the Social Drop-in is a great way to meet people and have fun!

• Everyone comes in with their own goals – meeting people socially, meeting people who play at level, going out to have fun, etc. We currently have drop-in sessions that can help you reach those goals.
• Social Drop-In – People who want to meet people and have fun. This drop-in session has no expectations on players’ levels so you can meet and mix with other people!
• 3.0 and Under drop-in – This drop-in session is for players who are self-rated as 3.0 and below. If players of a higher calibre attend, please play accordingly so you can still have fun rallies and good games.
• 3.5 and higher drop-in – This session is for players who have self-rated as a 3.5 level or higher. Slightly higher-level play for better games. If you are below this level, please attend the 3.0 and under drop-in or the social drop-in.
• 4.0 and higher drop-in sessions – These sessions are for advanced-level players who demonstrate good skills and knowledge of the game. It is an opportunity for these players to get better games with each other. If you are a 3.9 or under, please attend the 3.5 drop-in or any of the other sessions.

1.0-2.5 – This player is at the beginner level and getting better at learning the basics of the game. Learning scoring and how to play a game.

3.0 – This player is at the lower intermediate level, getting more comfortable getting up to the kitchen and exploring different shots. Starting to work on the third shot drop, handling moderately hard hits and starting to dink.

3.5 – This player is at an intermediate level, having more confidence and consistency in the drop shots and dinking and able to handle faster-paced rallies. Starting to work on strategy and being able to move the ball around, and pretty comfortable playing at the kitchen.

4.0 – This player is at an advanced intermediate level, being able to comfortably stay in the faster dinking rallies and faster gameplay. Able to reset the ball and keep the ball in play. Understands strategy of the game and how to adapt to different opponents.

4.5 – This player is an advanced-level player, consistently able to drive or drop with limited unforced errors. Able to dink and volley the ball and place the ball where they want the ball to go. Can use different strategies and anticipate their opponent’s shots.

5.0-5.5 – High-level player who hits very few unforced errors, can execute every shot and has no weaknesses. Thinking many shots ahead of the play and can anticipate the opponent’s every move.

• A drop-in session is where you sign up to play with other people who you may or may not know. You will mix and have games with everyone else who is there.
• A booked court is when 4 people book a court. They will stay on their court for their allotted time and do not need to mix with other players or courts.

It is better to book a court with friends so you can play with your partner. In drop-in, there is a possibility that you may play a game with your partner but everyone will be mixed around.