Pickleball mixes tennis, badminton and table tennis. It is mostly played in doubles on a small court, with a solid paddle and a plastic ball with holes. The rules take a few minutes to learn, which makes it a great sport to start at any age.
The basic rules
- The court is 20 × 44 ft (6.10 × 13.41 m), the size of a doubles badminton court, with a net slightly lower than in tennis.
- The serve is underhand, diagonal, and must clear the non-volley zone.
- The two-bounce rule: after the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before anyone can volley it.
- The kitchen (non-volley zone): you cannot volley with your feet inside this 7 ft (2.13 m) zone next to the net.
- Scoring: only the serving side scores, and games are usually played to 11, win by 2.
Gear
- A paddle: an entry-level model is enough to start, and several Paris clubs lend them.
- Balls: indoor balls for gyms, harder outdoor balls for playing outside.
- Shoes: clean indoor shoes in gyms, tennis shoes outdoors.
Your first steps in Paris
- Pick a place near you on the map of places.
- Join an open session marked “all levels” or “beginner”: it’s free on Paddle Pals.
- Ask to borrow a paddle when you book if you don’t have one.
- Play doubles: it’s easier to learn and more fun.
Paddle Pals sessions show a level (beginner, 3.0, 3.5…), close to DUPR ratings. Don’t be shy about coming as a beginner: that’s what the community is for.