Introduction to
Outdoor Pickleball
September 2025
Topic: Introduction to Pickleball Rules, Scoring, and Court Positioning
Objective: This session is designed for new players to learn the fundamental rules of pickleball, understand the scoring system, and grasp the importance of proper court positioning. By the end of the lesson, participants will understand the game's flow, how to keep score, and how positioning impacts game play.
Goals:
- Learn fundamental pickleball rules, including serving, faults, and the two-bounce rule.
- Understand the unique pickleball scoring system.
- Emphasize effective court positioning for both singles and doubles play.
Equipment Needed: Targets, cones
Session Breakdown
1. Warm-Up (5 Minutes)
- Dynamic Stretches: Arm circles, leg swings, shoulder stretches.
- Footwork Drill: Light jogging around the court, side shuffling along the baseline and Non-Volley Zone (NVZ).
2. Instructor Explanation & Demonstration (15 Minutes)
- Basic Rules of Pickleball:
- Serving: Learn underhand, diagonal serving techniques and basic rules for a legal serve.
- Two-Bounce Rule: Understand that both teams must let the ball bounce once before volleys are allowed.
- Non-Volley Zone (The Kitchen): Discover the NVZ and why players cannot step into it to volley the ball.
- Scoring:
- Pickleball Scoring Basics: Learn that only the serving team can score points. Practice calling the score: server's score, receiver's score, and server number (e.g., "3-2-1").
- Games to 11: Understand that games are typically played to 11 points, win by 2.
- Side-Outs: Learn when the serve switches to the other team (after both players on the serving team have served).
- Importance of Court Positioning:
- Baseline vs. Net: Understand the importance of moving toward the net after a serve or return for better game control.
- Non-Volley Zone Strategy: Discuss how positioning at the NVZ provides a strategic advantage.
- Doubles Teamwork: Learn effective doubles positioning (side-by-side at the net or staggered during serve/return) for efficient court coverage.
3. Serving and Scoring Practice (10 Minutes)
- Setup: Players pair up (4 per court). One player serves, the other practices returning. Rotate serves every 5 attempts.
- Focus: Practice calling out the score before each serve and tracking points. Emphasize correct serving technique and scoring system comprehension.
4. Two-Bounce Rule Drill (10 Minutes)
- Setup: Players pair up and rally, adhering to the two-bounce rule. Each rally starts with a serve and return, ensuring both sides let the ball bounce before volleying.
- Focus: Reinforce understanding of the two-bounce rule and its impact on game flow. Encourage proper movement to position after the two bounces.
5. Positioning Practice (10 Minutes)
- Setup: Players practice moving from the baseline to the NVZ line after serving or returning. One player serves, and both players move toward the NVZ line after the return of serve.
- Focus: Emphasize how moving up to the NVZ provides control over the point. Practice quick but controlled court positioning.
6. Games (15 Minutes)
- Mini-Game to 5 Points:
- Setup: Divide into groups of 4 (two players per side). Play short games to 5 points, applying all basic rules and the correct scoring system.
- Focus: Reinforce score calling, two-bounce rule application, and proper positioning. Rotate teams after each mini-game.
- Positioning Challenge:
- Setup: Play another game with a focus on positioning. After every serve and return, both players must move to the NVZ line as quickly as possible.
- Focus: Encourage fast movement and strong court positioning, highlighting why staying near the NVZ is crucial for controlling the game.
7. Homework
- Practice Serving: Dedicate 10 minutes to consistent and accurate serve practice.
- Two-Bounce Rule Rally: Practice rallies focusing on the two-bounce rule to become comfortable with game flow.
- Positioning Practice: Practice moving from the baseline to the NVZ line after serves and returns to improve court positioning.
Why These Basics Are Crucial
Learning the rules, scoring, and correct positioning is fundamental for new pickleball players to effectively play and fully enjoy the game.
- Understanding the Rules prevents confusion, avoids mistakes, and ensures fair, competitive play by clarifying serving, faulting, and the two-bounce rule.
- Mastering the Scoring System keeps the game flowing smoothly. Knowing how to call the score and when the serve changes sides helps players stay focused, organized, and minimizes delays or disputes.
- Correct Positioning is essential for game control. Moving to the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ) after a serve or return offers a significant strategic advantage, allowing players to attack from the most dominant court position. Proper positioning improves court coverage, prevents opponents from exploiting gaps, and enhances teamwork in doubles.
Program Details:Date: September 6 - 20, 2025
Day: Saturday
Time Adults: 8:00AM - 9:00AM
Ages Adults: 18+
Time Kids: 9:30AM - 10:30AM
Ages Kids: 10 - 17
Cost: $80 Residents / $90 Non-residents
Location: MHS - Outdoor Pickleball Courts