Pickleball Beginner’s Guide: Why It’s Fun, Healthy, and Easy to Start

I finally caught the wave—I’m officially playing pickleball now!

For months, I kept seeing it everywhere! My friends are talking about it, celebrities playing, even local parks converting tennis courts into pickleball courts. At first, I thought, “Eh, just another trend.” But curiosity got me, and I decided to give it a try. And let me tell you… I get the hype now. I’ve been playing for a month now… twice or sometimes thrice a week!

Pickleball is officially my new favorite sport, and I think it’s something I’ll enjoy for the rest of my life.

Easy to Learn (Even as a Total Beginner)

I’m not exactly the most athletic person, but pickleball surprised me… it’s really easy to pick up. The basics are simple: grab a paddle, hit the ball over the net, and keep it in play.

Now, the rules? Okay, I’ll admit… they threw me off at first. Things like the “kitchen” rule (yes, there’s an actual kitchen on the court LOL) and the scoring system were confusing. But after a few games, it all started to click. And honestly, even if you mess up, everyone’s usually so chill and encouraging.

The best part—it’s fun right away. You don’t need weeks of practice to feel like you’re “getting it.”

Why Pickleball Feels Different

I’ve dabbled in other activities before like running, swimming, fitness classes, even trying to play golf. But nothing stuck. Pickleball feels different because:

• It’s not exhausting. You’re moving, but you’re not gasping for air.
• It’s easy on the joints. It’s low-impact compared to running or basketball.
• It’s social. You can laugh and chat between points.
• It feels doable for life. This is a sport I can actually see myself playing even when I’m older.

It’s like the sweet spot between exercise and play.

The Health Benefits (Why It’s So Good for You)

Beyond just being fun, pickleball comes with some pretty great health perks:

• Keeps your heart healthy → Even light games get your heart rate up, which helps lower your risk of heart problems.
• Boosts mental health → I always leave the court in a better mood. It’s a stress reliever and mood-booster in one.
• Improves coordination → The quick movements keep your reflexes sharp.
• Supports joint health → Since it’s low-impact, it’s gentle on knees and hips.
• Helps with weight management → You burn calories without it feeling like a workout.
• Longevity → Staying social + staying active = a better quality of life long-term.

Honestly, it’s a workout I look forward to—not something I dread.

Singles or Doubles

Pickleball is flexible—you can play singles (2 players) if you want a faster-paced game or doubles (4 players) if you’re in the mood for something more social. I love that it can fit whatever energy I have that day.

The Social Side

One thing I didn’t expect? How social pickleball is. It’s so easy to meet people. Courts are usually filled with players of all levels, and beginners are always welcome. Plus, families can play together since all ages can pick it up quickly. It’s part workout, part hangout.

Cute Outfits & Must-Have Gear

Okay, let’s be real… half the fun is dressing up for the court. Pickleball has that same vibe as tennis: skorts, sporty tops, bright sneakers. You feel athletic and cute at the same time. hahaha

If you’re just starting, you don’t need to overthink gear. A decent paddle and a comfy skort go a long way. I use Selkirk Latitude 2.0 (coach told me this is good for beginners so I just went for it) I’ve been using it for a little over 3 weeks now (about three times a week), and honestly, I really like it.

It feels light enough that my arm doesn’t get tired, but still solid when I hit the ball. The grip is super comfortable, and I found myself getting the hang of it pretty quickly.

If you’re just starting out, I’d definitely suggest this paddle. It’s beginner-friendly, easy to handle, and makes the game more enjoyable while you’re learning. But if you’re already an intermediate player or pro level, there are so many paddles to choose from, but they’re just more pricey.

Tips if You’re Just Starting Out

• Don’t stress about scoring at first, just focus on hitting the ball and having fun.
• Wear good shoes. Your feet and knees will thank you.
• Bring water!!! Games can get competitive fast. My Owala is my best bud.
• Watch a couple of YouTube tutorials if you want a quicker learning curve.
• Most importantly… just play! You’ll learn by doing.

Why I’ll Stick With Pickleball

This doesn’t feel like a “phase” for me. It feels like a sport I can actually grow with. Whether it’s for exercise, community, or just to get outside more, pickleball checks all the boxes.

If you’ve been thinking about trying it, take this as your sign. Grab a paddle, find a court, and see what the hype’s about. Who knows you might get hooked, just like me.

So, have you tried pickleball yet? If not, what’s stopping you?