Pickleball: courts, rules and finding people to play with
Pickleball is a paddle sport that mixes tennis, badminton and table tennis on a small court. It is quick to learn, easy on the joints and very social. Courts are still scarce in many European cities, so knowing where to look matters.
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How it's played
- Played on a 13.4 × 6.1 m court (the size of a badminton court) with a 86 cm net, in singles or doubles. Points are scored only by the serving side in traditional scoring, games go to 11 (win by two).
- The serve is underhand and diagonal. The two-bounce rule: the serve and the return must each bounce before volleys are allowed. The non-volley zone (“kitchen”) is the 2.13 m area in front of the net where you may not volley.
- Rallies are fast at the net; patience and dinking (soft shots into the kitchen) win more points than power.
What you need
- Paddle: solid composite or carbon paddle; mid-weight is the safest first choice.
- Ball: perforated plastic ball – indoor balls have fewer, larger holes; outdoor balls are harder with more holes.
- Shoes: court shoes with lateral support (tennis or indoor court shoes). Running shoes are not ideal.
- Many venues use temporary lines and portable nets on tennis or badminton courts; some provide paddles for beginners.
How to find a court near you
- Pickleball is played in indoor sports halls (often on badminton courts), on converted tennis courts, in multi-sport centres and in clubs that run “open play” sessions where you rotate partners.
- Check whether the court is dedicated or shared with lines for other sports, indoor or outdoor, whether paddles can be rented, and whether the venue runs beginner sessions.
- Because courts are new in many cities, availability can be better than for padel or tennis – mornings and weekends are good times to try.
- In Sparrio, filter by pickleball to find venues and request a court, or post a request to find players for doubles.
Booking tips
- For doubles, book the court for 60–90 minutes; games are short, so you can rotate partners.
- Open play sessions are the fastest way to meet players – look for them in venue descriptions.
- Confirm whether the venue has a dedicated net or you need to set up a portable one (allow ten minutes).
What affects the price
- Pickleball courts are usually rented per court per hour, or per person for open play sessions. Indoor halls and peak evening slots cost more.
- Venues in Sparrio show their own price range; we do not publish averages.
Frequently asked questions
Is pickleball easy to learn?
Yes – most people can play a game within half an hour. The two-bounce rule and the kitchen are the only unusual rules.
Can I play pickleball on a tennis court?
Yes, with temporary lines and a lower net; one tennis court fits up to four pickleball courts.
Where do I find pickleball players?
Join an open play session at a venue or post a request in Sparrio for players nearby.
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Last updated: 2026-10-18