Beginner's Guide to Pickleball in Australia
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in Australia, and for good reason. It's easy to pick up, works for all ages and fitness levels, and it's genuinely fun from your very...
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in Australia, and for good reason. It's easy to pick up, works for all ages and fitness levels, and it's genuinely fun from your very first game. If you've been hearing about pickleball and want to give it a go, this guide covers everything you need to know.
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. You play on a court about the size of a badminton court, using a solid paddle and a lightweight perforated plastic ball (similar to a wiffle ball).
Games are played as singles or doubles, with doubles being the most popular format. The rules are simple, the rallies are fun, and most people are comfortable playing within their first 15 minutes on court.
What Equipment Do You Need?
To start playing pickleball, you need:
A paddle. This is the most important piece of equipment. Unlike tennis racquets, pickleball paddles are solid (no strings) and come in different materials. For beginners, a fibreglass paddle is the best option - they're lightweight, forgiving, and affordable.
Pickleballs. The ball is plastic with holes in it. Outdoor balls have smaller, more numerous holes and are heavier. Indoor balls have larger holes and are lighter. If you're playing at a venue that's noise-sensitive, quiet pickleballs (like our DigiPro balls) are worth considering.
Court shoes. Any flat-soled court shoe works - tennis shoes, volleyball shoes, or indoor court shoes. Avoid running shoes as they don't provide lateral support.
That's it. No special clothing required. Wear what's comfortable.
Our Recommendation for Beginners
If you're starting from scratch, a pickleball set is the best value. Our sets include two paddles, balls, and paddle covers - everything you need for your first game.
If you just want a single paddle, our fibreglass paddles start at $79 AUD and are purpose-built for beginners.
Basic Rules in 2 Minutes
Here's the quick version:
Serving. Serve underhand, diagonally across the court. The ball must bounce once before the receiving team can return it.
The double bounce rule. After the serve, the return must also bounce before being hit. After these two bounces, players can volley (hit the ball out of the air) or play off the bounce.
The kitchen (non-volley zone). There's a 2.1m zone on each side of the net called the kitchen. You can't volley the ball while standing in this zone. You can step into it to play a ball that has bounced.
Scoring. Games are typically played to 11 points, win by 2. Only the serving team can score points.
Faults. Hitting the ball out of bounds, into the net, or volleying in the kitchen are all faults.
For the full rules breakdown, check out our complete guide on how to play pickleball.
Where to Play Pickleball in Australia
Pickleball courts are popping up across the country. Many tennis clubs, recreation centres, and community sports facilities now have dedicated pickleball courts or allow pickleball on their existing courts.
New South Wales: Sydney has a growing number of venues with dedicated pickleball courts and social sessions. Check our guide to pickleball courts in NSW for a full list.
Victoria: Melbourne and surrounding areas have an active pickleball community with regular social play. See our guide to pickleball courts in Victoria.
Other states: Pickleball Australia and local associations maintain court directories for Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania.
Tip: Search for local pickleball groups on Facebook. Most areas have active groups that organise social sessions - a great way to try the sport and meet other players.
Choosing Your First Paddle
The two main paddle materials are fibreglass and carbon fibre. Here's the quick breakdown:
Fibreglass paddles (from $79 AUD) have a softer, more forgiving face. Off-centre hits still go where you want them, making them ideal while you develop your technique. They're lighter on the wallet too.
Carbon fibre paddles (from $139 AUD) offer more control, spin, and durability. The textured face grips the ball for enhanced spin shots. Better suited for players who play regularly and want to improve.
Our advice: Start with fibreglass. Learn the basics, develop your technique, and see how often you play. If you get hooked and want more control and spin, upgrade to carbon fibre later.
What Weight Should a Beginner Paddle Be?
Aim for 220g to 235g. This range gives you enough power for returns without causing arm fatigue. All Pulse Pickleball paddles fall within this range.
Avoid paddles heavier than 250g (common with wood paddles) - they'll tire your arm quickly and make the game less enjoyable.
Tips for Your First Game
Start with doubles. It's more social, covers less court, and gives you more time to react.
Focus on getting the ball over the net. Don't try fancy shots early on. Consistent, simple returns win more points than powerful smashes.
Move to the net. The best position in pickleball is at the kitchen line. Once you're comfortable, try to get to the net after each return.
Use your wrist less. Beginners tend to flick their wrist. Keep your wrist firm and use your shoulder and body rotation for power. This also helps prevent injury.
Don't smash everything. The most effective shot in pickleball is a soft drop into the kitchen, not a hard drive. Power has its place, but placement wins games.
Have fun. Pickleball is a social sport. Chat between points, laugh at your mistakes, and enjoy the game. The skills come with time.
Common Beginner Mistakes
Buying a cheap paddle. Ultra-cheap paddles (under $40) are usually poorly made, too heavy, and won't last. They can also cause wrist strain. Invest in a proper paddle from the start - even a $79 fibreglass paddle will make a huge difference to your experience.
Standing too far back. New players often hang around the baseline. The dominant position is at the kitchen line. Practice getting there after your return.
Swinging too hard. Pickleball rewards finesse over force. A well-placed soft shot beats a hard smash most of the time.
Ignoring the kitchen rule. The no-volley zone catches out every beginner. Remember: you can't hit the ball out of the air while standing in the kitchen or if your momentum carries you into it.
Ready to Start?
Pickleball is one of the easiest sports to pick up and one of the hardest to put down. Grab a paddle, find a court, and give it a go.
- Browse beginner paddles - our top picks for new players from $79 AUD
- Shop pickleball sets - everything you need to start playing
- Find a court near you - courts and venues across Australia
- Learn the full rules - our complete pickleball rules guide
Got questions? Get in touch - we're always happy to help new players find the right gear.
Ready to get started? Browse our pickleball paddles — we have options for every skill level, from the fibreglass Cherry to the carbon fibre Court Classic.
