Beginner’s Guide to Pickleball

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It is played on a smaller court using solid paddles and a lightweight perforated ball.

The game can be played as singles or doubles and is known for quick rallies, strategic placement, and a strong social element.

Pickleball continues to grow in popularity because it:

• Is easy to learn for beginners
• Provides a great workout without being overly strenuous
• Can be played by people of many ages and skill levels
• Encourages social interaction and friendly competition
   

Indoor pickleball offers the added benefit of consistent playing conditions without weather concerns.

A pickleball court is smaller than a tennis court and includes:

• Two service courts on each side
• A centerline dividing the service courts
• A non volley zone near the net, often called the kitchen
• A net positioned slightly lower than a tennis net
   

At PickleBall Bunker, all courts will be professionally surfaced indoor pickleball courts designed for safe, consistent play.

Pickleball paddles are solid and lightweight, usually made from composite materials or graphite. 

  Indoor pickleballs are lightweight plastic balls with larger holes designed for indoor play.  

  Court appropriate athletic shoes with good lateral support are recommended.  

  Comfortable athletic clothing that allows easy movement is best.  

• Games are typically played to 11 points
• A team must win by at least two points
• Only the serving team can score points
• The serve is hit underhand and diagonally across the court
• The ball must bounce once on each side before volleys are allowed
   

These rules help create longer rallies and make the game approachable for beginners.

The non volley zone, or kitchen, is the area near the net where players are not allowed to hit the ball out of the air.

This rule encourages strategy and control rather than power and helps keep the game fair and fun.

Singles Pickleball
Played one on one and requires more movement and court coverage.

Doubles Pickleball
Played with two players per side and is the most common format, especially for social and league play.

PickleBall Bunker will offer open play, leagues, and lessons designed for both singles and doubles players.

If you are new to pickleball, expect:

• Friendly and welcoming players
• Simple rules that are easy to learn
• A relaxed atmosphere focused on fun and improvement
   

Many facilities, including PickleBall Bunker, offer beginner friendly sessions and instruction to help new players get started.

Beginners can improve quickly by:

• Attending lessons or clinics
• Playing regularly
• Practicing control and placement
• Learning basic strategies and positioning
   

PickleBall Bunker plans to offer lessons and clinics for players at all skill levels.

PickleBall Bunker is being designed as a dedicated indoor pickleball court complex in Lawton, OK, offering:

• Six indoor professional surfaced courts
• Climate controlled, weather safe play
• Open play, leagues, lessons, and tournaments
• A clean, safe, and welcoming environment
   

Opening Spring 2026, PickleBall Bunker will serve Lawton, Fort Sill, and Southwest Oklahoma.