Get a pickleball paddle, a perforated plastic ball, and court shoes
Learn the court layout and basic lines
Understand the serve must be hit underhand and below the waist
Serve diagonally into the opposite service court
Let the ball bounce once on each side after the serve
Stay out of the non-volley zone unless the ball bounces there first
Avoid volleying from inside the kitchen
Return serves deep and keep the ball in play
Use controlled shots instead of swinging hard
Aim for consistency over power
Move to the non-volley line with your partner after the return of serve
Communicate with your partner on who takes each shot
Call balls in or out clearly
Keep score only when your team is serving
Win points by forcing errors or hitting winners
Play to 11 points and win by 2
Practice serves, returns, dinks, and volleys regularly