What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Played on a court roughly one-third the size of a tennis court, it uses a perforated polymer ball and solid paddles. The smaller court and underhand serve make it easy to pick up, while the strategic depth of the kitchen (non-volley zone) keeps experienced players coming back for more.
It's the fastest-growing sport in America, and the Triangle is one of the most active pickleball communities in North Carolina, with players of all ages and skill levels hitting the courts every day.
What You Need to Play
You don't need much to get started. Here are the essentials for your first game.
Paddle
Beginner paddles start around $30-$60. Lightweight composite or graphite paddles are great for new players. Try before you buy if you can.
Find Paddle RepsPickleballs
Outdoor balls have 40 smaller holes and are heavier. Indoor balls have 26 larger holes and are lighter. Most Triangle courts are outdoors.
Court Shoes
Wear shoes with non-marking soles and good lateral support. Tennis shoes or dedicated court shoes work best. Avoid running shoes.
Comfortable Clothes
Wear moisture-wicking athletic clothing. Dress in layers during cooler months. Don't forget sunscreen and a hat for outdoor play.
Basic Rules at a Glance
Pickleball rules are straightforward. Here are the four things every beginner should know.
The Kitchen (NVZ)
- The 7-foot zone on each side of the net is the Non-Volley Zone.
- You cannot hit the ball out of the air while standing in this zone.
- You may enter the kitchen after the ball bounces.
Double Bounce Rule
- The serve must bounce before the receiving team returns it.
- The return must also bounce before the serving team hits it.
- After both bounces, either team may volley or play off the bounce.
Scoring
- Games are played to 11 points and you must win by 2.
- Only the serving team can score points.
- Call the score as: your score, opponent's score, server number.
Serving
- The serve must be underhand with paddle contact below the waist.
- Serve diagonally to the opponent's service court.
- Both feet must stay behind the baseline until contact.
Where to Play in the Triangle
The Triangle area has over 85 pickleball facilities, from free public parks to dedicated indoor centers. Many parks have open play times where beginners are always welcome.
Raleigh
The capital city offers dozens of courts at public parks and recreation centers across the city.
Durham
Bull City has a thriving pickleball scene with courts at parks, community centers, and dedicated facilities.
Cary
Cary's parks department runs active pickleball programs with beginner-friendly open play sessions.
Chapel Hill
The university town has growing options for pickleball at public parks and recreation facilities.
Find Lessons & Clinics
The fastest way to improve is learning from experienced players and certified coaches. Many facilities across the Triangle offer beginner clinics, group lessons, and private instruction.
Clinics typically cover the fundamentals: proper grip, basic strokes, serving technique, kitchen strategy, and scoring. Most beginner sessions run 60-90 minutes and require no prior experience.
Find Lessons Near YouJoin the Community
Pickleball is a social sport, and the Triangle has one of the most welcoming communities around. Here are the best ways to connect with local players.
Facebook Groups
Join local Facebook groups to find open play sessions, ask questions, and meet players in your area.
View GroupsMeetUp Groups
Find scheduled open play, round robins, and weekly mixers organized by skill level across the Triangle.
Find EventsDUPR Clubs
Track your rating, find competitive matches, and join organized club play through DUPR.
View Clubs