How to Play Pickleball Singles: Mom’s Best 5 Tips

A woman in a white tank top and light blue skirt stands near the net, holding a green pickleball paddle, ready to return a serve. A male opponent in black clothing is on the other side of the net, waiting for the play. This outdoor setting demonstrates how to play pickleball singles, showcasing positioning and shot anticipation.

If you’re anything like me—a busy mom who loves to stay active—you might have wondered: how to play pickleball singles? As someone who plays tennis, I was curious about this sport, and let me tell you, singles pickleball is an absolute blast!

Unlike doubles pickleball, where you have a partner to help cover the pickleball court, in singles, it’s just you, your paddle, and the challenge of keeping up with your opponent. If you’re looking to play pickleball and want to master pickleball singles rules, you’re in the right place.

A man in a navy blue shirt leaps to hit a high pickleball shot with a black paddle, as seen through the net. The yellow ball is mid-air against a backdrop of blue sky and green trees. This action shot highlights an important aspect of how to play pickleball singles, focusing on overhead shots and aggressive play.

Pickleball Singles vs. Doubles – What’s the Difference?

As someone who has played a fair share of doubles games, switching to singles pickleball felt different—but in a good way! The main difference is that in doubles, you share the court, while in singles, you have to cover every inch yourself. This means more running, more strategy, and a bigger challenge. But don’t worry, once you learn the basics, you’ll be hooked!

Pickleball Singles Court Size

One of the nice things about singles pickleball is that the pickleball court remains the same size as in doubles—20 feet wide by 44 feet long. But in singles rules, you don’t have a partner to help, so you need to be extra smart with your footwork and shot placement.

How to Play Pickleball Singles: Rules

Let’s break down the pickleball rules for singles, so you can step onto the court feeling confident and ready to play!

1. The First Serve

The first serve always starts from the right service court.
The server must stand behind the baseline and use an underhand serve.
The ball has to land diagonally in the opponent’s service area.
If the ball lands in the volley zone (also known as the kitchen), it’s a fault.

2. The Bounce Rule

The first player to hit the ball after the serve must let it bounce.
The server must also wait for the ball to bounce before returning it.
This is called the bounce rule, and it keeps the game fair!

3. Pickleball Scoring Singles

In pickleball scoring singles, only the server can score points.
Win a rally? You earn a point and switch sides.
Lose the rally? It’s a fault, and your opponent gets to serve.
The first player to reach 11 points (with a 2-point lead) wins the game.

A close-up shot of a pickleball game, focusing on a player in the foreground holding an orange paddle, preparing to hit the ball. In the blurred background, another player is serving the ball on an outdoor court. This image captures a moment that illustrates how to play pickleball singles, emphasizing quick reflexes and paddle control.

How to Play Pickleball Singles: Strategy (Mom-Approved!)

Now that we’ve covered singles pickleball rules, let’s talk strategy. As a mom who juggles a million things, I love a good challenge, and playing singles makes me feel like I’m getting a real workout. Here are my top tips:

1. Serve Deep and to the Corners

A strong serve puts your opponent on the defensive. I always aim for the deep corners of their court—it makes them run more (and let’s be real, they probably haven’t chased a toddler all day like I have!).

2. Stay Near the Centerline

In singles, covering the whole court is tough, so standing near the center gives you the best chance to reach every shot.

3. Use the Volley Zone Smartly

You can’t hit the ball from the volley zone, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid it. Control the net when you can—it’s the best way to put pressure on your opponent.

4. Be Patient with the Bounce Rule

New players sometimes rush their shots. I’ve learned the hard way—wait for the ball to bounce, and you’ll avoid silly faults.

5. Keep Moving!

Unlike a doubles game, playing singles means more running. Good thing I’m used to chasing kids around the house—staying on my toes feels natural!

Related reading | Fitness for Racket Sports and Motherhood

Do People Play Pickleball Singles?

Absolutely! While doubles pickleball is super popular, many players (myself included) love the challenge of playing singles. It’s a fun way to learn the game, stay active, and have some “me-time” on the court. Plus, it’s a great stress reliever after a long day of parenting!

Now that you know how to play pickleball singles for beginners, it’s time to hit the court and give it a shot. With a solid understanding of pickleball singles rules, serving rules, and smart strategies, you’ll be ready to take on any opponent. Whether you’re looking for a fun way to stay active or a competitive challenge, singles pickleball is a fantastic way to enjoy the pickleball game. So grab your paddle, get out there, and play pickleball!