Pickleball for Beginners

Pickleball is a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. It’s played on a smaller court than tennis with a solid paddle and a lightweight plastic ball with holes in it. Games are fast, social and genuinely fun from your very first session, which is exactly why it’s exploded in popularity across Australia and the rest of the world.

At Royal Pickle Club in Melbourne, we see complete beginners walk in nervous and walk out completely hooked. Every single time.

The great news for beginners is that you don’t need to invest in any gear to get started. When you book a court at Royal Pickle Club, paddles and balls are included with every session. Just show up in comfortable activewear and a pair of sneakers and you’re good to go.

Pickleball is played to 11 points and you can only score a point when your team is serving. Games are typically played as best of three. The scoring can feel a little confusing at first but after a couple of rallies it clicks fast. Our courts at Royal Pickle Club are always buzzing with players who are happy to show you the ropes if you need a hand.

Absolutely. A typical pickleball session burns between 400 and 600 calories per hour, depending on intensity. It’s a full-body workout that improves agility, hand-eye coordination, and cardiovascular fitness without feeling like exercise at all. It’s one of the reasons doctors have started recommending it as a low-impact sport for all ages.

Getting started is easy. Royal Pickle Club has courts available for hire from just $30 off-peak, with paddles and balls included. You can book online via our website and jump straight into a casual session at your own pace. If you want to meet other players, our weekly Social Play nights are the perfect introduction, mixed sessions every Tuesday and Thursday, where beginners are always welcome.

Whether you’re looking for a new hobby, a fun way to stay active, or just something different to do on a weeknight, pickleball at Royal Pickle Club is hard to beat. Book your first session today and find out what everyone is talking about.