Pickleball is the fastest-growing racket sport in the world, and it's well on its way to taking over Israel too. It blends tennis, badminton and table tennis into one game that's easy to learn, social and addictive. In this guide you'll find everything you need to get started: what pickleball is, what gear you need, the basic rules, tips for beginners, and how to find a court and partners to play with.
So what exactly is pickleball?
Pickleball is played on a small court the size of a badminton court (about 6 by 13 meters), with a low net. You play with a solid paddle (bigger than a table tennis paddle, smaller than a tennis racket) and a perforated plastic ball that's light and relatively slow. You can play singles or doubles, with doubles being the most popular format. The combination of a small court and a slow ball makes the game especially accessible, yet also tactical and full of action.
Why pickleball is taking over the world (and Israel)
- Super easy to start: the court is small, the paddle is light and the ball is slow. Most people are rallying in their very first game.
- Social: usually played in doubles, and it's really easy to set up a game.
- Gentle on the body: less running than tennis, and suitable for any age and fitness level.
The gear you need to get started
Pickleball paddle
For beginners, a medium-weight, balanced paddle that's comfortable to hold is the way to go. You don't need an expensive paddle to start playing and fall in love with the game.
Pickleball ball
A light, perforated plastic ball. Note that there are different balls for outdoor play (smaller holes, more wind-resistant) and indoor play.
Shoes and clothing
Sports shoes with good grip (court shoes are ideal) and comfortable athletic wear. That's it, you don't need anything more.
The basic rules of pickleball (in brief)
- Scoring: games are usually played to 11 points (win by 2). In the traditional format, only the serving side scores points.
- Serving: below waist height, diagonally to the opponent's side.
- The two-bounce rule: after the serve, each side must let the ball bounce once before they're allowed to hit a volley (a ball out of the air).
- The "kitchen" (no-volley zone): a strip about 2 meters deep on each side of the net. You can't hit a volley while standing inside it. This is the rule that makes the game tactical.
That's the foundation, and all the finer points are best learned while you play.
5 tips for beginners
- Patience wins: pickleball is a game of precision and positioning, not power. Don't try to "smash" every ball.
- Master the "dink": a soft shot into the opponent's kitchen is one of the strongest weapons in the game.
- Move up to the kitchen line: the pair that controls the front of the court usually wins the point.
- Communicate with your partner: call "mine" / "yours" and plan together. Good pickleball is first and foremost about coordination as a pair.
- Play against people at your level: a balanced match = faster improvement, less frustration and real fun.
How to find a pickleball court and partners to play with in Israel
The number of pickleball courts in Israel is growing fast, both dedicated courts and tennis courts lined for pickleball, all across the country. The real challenge usually isn't the court, but finding partners at your level, at a time that works for you.
That's exactly why we built PlayRocket: an app that matches you with partners by level and location, shows open games you can join, and helps you coordinate everything in one place, without five more WhatsApp groups and endless back-and-forth. And it's not just for pickleball: tennis, padel, badminton, beach tennis, squash, table tennis and volleyball too.
Want to start playing pickleball?
Join the PlayRocket waitlist and be among the first to find partners and courts in your area.
Join the waitlist →Frequently asked questions about pickleball
Is pickleball hard to learn?
No. Pickleball is considered one of the easiest racket sports to pick up. The court is small, the paddle is light and the ball is relatively slow, so most people manage to play a rally in their very first game.
What's the difference between pickleball and tennis?
Pickleball is played on a much smaller court (the size of a badminton court), with a solid paddle and a perforated plastic ball, and games go up to 11. It's slower, easier to learn and gentler on the body than tennis.
What gear do you need to start?
A pickleball paddle, a pickleball ball (there are outdoor and indoor balls), sports shoes with good grip and comfortable clothing. Many courts let you rent a paddle before you buy.
What is the "kitchen" in pickleball?
The kitchen is a zone about 2 meters deep on each side of the net where you're not allowed to hit a volley (a ball out of the air) while standing inside it. It's the core rule that makes the game so tactical.
How do you find a pickleball court in Israel?
The number of pickleball courts in Israel is growing fast, both dedicated courts and tennis courts lined for pickleball. The easiest way to find a court and partners to play with is through a dedicated app like PlayRocket, which finds games and players in your area.
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