Pickleball App: The Complete Guide to Pickleball in Israel

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

1. Patience wins: pickleball is a game of precision and positioning, not power. Don't try to "smash" every ball.
2. Master the "dink": a soft shot into the opponent's kitchen is one of the strongest weapons in the game.
3. Move up to the kitchen line: the pair that controls the front of the court usually wins the point.
4. Communicate with your partner: call "mine" / "yours" and plan together. Good pickleball is first and foremost about coordination as a pair.
5. Play against people at your level: a balanced match = faster improvement, less frustration and real fun.

The 5 most common beginner mistakes in pickleball

• Ignoring the kitchen: you cannot volley inside the non volley zone. This is the most common beginner mistake.
• Staying at the baseline: in pickleball you win at the kitchen line. Players who do not move forward lose control.
• Hitting too hard: the soft, precise dink is a more important weapon than the power shot.
• An illegal serve: the serve is below the waist in a pendulum motion. Practice it until it is automatic.
• Not moving as a pair: both players move forward and back together, as if tied by a rope.

How to choose your first pickleball paddle

• Under 50 dollars: a basic paddle or a rental, great for a first try.
• 50 to 130 dollars: the beginner range. Look for a medium weight paddle (210 to 240 grams), a comfortable grip and a wide face for a large sweet spot.
• Over 130 dollars: graphite and carbon paddles for advanced players with fine control and touch.

Why pickleball is the easiest racket sport to start

The court is small, the paddle is light, the ball is slow, and the serve is below the waist. That combination lets most people play real points within the first hour. That is why pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the world, and it is arriving in Israel too.

Basic pickleball court etiquette

• Invite new players to join, the pickleball community is known for being open.
• Call the score out loud before every serve (server number, receiver number and the serve number).
• Respect your opponent's calls on close lines.

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.

Frequently asked questions about pickleball