BEGINNER’S HUB
New to Pickleball
in Cambodia?
Everything you need to start playing pickleball in Phnom Penh — from understanding the rules to finding your first game and buying your first paddle.
New to Pickleball
WHAT IS PICKLEBALL?
Pickleball in 60 Seconds
Pickleball is a paddle sport played on a badminton-sized court with a low net. You use a solid paddle (not strung like a racket) to hit a perforated plastic ball — similar to a wiffle ball.
It combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Games are played to 11 points (win by 2). You can play singles or doubles — but doubles is by far the most popular format.
🏓
Solid Paddle
Not strung. Composite or carbon fiber face.
⚪
Plastic Ball
Perforated, slower than tennis. Different balls for indoor/outdoor.
📐
Small Court
20×44ft (6×13.4m). Much smaller than tennis. Easy to cover.
🎯
To 11 Points
Win by 2. Only serving team scores. Games last 15–25 min.
THE BASICS
5 Rules Every Beginner Must Know
1
The Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone)
The 7-foot zone on each side of the net. You cannot hit a volley (ball in the air) while standing in this zone. You can enter it to play a ball that bounces. This single rule creates the strategic dinking game that makes pickleball unique.
2
The Double Bounce Rule
When the ball is served, both the receiving team and the serving team must let it bounce once before volleying. After those two bounces, either team can volley. This slows the early game and forces rallies.
3
Serving Rules
Serve underhand, below your waist, diagonally to the opponent’s service box. The ball must clear the kitchen. Only one serve attempt (no second serve like tennis). Faults lose the serve — not the point.
4
Scoring — Only Servers Score
In doubles, both players on a team serve before the serve changes sides. In singles, just the one player. You only score a point when your team is serving. Games go to 11, win by 2. Tournament games sometimes go to 15 or 21.
5
Line Calls
Ball is IN if it lands on any line except the kitchen line on serve (that’s a fault). Players call their own lines honestly. If unsure — play it as IN. Disputes are resolved by replaying the point at beginner level.
GETTING STARTED
Your First Game in Phnom Penh — 4 Steps
01
Join a Facebook Group
Search “Cambodia Pickleball” or “Pickle Play KH” on Facebook. Join, say hello, and ask about beginner sessions this week.
02
Show Up & Rent
Bring comfortable shoes (court or running). Pay $1 to rent a paddle on site. Most PP venues have paddles available. Don’t buy before you try.
03
Learn the 5 Rules
Read the 5 rules above before you go. Everyone was a beginner — the PP community is very welcoming. Ask questions on court freely.
04
Buy Your Paddle
After 2–3 sessions, you’ll know if you love it. Then read our paddle guide and invest in your own paddle. Start $40–80 range.
Which Paddle Should I Buy?
Our complete paddle buying guide — carbon, fiberglass, weight, grip.