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Can You Play Singles in Pickleball? Absolutely — Here’s How. 💥

  • Writer: Nazim Louadah
    Nazim Louadah
  • 3 days ago
  • 2 min read

Everyone talks about doubles.Every Open Play seems full of partner rotations.But you might be wondering…


“Can I play pickleball one-on-one?”


Yes. 100%.


And honestly? Singles is a different beast — faster, sweatier, and ridiculously fun if you like a good workout.


Here’s how singles in pickleball works, why it’s worth trying, and how you can reserve a court for it right now at Bloomington Pickleball Warehouse (BPW).



🎯 Yes, Singles Pickleball Is Real — And It’s Intense


In singles, you’re covering the entire court by yourself. That means:


✅ More movement

✅ More cardio

✅ More court to defend

✅ More chance to show off that inside-out drive 😏


You’re serving, returning, dropping, resetting, and attacking — all by yourself.If you’re looking for a challenge or a serious workout, this is it.



🔢 How Scoring Works in Singles Pickleball


Here’s the good news: singles scoring is simpler than doubles.


There are only two numbers in the score:

  • Your score

  • Your opponent’s score


🎾 You still only score when you're serving

🎾 Serve from the right side if your score is even

🎾 Serve from the left side if your score is odd🎾 First to 11, win by 2


That’s it. No server numbers. No rotation confusion. Just you, the ball, and the scoreboard.



🧠 Singles Strategy: Play Smart, Not Just Fast


Singles isn’t just about running around. If you want to win, you’ve got to:


  • Use deep, accurate serves

  • Hit consistent third shot drops or deep drives

  • Force your opponent wide

  • Be patient — don’t force risky shots


It’s chess with sneakers on. And it's a great way to sharpen every part of your game — especially your positioning and footwork.



📍 Where Can I Play Singles in Bloomington?


Most Open Play sessions are doubles-based — which makes sense for volume and social energy.


But if you're itching for singles, here's the move:


🎾 Book a private court at BPW


✅ Plenty of space

✅ No need to wait or rotate

✅ Bring a friend and go 1v1 for as long as you want


And if you're new, you can even request an intro clinic or coaching focused just on singles play.



💬 Pro Tip: Use Singles to Level Up Your Doubles Game


Even if you’re a doubles regular, mixing in singles will make you better. Why?


  • You learn to cover more court

  • You improve decision-making under pressure

  • You get way more touches per point

  • You build the cardio endurance to dominate late in doubles matches


At BPW, we’ve seen players jump a whole skill level faster just by mixing in 1-on-1 battles between Open Play sessions.



🏁 TL;DR — Singles Pickleball Is Underrated (And Available)


  • Yes, you can absolutely play singles

  • It’s faster, tougher, and more cardio-heavy

  • Scoring is simpler

  • Strategy is deeper

  • And it’s one of the best ways to improve your overall game


Don’t sleep on it.



Bring your best friend… or your biggest rival. Either way, it’s game on. 💪



Two people play pickleball indoors, focused and in action. A logo for Bloomington Pickleball Warehouse is prominently displayed.

 
 
 

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