Pickleball for Beginners: Everything You Need to Get Started at BPW 💥

So you’ve been hearing the hype about pickleball. Your friends won’t shut up about it. Your co-worker plays every weekend. Your social feed is full of it.

And now you’re wondering… “Is this actually for me?”

Short answer: Yes.Long answer: Absolutely. And we’ll make it easy for you.

At Bloomington Pickleball Warehouse (BPW), we specialize in helping beginners start strong—with no intimidation, no judgment, and a whole lot of fun.

Here’s everything you need to know to jump into pickleball for beginners the right way. 👇

What Is Pickleball, Really? 🤔

Pickleball is a fast-growing sport that combines elements of tennis, ping pong, and badminton. It’s played on a smaller court, with a paddle and a plastic ball, and you can play singles or doubles.

Why is it so popular?

✅ Easy to learn

✅ Quick games

✅ Super social

✅ Great for all ages and skill levels

You don’t need to be an athlete. You don’t need a background in racquet sports. You just need to show up—and we’ll handle the rest. 🙌

What Gear Do You Need to Start Playing Pickleball? 🛠️👟

Here’s the best part: you don’t need much.

🪄 Paddle – We’ve got beginner paddles you can borrow or buy at BPW.

👟 Shoes – Wear tennis or court shoes with good grip (no running shoes or sandals).

💧 Water bottle – You’ll move more than you expect. Stay hydrated.

🧢 Comfortable clothes – Think gym shorts, t-shirt, nothing fancy.

That’s it. No massive gear bags or expensive equipment to get started.

Where to Start Playing Pickleball in Bloomington? 📍

Bloomington Pickleball Warehouse is the top indoor facility in the city for beginners. Why? Because we actually set you up to succeed:

✅ Beginner-friendly Open Play sessions

✅ Intro Clinics designed for first-timers

✅ Welcoming community that helps you learn on the fly

✅ Indoor courts, so you can play year-round, rain or shine ☔❄️🌞

And if you’re shy about showing up solo? Don’t be. Everyone here started as a beginner, and we’ve built a community where you’ll feel welcome from day one. 💙

Learn the Basics Before You Hit the Court 📘🧠

Want a quick primer before your first session? Here’s a crash course in beginner pickleball:

📌 Games are usually played to 11, win by 2

📌 Only the serving team can score points

📌 The ball must bounce once on each side after the serve (called the “2-bounce rule”)

📌 The kitchen (non-volley zone) is that box near the net—you can’t volley from inside it

📌 Doubles is the most common format—and honestly, it’s way more fun

We’ll help you with all of this when you arrive. You don’t have to memorize a rulebook—we’ve got your back.

Ready to Play? Here’s How to Start at BPW 📅🚀

You’ve got options based on how you like to learn:

👉 Drop in for Beginner Open Play – Play casual games with other new players

👉 Sign up for a FREE Pickleball 101 Clinic – Learn from coaches, get guided practice

👉 Book a private court with friends – Just $5/person/hour. No stress, just fun

📆 Check out the schedule and sign up here

Pickleball for Beginners Starts Here 💥👏

We’re not saying pickleball will take over your life… but we’re also not saying it won’t. 😉

You don’t need to be good. You just need to show up.

We’ll take care of the rest—see you at BPW! 🏆✨