So you've downloaded Reclub, bought your first paddle (or borrowed one from a friend), and you're ready to give pickleball a try. Congratulations! You're joining one of Singapore's fastest-growing sports and an incredibly welcoming community.

If you're feeling nervous about joining your first game, don't worry—everyone starts somewhere. This guide covers everything you need to know before stepping onto the court, from choosing the right game to understanding the basic rules and wearing the right outfit.

Step 1: Choose the Right ReClub Session

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is signing up for games that are too advanced.

When browsing ReClub, look for games labelled:

• Beginner Friendly
• Learn to Play
• Social Play
• Casual Games
• Open Play
• All Levels Welcome

These sessions are designed for players who are still learning the rules and improving their confidence.

Ladies-Only Games Are a Great Place to Start

If you're feeling intimidated, look out for ladies-only pickleball sessions on ReClub.

Many women find these games more relaxed, supportive and beginner-friendly. The atmosphere is often encouraging, with experienced players happy to explain the rules, scoring and positioning without the pressure of highly competitive play.

You'll also have a great opportunity to meet other women who are just starting their pickleball journey.

Step 2: Learn the Basic Rules Before You Arrive

You don't need to know every rule before your first game, but understanding these basics will help you feel much more confident on the court.

• Who serves? One team starts the game by serving. The server stands behind the baseline and serves underhand diagonally into the opponent's service court. If the serving team wins the rally, they continue serving. If they lose the rally, the serve passes to the opposing team.
• Remember the double-bounce rule. After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce once before returning it. The serving team must also let that return bounce before hitting the ball. No one can volley the serve or the return of serve. Only after these two bounces are players allowed to volley.
• Avoid kitchen faults. Once volleys are allowed, you must be completely outside the kitchen (non-volley zone) when hitting a volley. Do not stand on or touch the kitchen line, and don't let your momentum carry you into the kitchen after volleying, or it will be a fault.

A simple way to remember these rules is:

• Serve → Bounce
• Return of serve → Bounce
• Then volleys are allowed
• Never volley while in or touching the kitchen

These two rules—the double-bounce rule and the kitchen rule—are what make pickleball a game of strategy, patience and placement, rather than simply hitting powerful shots like in tennis or badminton.

Image courtesy of PickleballTime Malaysia

How Do You Count the Score?

Most social pickleball games in Singapore are played to 15 points. A point is awarded to the team when

• the receiving team commits a fault, such as hitting the ball out of bounds
• hitting the ball into the net,
• volleying while standing in the kitchen (non-volley zone),
• allowing the ball to bounce twice on their side before returning it
• or failing to return the serve after the required bounce.

The winning team is the one in charge of serving next. You'll often hear the server announce the score before every serve.

For beginners, simply focus on remembering two things:

• Only the serving team can score.
• Listen to the score before each serve so you can follow the game.

Don't worry if scoring seems confusing at first—it becomes second nature after a few games.

We'll explain pickleball scoring in more detail, including serving order and court positions, in an upcoming beginner guide.

Step 4: Pickleball Isn't Tennis or Badminton

One of the biggest surprises for new players is that pickleball isn't about smashing every ball.

Many beginners come from badminton or tennis and instinctively try to hit powerful winners from every opportunity. In pickleball, that approach often leads to mistakes.

Instead, successful players focus on:

• Control rather than power
• Placement instead of speed
• Patience during rallies
• Consistency
• Working with their partner

Remember, ySome of the best pickleball points are won through clever shot placement and strategy rather than hitting the ball as hard as possible.

As you improve, you'll learn shots such as dinks, drops and resets, which are fundamental to pickleball strategy.

Step 5: Learn Basic Pickleball Etiquette

Pickleball has built a reputation for being one of the friendliest sports, and good etiquette helps keep it that way.

Here are a few simple tips:

• Arrive a little early.
• Introduce yourself and let others know it's your first game.
• Cheer on your partner, even after mistakes.
• Wait for play to stop before returning stray balls from another court.
• Rotate fairly if the organiser asks players to switch courts or partners.
• Thank your opponents after every game.

A positive attitude is remembered far more than the final score.

Step 6: What Should You Wear for Your First Pickleball Game?

Comfort is key, especially when you're learning.

The best pickleball clothing allows you to move freely while keeping you cool during Singapore's warm weather.

Look for:

• Breathable fabrics
• Moisture-wicking materials
• Four-way stretch
• Comfortable support
• Lightweight designs

Why Choose FullOut Activewear?

At FullOut Activewear, our women's pickleball collection is designed specifically for players who want both performance and style.

Our matching pickleball tanks feature built-in bras with removable bra pads, providing comfortable support without the need for an additional sports bra.

Pair them with our flare, pleated or A-line pickleball skirts, all designed with built-in shorts for confidence during movement and practical side pockets for your phone or pickleballs.

Whether you're playing your very first Reclub session, heading to the gym or meeting friends after the game, our matching sets are designed to transition effortlessly from the court to everyday life.

Enjoy Your First Game

Remember, your first pickleball session isn't about winning—it's about learning, making friends and having fun.

Every experienced player remembers what it was like to be new, and most are more than happy to answer questions or offer encouragement.

Before long, you'll be confidently joining more Reclub sessions, improving your game and becoming part of Singapore's growing pickleball community.

In our next beginner blog, we'll explain where to stand when serving, which side to serve from, doubles positioning and the serving sequence so you can feel even more confident on court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Reclub suitable for complete beginners?

Yes. Reclub offers many beginner-friendly and social pickleball sessions across Singapore that welcome new players.

Should I join a ladies-only pickleball game?

If you're new to the sport, ladies-only sessions can be a great way to learn in a relaxed and supportive environment while meeting other beginner players. It is also less intimidating. Remember, games are about having fun. 

Do I need a DUPR rating?

No. Many social games don't require a DUPR rating, especially beginner sessions. 

DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) is an international rating system that measures a player's skill level based on match results.

While not every social game requires a DUPR rating, some organisers use it to group players of similar abilities so everyone enjoys competitive and balanced games.

As a rough guide:

• 2.0–2.5: Beginner
• 2.5–3.0: Improving recreational player
• 3.0–3.5: Intermediate
• 3.5–4.0+: Advanced players

If you're completely new to pickleball, don't worry if you don't have a DUPR rating yet. Many beginner sessions don't require one, and you can develop your rating naturally as you play more matches.

What should I wear for my first pickleball game?

Choose breathable, lightweight activewear that allows free movement. FullOut Activewear's matching pickleball tanks with built-in bras and removable bra pads, paired with skirts featuring built-in shorts, are designed to keep you comfortable on and off the court.