Your First Session
Everything you need to know before you arrive
What to Bring
Essential
- • Court shoes with non-marking soles (required - protects the court)
- • Water bottle (stay hydrated!)
- • Comfortable athletic clothing suitable for the weather
💡 Don't have court shoes? Indoor trainers with non-marking soles work fine.
Optional (Recommended)
- • Your own paddle (if you have one - club paddles available to borrow)
- • Sun cream and hat (for sunny days)
- • Light jacket or hoodie (for cooler weather)
What to Expect
Arrival
Come 10–15 minutes early for your first session. Check in at the courts, and introduce yourself to the session organiser.
Introduction
We'll give you a quick tour of the facilities and explain how the session works.
Equipment
If you don't have your own paddle, we'll lend you one. We provide balls.
Getting Started
We'll pair you with experienced players who will help you learn the basics. Don't worry about holding anyone back - we were all beginners once!
Court Rotation
You'll rotate courts and partners throughout the session so you get to meet lots of people and play different opponents.
Have Fun
Focus on learning and enjoying yourself. Winning comes later!
First Session Tips
- ✓ Don't worry about making mistakes - everyone does, especially at first
- ✓ Ask questions if you're unsure about rules or technique
- ✓ Let people know you're new so they can adjust their play accordingly
- ✓ Focus on getting the ball over the net rather than hitting hard
- ✓ The double bounce rule is the most important thing to remember initially
- ✓ Stay relaxed and have fun - that's what we're all here for!
How Scoring Works
Important: Macclesfield Pickleball Club uses rally scoring, which is simpler and faster than traditional scoring.
Point on Every Rally
A point is scored by the team that wins each rally, regardless of who served.
Game Length
Games are typically played to 15 points (sometimes 21 or 25).
Win by 2
You must win by at least 2 points (e.g., 16–14, not 15–14).
Server Position
Even score = serve from right court; odd score = serve from left court.
Calling the Score
Only two numbers: your team's score first, then opponent's (e.g., "7–5").
Why Rally Scoring?
Rally scoring is easier for beginners to understand, keeps games moving quickly, and ensures every rally matters. It's particularly well-suited to social club play where we want to maximise court time for everyone.
Rules Quick Reference
Serve
Underhand, diagonal, from behind the baseline.
Double Bounce Rule
The ball must bounce once on the serve and once on the return before either team can volley.
Kitchen / Non-Volley Zone
No volleying while standing in or touching the 7-foot area on either side of the net.
Common Faults
Out of bounds, hitting the net, violating the kitchen rule, or double bounce rule violation.
When in Doubt, Ask!
Everyone is happy to help you learn the rules. There's no penalty for asking.
Court Etiquette
On Court
- • Before play, ensure the courts are cleared of debris (brushes and leaf blower available)
- • Call the score clearly before each serve (server's score first)
- • Make line calls fairly - if uncertain, give the benefit to your opponent
- • Communicate with your partner - call "mine" or "yours" on close balls
- • Retrieve balls quickly and return them to the serving team
- • Wait for a break in play before walking behind or between courts
- • Keep noise down on adjacent courts when others are playing
Between Games
- • Thank your opponents and shake hands or tap paddles after each game
- • Be welcoming to new players joining your court
General Behaviour
- • Be respectful to all players regardless of ability level
- • No aggressive behaviour or bad language
- • Encourage other players, especially beginners
- • Be honest about line calls - integrity is crucial
- • Keep the courts tidy - pick up any litter
- • Respect the facilities - these are shared tennis club grounds
The Spirit of the Game
Pickleball has a strong tradition of good sportsmanship. We play hard but fair, and we support each other. If you're more experienced, help beginners learn. If you're new, don't be afraid to ask for tips. We're all here because we love the sport!
Getting Better
Beginner Tips
- • Come regularly - playing once a week will improve your game quickly
- • Watch experienced players - observe their positioning and shot selection
- • Ask for tips - most players are happy to offer advice
- • Focus on consistency before power - get the ball over the net reliably
- • Master the dink - soft shots from the kitchen line are crucial
- • Practice your serve at home if possible
- • Learn the kitchen rule thoroughly - it's the most important rule
Coaching & Development
- • Informal coaching available during most sessions
- • Formal coaching sessions scheduled periodically (announced on WhatsApp)
- • Experienced players often run informal clinics or drills
- • We can help connect you with external coaches for private lessons
Recommended Resources
YouTube Channels
Websites
- • Pickleball England - Official rules and resources
- • USA Pickleball - Comprehensive tutorials
Our Facilities
We have excellent facilities to support your play and comfort. For full details, visit our Facilities page.
Everything you need is on site: dedicated outdoor courts, clubhouse with toilets and kitchen, free parking, and first aid facilities.