Training

Pickleball Training

Join us for free pickleball lessons at Valley Community Center!
đź“Ť 4444 Fuller Road, West Des Moines (just south of Valley High School football stadium)
đź•› All lessons currently run from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
đź’» Register at valleycommunity.center/pickleball

We offer three levels:

  • Beginners – brand new to the game

  • Advanced Beginners – for those who’ve taken the beginner class

  • Intermediate – for players who want to sharpen their skills

Lessons are fun, friendly, and paced to fit your group. Whether you're new or just getting back into the game, you’re welcome!

Learn the Game

Watch & Learn

The Fasted Growing Sport in America has tons of content on YouTube - check it out!

Warm Up First
Even if you're active, a 5–10 minute warm-up helps prevent injury. Try one of these quick routines:

Quick Pickleball Rules

Games

  • Games go to 11 points, win by 2

  • In tournaments: best 2 out of 3

  • For quicker play: single game to 15, switch sides at 8

Serving

  • Underhand only, below the waist

  • Must land diagonally, past the kitchen (non-volley zone)

  • Call score before each serve: server’s score – opponent’s score – server number (1 or 2)

  • Only the serving team can score

Doubles

  • Both teammates serve before switching sides (except first serve of game)

  • Server moves sides after each point

Singles

  • Serve from right when your score is even, left when it’s odd

Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen)

  • Don’t volley in or step into the kitchen

  • Momentum or body contact in the kitchen after a volley = fault

Double Bounce Rule

  • Serve must bounce

  • Return must bounce

  • After that, you can volley or hit off the bounce

Common Faults

  • Hitting into the net or out

  • Volleying too soon (before bounce on each side)

  • Entering the kitchen on a volley

  • Serving to the wrong area

  • Missing the ball

More Resources

Local Clubs: