The Ultimate Guide to Pickleball in the Palm Springs Area

Pickleball in the Palm Springs area is a great way to socialize and exercise as part of a community, but finding the right pickleball community can be challenging. How do you find pickleball courts in the Palm Springs area that satisfy your needs? Where can you meet like-minded players? Is there really a difference between public pickleball courts and courts at private country clubs? What’s the best way to get started playing pickleball?

From game rules to available courts and programs, this guide will teach you everything you need to know about playing pickleball in the Palm Springs area, so you can join in the fun and get the most out of your pickleball experience.

What is Pickleball?

Pickleball is often described as a low impact, more inclusive version of tennis. Players use paddles about 8” wide and 15” long, made of wood, composites, or graphite, to hit a ball over a net 34” high. A full-size pickleball court measures 20’ x 44’ for both singles and doubles play. This is the same court size as badminton and translates into just the right amount of exercise for players of many different ages and abilities.

Pickleball is easy to learn, and can be as competitive as you choose. Much like golf, there are different play styles and strategies, and in the Palm Springs area, you’ll find pickleball courts suitable for both casual games and competitive play. In many communities around the Palm Springs area, pickleball courts have become a hub for social activity and wellness.

How to Play Pickleball (the Rules)

From Palm Springs to Rancho Mirage and beyond, the rules of pickleball are the same throughout the Coachella Valley. Just like tennis, a player on one side of the court serves the ball over the net, to the opposite side. Unlike tennis, however, the ball is always served underhand. The physical demands of the game will vary depending on the players, but the pace of play is often more comparable to badminton than tennis.

Next, let’s take a look at some pickleball rules and terminology, so you’ll be ready to join in the conversation.

Basic Pickleball Rules

Pickleball can be played as either singles or doubles (two players per team), with doubles being the most common in the Palm Springs area. The court size and rules are the same for both singles and doubles.

Serving in Pickleball

While pickleball and tennis share many similarities, the rules surrounding the serve are distinctly different. In pickleball, for example, the server's arm must be moving in an upward direction when the ball is struck, and contact must be made at or below waist level. Players also have the option of a “drop serve,” in which the ball is dropped and hit after the bounce.

In tennis, a player is allowed two serve attempts to put the ball in play. In pickleball, only one attempt is allowed.

As with tennis, the ball is served diagonally across the court, but once in play there are a few more rules designed to make pickleball a truly unique racquet sport.

The Non-Volley Zone

In pickleball, the area within 7 feet of both sides of the net is called the “non-volley zone.” Volleying is prohibited within this zone, eliminating the possibility of “spiking” the ball at a close range. Players may only enter the non-volley zone when they are not volleying a ball.

Scoring in Pickleball

Points in pickleball are scored only by the serving team. A fault (stoppage of play due to a rules violation) by the receiving team will result in points for the serving team. If a fault is committed by the serving team, it will result in a loss of serve. It will then be the receiving team’s turn to serve.

Standard pickleball games are usually played to 11 points, win by 2. Tournament games, however, may be played to 15 or 21.

Where Are Pickleball Courts in the Palm Springs Area?

There are a number of indoor and outdoor public pickleball courts in the Palm Springs area, with varying fees. If you prefer to meet other pickleball players in a private community setting, the best country clubs in the Palm Springs area offer top-notch pickleball facilities among their tennis, golf, fitness, social, and other amenities. 

The Springs Country Club in Rancho Mirage features an expansive racquet facility with a 2,500 square-foot clubhouse, 9 tennis courts, 2 bocce lanes, and 12 beautifully maintained pickleball courts that host events and activities for players of all levels. Weekly offerings include:

Tuesday

Pickleball Open Play

• $0 fee for members
• No registration needed
• All skill levels welcome
• Guests welcome
  
  

Wednesday

Beginners Pickleball Clinic

• 8-player limit
• $25 fee per player
  
  

Thursday

Pickleball Open Play

• $0 fee for members
• No registration needed
• All skill levels welcome
• Guests welcome
  
  

Friday

Pickleball Doubles Strategy Clinic

• 8-player limit
• $20 fee per player
  
  

Saturday

Pickleball Open Play

• $0 fee for members
• No registration needed
• All skill levels welcome
• Guests welcome
  
  

Sunday

Pickleball Open Play

• $0 fee for members
• No registration needed
• All skill levels welcome
• Guests welcome

Country Club Memberships with Pickleball in the Palm Springs Area

Country clubs in the Palm Springs area have become much more than just golf communities. Many club members plan their days around casual pickleball games with friends new and old, while an active calendar of tournaments and lessons provides the perfect outlet for more competitive players.

Finding the perfect community for pickleball, golf, social activities, and more, can be challenging in the Palm Springs area. Membership options and fees can be confusing, amenities can be hard to differentiate, and fitting in isn’t always easy. That’s why we created a new kind of Membership Guide, to help you ask the right questions, compare clubs, and find the perfect desert lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of. Download your copy now and we’ll see you on the court!