Pickleball: Your New Holiday Obsession
Fun, fast-paced, and ridiculously addictive - pickleball is taking the world by storm, and you can now play it at Mark Warner resorts. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a competitive pro in the making. Here’s everything you need to know before you pick up a paddle.
Are pickleball and padel the same?
Not quite. They’re both great fun, but pickleball is played on a smaller court, with solid paddles (not strung racquets like tennis & squash or perforated like padel) and a perforated plastic ball that’s a bit like a wiffle ball. Padel is played in an enclosed court with walls, and the rules are closer to tennis. In short: different kit, different court, equally addictive.
Think tennis, but smaller, faster, and easier to pick up. That’s pickleball
Can pickleball be played on a tennis court?
Yes! You can fit up to four pickleball courts onto one tennis court - the lines just need to be marked out. At Phokaia Beach Resort in Turkey and Paleros Beach Resort in Greece, we have dedicated pickleball courts ready and waiting, so there’s no need to improvise.
Pickleball is played on a court the same size as doubles badminton – 20 x 44 feet. Unlike tennis, singles and doubles use the same court. The net sits slightly lower in the middle (34 inches) than at the sides (36 inches), and there’s a 7-foot ‘kitchen’ zone in front of the net where volleys aren’t allowed. Courts can be purpose-built or simply adapted from tennis or badminton courts, making it easy to get started.
Pickleball court (credit USA pickleball)
Can pickleball be played 1v1?
Absolutely. Pickleball can be played as singles or doubles, though doubles is the most common. If you’re new to the game, we recommend starting with doubles - more rallies, less running, and more laughs.
When was pickleball invented?
Pickleball started in 1965 in Washington State, USA. Legend has it, it began as a way to keep bored kids entertained - and now it’s keeping millions of adults entertained worldwide.
Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum created the game as a way to provide a fun activity for their families when they couldn’t find the badminton rackets and ended up using ping pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball. They combined elements of badminton, table tennis, and wiffle ball to create the first version of pickleball.
But it wasn’t until 1976 that the first pickleball tournament was held at South Center Athletic Club in Tukwila, Washington, USA.
When did pickleball become popular in the UK?
Pickleball has been steadily growing in the UK since the 2010s, but it’s in the last few years that it’s really picked up speed. Now you’ll find clubs, leagues across the UK and - thanks to Mark Warner - a sunny beachside court to try it on holiday.
Mark Warner pickleball courts in Phokaia Beach Resort, Turkey
What are the basic pickleball rules?
How to play pickleball
Pickleball can be played as singles or doubles (doubles is most popular).
The same size court and rules apply whether you’re one-on-one or two a side.
Serving
Serves are underhand — paddle must be below the waist when you hit.
You serve diagonally, across court, and it has to land in the service box.
Only one serve attempt is allowed.
A “drop serve” (letting the ball bounce before hitting) is also fine.
Serving in practice
In doubles, both players on a team get a chance to serve before the ball passes to the opposition.
The first serve always starts on the right-hand side.
Each time you win a point, the server swaps sides and keeps serving until a fault is made.
When the first server faults, their partner takes over — then after the next fault, service switches to the other team.
In singles, it’s even simpler: serve from the right when your score is even, and from the left when it’s odd.
Once you’ve seen it played once, it clicks — and our instructors will have you serving like a pro in minutes.
Scoring
Games are usually played to 11 points (win by 2).
Traditionally, only the serving team can score. Some games use rally scoring (a point on every rally).
Servers switch sides after every point they win.
The Two-Bounce Rule
After a serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before volleying is allowed.
After that, you can play it in the air or off the bounce.
The Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone)
The 7ft space either side of the net is called “the kitchen.”
You can’t volley in the kitchen — it keeps the game fair and fun.
You can step in if the ball bounces, but never smash from inside.
Line Calls
If the ball touches a line, it’s “in” (except the kitchen line on a serve).
Faults
Common faults include: hitting out, volleying in the kitchen, serving into the net, or forgetting the two-bounce rule.
In short: Pickleball is fast to learn, fun to play, and perfect for all levels. Whether you’re serving, smashing, or staying out of the kitchen — you’ll pick it up in no time.
Pickleball for beginners
If you’ve never played before, you’re in safe hands. Our expert instructors will run you through the basics, get you rallying quickly, and help you discover why pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the world. All equipment is provided, and there’s no extra charge — just turn up and play.
USA pickleball has some great videos on tips and tricks to improve your pickleball game if you're getting really into it.
Ready to try pickleball?
Whether you’re serving up your first shot or chasing down match point, pickleball at a Mark Warner resort is all about fun, sunshine, and friendly competition. Who knows — you might just find your new favourite sport.
See which resorts offer pickleball and many other activities in using the Mark Warner resort activity guide.
