Singles vs doubles: which should beginners play?

Start with the fun one

Pickleball can be played two against two (doubles) or one against one (singles). As a beginner, you will almost always play doubles, and that is a good thing. Here is why.

Doubles: the default

Most open play is doubles. Four people share the small court, so there is less ground for each person to cover. That means less running, more rallies, and more chatting between points. It is easier on your body and easier on your nerves. You also learn faster, because you watch a partner and pick up habits.

Singles: the workout

Singles is you against one other player, covering the whole court alone. It is a real workout. You run a lot, and points end faster because there is more open space. Some people love it for the fitness and the one-on-one battle. But it is tiring, and the strategy is different.

My honest take

Start with doubles. Full stop. It is more social, more forgiving, and it is what almost everyone at open play is doing. You will make friends and learn the soft game much faster. Once you are comfortable and want a harder workout, try singles for fun. There is no rush.

One nice thing: the basic rules are the same for both, so nothing you learn in doubles is wasted when you switch.