Pickleball Skinny Singles

A pickleball singles game played on only one lengthwise half of the court, so two games fit on each court and every student gets lots of shots. Students work on the serve, the two-bounce rule, kitchen play, and one-on-one decision making.

How to play

1. Split each court lengthwise with cones on the center line: two games run side by side, one in each half.
2. Underhand serve: since there is no diagonal in skinny singles, serve straight ahead from behind the baseline into the opposite box.
3. Two-bounce rule: the return and the next shot must bounce; after that, players may volley outside the kitchen.
4. Game to 7 points; only the server scores, and losing a rally passes the serve to the opponent.
5. Games last 5 minutes or to 7 points; then the winner rotates one court to the right and the other player one court to the left (3 games, 16 min). Quick rules review at the end (2 min).

Rules

• Play stays in your half; a ball landing in the other half is out.
• No volleying with a foot in the kitchen.
• Each player calls the lines on their side; if in doubt, replay the point.
• Wait for the next game to finish its rally before getting a ball.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: allow two bounces on your own side before hitting.
• Shyness: play the first game with a familiar classmate and no rotation.
• Fitness level: 3-minute games for students who need more rest.

Learning goals

• Apply the two-bounce and non-volley zone rules.
• Decide when to move up to the net in singles.
• Self-officiate honestly during a game.

Equipment for a class of 25

• pickleball paddles: 24
• pickleballs: 16
• low nets: 6
• cones: 18

Teacher tip

This format doubles the number of courts and is the standard way players practice singles. Before starting, play a demo rally yourself while explaining the two-bounce rule out loud.

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