How to Play Paddle Ball Paddle ball is a simple outdoor game built around one goal: keep the ball in play. With no net or court required, all you need is an open space, a set of paddles, and someone to play with.
Play casually to see how long you can keep a volley going, or add scoring for a little friendly competition.
What You Need to Play Paddle Ball
Getting started is simple. You'll need:
- Two or more players
- Paddle ball paddles
- One ball
- A flat, open playing area
No court or net is required, making paddle ball easy to play at the beach, in the backyard, at the park, or wherever you have room to gather and play.
Need a set? Shop Paddle Ball Sets →
How to Set Up Paddle Ball
- Remove the paddles and ball from the carry bag.
- Find a flat, open area with enough room to play.
- Players stand an agreed-upon distance apart.
- Each player takes a paddle.
- Start close together and increase the distance as you get comfortable.
How to Play Paddle Ball
- One player begins by hitting the ball toward the other player.
- Players volley the ball back and forth using their paddles.
- Keep the ball from touching the ground.
- When a player lets the ball drop, the volley ends.
- Start another round and keep playing.
You can simply count how many consecutive volleys you can make or introduce scoring for a more competitive game.
How to Keep Score
For singles play, when one player drops the ball, the other player earns one point. The first player to reach 11 points wins.
Paddle ball can also be played in teams or with larger groups using different game variations.
Ways to Play Paddle Ball
One of the best parts of paddle ball is how easily the game can adapt to your group.
Singles
Two players volley the ball back and forth and compete to reach 11 points.
Doubles
Play in teams of two, with teammates working together to keep the volley going.
Follow the Leader Plus One
Bring more people into the game with a group variation that gets progressively more challenging with every turn.
For complete scoring and instructions for each variation, visit our Paddle Ball Rules.
Where Can You Play Paddle Ball?
No dedicated court means the game can go almost anywhere. Pack it for beach days, lake weekends, backyard gatherings, vacations, or an afternoon at the park.
Just find an open space, grab the paddles, and start playing.
Find Your Paddle Ball Set
Explore Elakai paddle ball sets designed for easygoing outdoor play, from classic designs to the handcrafted Beach Resin Paddle Set from our Studio Series.
