10 Fun Pickleball Games to Spice Up Your Playtime (2024)

Pickleball is a versatile and engaging sport that offers players of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to have fun while staying active. While traditional pickleball matches are exciting in their own right, introducing different games and variations can add a new level of excitement and challenge to your playtime. In this guide, we'll explore 10 fun pickleball games to spice up your time on the court, providing entertainment and enjoyment for players of all backgrounds.

1. King/Queen of the Court

King/Queen of the Court is a fast-paced and competitive game that challenges players to maintain their position as the reigning monarch of the court. The game begins with one player serving, and the winner of each point stays on the court while the loser rotates out. The goal is to win as many points in a row as possible and hold onto your position as the "king" or "queen" of the court. As players rotate in and out, the competition becomes increasingly fierce, making for an exciting and dynamic gameplay experience.

2. Around the World

Around the World is a fun and challenging game that tests players' accuracy and consistency on the court. The game is played by setting up targets in various locations around the court, such as the baseline, sidelines, and kitchen line. Players take turns hitting shots to each target, with the goal of hitting all the targets in the fewest number of shots possible. The player who completes the circuit around the court with the fewest shots wins the game. Around the World is a great way to improve your shot-making skills while having fun with friends.

3. Crosscourt Challenge

Crosscourt Challenge is a game that focuses on accuracy and placement rather than power and speed. The game is played by dividing the court into quadrants and assigning each player a specific quadrant to defend. Players take turns hitting shots crosscourt to their opponents' assigned quadrants, aiming to land the ball within the boundaries of the designated area. The goal is to hit shots that are difficult for your opponents to reach while avoiding shots that land in your own quadrant. Crosscourt Challenge is a great way to improve your control and precision on the court while competing against friends.

4. Lob Wars

Lob Wars is a fun and entertaining game that challenges players to master the art of the lob shot. The game is played by hitting high, arching shots over your opponents' heads and into the backcourt, forcing them to retreat and make difficult defensive plays. Players take turns hitting lobs to each other, with the goal of landing the ball in the backcourt without it being returned. The player who successfully hits the most lobs without them being returned wins the game. Lob Wars is a great way to work on your lob shot technique while having fun with friends.

5. Drop Shot Derby

Drop Shot Derby is a game that focuses on touch and finesse rather than power and speed. The game is played by hitting soft, delicate shots that land just over the net and drop quickly, making it difficult for your opponents to reach and return. Players take turns hitting drop shots to each other, with the goal of landing the ball in the kitchen or just inside the baseline. The player who successfully hits the most drop shots without them being returned wins the game. Drop Shot Derby is a great way to improve your touch and feel on the court while challenging your opponents to make precise and controlled shots.

6. Three-Minute Drill

Three-Minute Drill is a fast-paced and intense game that tests players' endurance and consistency on the court. The game is played by setting a timer for three minutes and seeing how many points players can score within the time limit. Players take turns serving and returning, with the server earning a point if they win the rally and the returner earning a point if they win the rally. The player with the most points at the end of the three minutes wins the game. Three-Minute Drill is a great way to work on your stamina and focus on the court while competing against friends.

7. Partner Switch

Partner Switch is a game that challenges players to adapt to different playing styles and strategies while working together as a team. The game is played by switching partners after each point, with players rotating clockwise around the court. Players must quickly adjust to their new partners' strengths and weaknesses and communicate effectively to coordinate their gameplay. Partner Switch is a great way to improve your teamwork and communication skills while having fun and building camaraderie with friends.

8. Survivor

Survivor is a game that tests players' ability to stay focused and composed under pressure. The game is played by setting a point target, such as 21 points, and eliminating players from the game when they reach a certain number of points, such as 11 points. Players must continue playing until only one player remains, who is crowned the "survivor" of the game. Survivor is a great way to add a competitive element to your pickleball matches while keeping players engaged and motivated to perform their best.

9. Two-Bounce Challenge

Two-Bounce Challenge is a game that focuses on patience and positioning rather than power and speed. The game is played by allowing each shot to bounce twice before it must be returned, giving players more time to react and set up their shots. Players take turns hitting shots to each other, with the goal of landing the ball in the opponent's court within the two-bounce limit. The player who successfully hits the most shots within the two-bounce limit wins the game. Two-Bounce Challenge is a great way to work on your positioning and anticipation on the court while challenging your opponents to make accurate and well-placed shots.

10. Relay Race

Relay Race is a fun and exciting game that challenges players to work together as a team while completing a series of tasks on the court. The game is played by dividing players into teams and setting up a course with various obstacles and challenges, such as hitting shots to specific targets, completing a series of volleys, or running around the court in a zigzag pattern.

Back to blog