Start with the court and scoring
Play with two people on each side of the net. Traditional games use 15, 30, 40 and game. Agree whether you are using advantage scoring or another permitted competition format before beginning. Rotate service turns and follow the agreed set format.
Serve underarm
Serve from behind the service line, bounce the ball and strike at or below waist level into the diagonally opposite service box. You have two attempts. A serve that hits the receiver’s metal fence after the bounce is a fault; glass rebounds are treated differently under the rules.
Keep the rally alive
Return the ball before a second bounce on your side. You can strike after the first bounce or volley, except when receiving a serve. A ball returned to the opponents’ side must land on the court before contacting their wall or fence.
Position and communicate
Move as a pair rather than independently. Call for the ball, leave space for your partner and learn to defend calmly using the glass. Controlled lobs, groundstrokes and volleys are useful starting shots. Ask a coach to teach safe positioning before attempting difficult overhead play.
Court etiquette
Wait until a neighbouring rally finishes before retrieving a ball, keep loose balls away from feet and use your racket wrist strap according to the equipment rules. Check the latest FIP rules for complete details rather than relying on a short introduction.
Sources and further reading
Sources inform general guidance; they do not establish a diagnosis or imply a clinician’s approval of this article.