What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a unique and exhilarating paddle sport that brings together the best elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Originating in 1965 on the west coast, three friends named Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum created this game as a means to entertain their families during a summer getaway. The beauty of pickleball lies in its versatility, as it can be played both indoors and outdoors. What sets it apart is the fact that anyone, regardless of age or skill level, can join in on the fun. This inclusive nature has contributed to its growing popularity worldwide. Pickleball is more than just a sport; it is a thrilling and addictive activity that guarantees endless enjoyment for all who partake.
What do you need to play pickleball?
Paddle
To play pickleball, you’ll need a paddle. Pickleball paddles come in various materials such as wood, composite, and graphite. They are larger than ping-pong paddles but smaller than tennis rackets, with a perforated surface to help reduce wind resistance. When choosing a paddle, consider factors like weight, grip size, and material to find one that suits your play style.
Ball
Pickleball uses a unique, lightweight plastic ball with holes, similar to a wiffle ball. These balls are specifically designed for pickleball and come in both indoor and outdoor varieties. Indoor balls typically have fewer, larger holes, while outdoor balls have more, smaller holes to withstand wind and outdoor conditions.
Playing Filed
A pickleball court measures 20 feet wide by 44 feet long, smaller than a tennis court. It is divided into sections, including a non-volley zone (or “kitchen”) near the net where players cannot hit volleys. The net is 22 feet wide and 36 inches high in the middle, supported by two posts. Typically black or dark green, the net helps divide the court and ensures fair play.
What Are the Rules and How Do You Score?
The rules of pickleball are straightforward, making it easy for beginners to pick up. Here are some key rules to keep in mind:
Serving: The serve must be underhand, and must go cross court. The server stands behind the baseline and serves diagonally to the opposite court.
Double Bounce Rule: After the serve, both teams must let the ball bounce once on their side before hitting it. This applies to both the serving and receiving teams. After that, you can hit the ball on the air (without bouncing) which is called volley.
Non-volley Zone: Players cannot hit the ball in the air (volley) while standing in the non-volley zone, a 7-foot area on both sides of the net. They can only hit the ball in this zone if it has already bounced.
Scoring: Points can only be scored by the serving team. The game is typically played to 11 points, and a team must win by at least two points. In some cases, games may go to 15 or 21 points.