If you are new to the game of Pickleball, you’re not alone. This sport has been around a while, but is still relatively new for many people. It’s growing in popularity every day. So what is Pickleball? It’s a sport that is similar to tennis and can be played by people of all ages. In this article, we will discuss the basics of how to play Pickleball, including the basic rules and equipment needed. We’ll also explain why this sport has become so popular, and how you can get started playing it today!
Today, proponents of pickleball say that it is the fastest growing sport in the U.S. It also is gaining popularity on the international stage as well. The USA Pickleball Association has nearly 4,000 pickleball court locations listed. Let’s take a closer look at what is pickleball and have an introductory peek at this popular and enjoyable sport.
What Is Pickleball? More About The Sport
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It can be played both indoors and outdoors, and by people of all ages. The game is played on a court with a net, and the aim is to hit the ball over the net into your opponent’s side of the court.
The badminton-sized court where pickleball is played has a diameter of 20 feet and a length of 44 feet. The ball is served diagonally (starting with the right-hand service-square), and points can only be earned by the side that serves.
The service areas are split into halves on each side of the net, with 15 feet long by 20 feet wide sections known as the right service sector and left service sector.
The net height should be 36 inches from the ground at the sidelines and 34 inches high at the middle of the court.
You may play doubles, 2 players per team, or singles, 1 player per side. The most popular form of pickleball is doubles pickleball.
The same size court is used for both doubles and singles games, 44 feet long by 20 feet wide.
The No-Volley Zone or “Kitchen”
In pickleball volleys are allowed only after the ball has bounced once on each side, and there is a seven-foot no-volley zone around each net to avoid “spiking.”
The “kitchen,” or non-volley zone, is the space 7 feet from each side of the net in which volleys are not allowed. There are strict rules about being in the no-volley zone or “the Kitchen” before, during, and after a shot.
- A player may not step into the kitchen to hit a volley
- When a player is hitting a volley outside of the kitchen line they cannot allow their momentum to take them into the kitchen and
- After a player hits a legal bounce shot inside the kitchen they must be move back and completely set behind the kitchen line before hitting a volley shot.
A regulation game is played to 11 points, but must be won by a margin of two points.
The server continues to serve until he or she faults, alternating service courts every two points scored (singles) or every three points scored (doubles). The first team to score eleven points and have a margin of at least two points wins. Pickleball can be played by individuals or teams.
What Is Pickleball? Playing the Game
The serving player or team starts the game with an underhand serve from behind the baseline. The ball must be served diagonally into the opposing service area.
As in tennis, there used to be a “let” when a serve hit the net but landing in the opposite side no-volley zone allowing the server to serve again. However, in 2021 the “let rule” was completely taken away in the official rules of pickleball. Now, lets are not allowed in a pickleball game.
The ball must bounce once before it is hit by the paddle on the receiving team. Then, if the receiving team returns the serve in play, the ball must bounce again before the service team can return it. The is is referred to as the “two bounce rule.” After those two bounces, the players may do volley shots as long as they are not in the no-volley zone or kitchen.
Points are scored in Pickleball like they are tennis. The game is played to 11 points, however, you must win by two points.
What Kind Of Court Is Pickleball Played On?
The court is similar to a tennis court, but smaller. A Pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. The net is placed at a height of 36 inches in the middle of the court and 34 inches at the posts. On each side of the net, there is a service line that is seven feet from the net. The baseline is located at the back of each court, and it is 21 feet from the net.
Pickleball can be played on any type of surface, but is most commonly played on a hard court, such as concrete, asphalt, or a tennis court. It can also be played on a grass or sand court.
More and more pickleball courts are being built these days. However, if you can’t find one, you can used some markers to play pickleball on a tennis court as you can see here.
How Many People Can Play?
Pickleball can be played with singles or doubles, just like tennis. In singles, there is one person per side, and in doubles, there are two people per side. As it is in other paddle or racquet sports the game can move along at a pace that is equal to the skill and speed of the players.
In a doubles game, you can really see some quick action and teamwork on the pickleball court. Doubles games are very popular in the sport of pickleball.
What Equipment Is Needed?
If you already have a pickleball court, then all you really need to play are enough pickleball paddles for everyone and a standard pickleball. The paddle used in Pickleball is similar to a tennis racket, but is smaller and has a shorter handle.
Instead of strings, the paddle surface is hard and can be made of different materials, including wood, graphite, or composite. The type of material you choose will affect the weight and cost of the paddle.. The ball is very similar to a Wiffle Ball as it is made out of plastic and has holes in it.
Popular For People Of Many Ages
One of the main reasons that Pickleball has become so popular is because it is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s a great way to stay active, and it’s also a lot of fun! Pickleball is easy to learn, and even if you’re not very good at it, you can still enjoy playing.
Another reason for the popularity of Pickleball is that it’s a very social sport. It’s a great way to meet new people and make friends. And because it can be played both indoors and outdoors, you can always find a game to play, no matter what the weather is like.
Why Has Pickleball Become So Popular?
Pickleball has become popular because it is a sport that can be played by people of all ages and skill levels. It is also easy to learn and is a great way to stay active and have fun, socialize with your friends and meet new people. Many people know either some ot the basics of the game of tennis and/or the game of ping-pong or table tennis.
Pickleball includes many of the common types of skills and gamesmanship that you will find in tennis. However, with the smaller court, the plastic balls, and the paddle instead of a stringed racket it can be easier on the body, in particular the feet and ankles, and there aren’t 100 mph serves in which you will need to worry about.
However, when a doubles game is played on the pickleball court, which is substantially smaller than a tennis court, you will find some very quick, exciting, and entertaining games. This is not only for those playing, but for spectators as well.
The beauty that pickleball was intentional developed to be a hybrid of several racquet and paddle games, it is typically easy for a newcomer to learn the basics of the game.
How can I get started playing Pickleball?
If you are interested in playing Pickleball, there are many ways to get started. Maybe you have some friends or family members who are already involved in the sport and would be glad for your to join in. If you don’t know anyone who plays the game, then just get you a partner and learn to play singles or get two couples to learn the exciting game of doubles pickleball.
You can find pickleball courts at some public parks, recreation centers, and tennis clubs. Once you are comfortable with the game, you might also join a Pickleball club or league.
You can find courts on which to play at USA Pickleball places to play. Or find out much, much more at the USA Pickleball Association Website.
Thanks for reading! We hope this article has helped you understand the basics of how to play Pickleball. Get involved with this fun, easy, and exciting sport today. It’s fun for all ages!
