Pickleball
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is becoming one of the hottest sports this summer. Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is played on a badminton-sized court with a modified tennis net, using a paddle and a perforated plastic ball, similar to a wiffle ball. The game can be played as singles (one player on each side) or doubles (two players on each side).
The objective of pickleball is to hit the ball over the net and into the opponent's court in a way that they are unable to return it. The game starts with an underhand serve, and the serving team must let the ball bounce once before returning it. After the initial serve, both teams can either volley the ball in the air or play it off the bounce.
Pickleball is known for its ease of learning, making it accessible to people of all ages and skill levels. Pickleball can be played indoors or outdoors on various surfaces, including dedicated pickleball courts, tennis courts, or even in driveways and backyards. It provides a fun and social way to stay active while also promoting strategy, agility, and hand-eye coordination.
Pickleball has gained significant popularity in recent years, particularly among older adults, due to its low-impact nature and the ability to accommodate different fitness levels. Tournaments and leagues are organized worldwide, and it has become an officially recognized sport in many countries.
How to play Pickleball?
To play Pickleball, you'll need a few basic equipment and follow the rules outlined below:
Equipment:
1. Pickleball Paddle: Similar to a table tennis paddle, but larger. It's usually made of composite materials or wood.
2. Pickleball: A plastic ball with holes, resembling a wiffle ball. It's available in different colors to indicate the level of play.
Court and Net:
1. The court dimensions are 20 feet wide and 44 feet long for doubles play (slightly smaller for singles).
2. The net is positioned at the center of the court and is 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches high in the center.
Gameplay:
1. Serve: The game starts with an underhand serve diagonally from the right-hand service square.
· The server must let the ball bounce once before hitting it.
· The serve must clear the non-volley zone (a 7-foot area on each side of the net).
· The serve is made diagonally to the opponent's service court.
2. Return: After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce once before returning it.
· The return must also clear the non-volley zone.
3. Volley: Once the ball has bounced on both sides, players can either volley it (hit it in the air) or play it off the bounce.
· Volleys must be made from behind the non-volley zone.
· Players cannot step into the non-volley zone and volley the ball.
4. Double Bounce Rule: To start the game, each team must play their first shot off the bounce (after one bounce).
· After the initial shots, both teams can play the ball off the bounce or volley it.
5. Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen): The non-volley zone is a 7-foot area on each side of the net.
· Players cannot volley the ball while standing in the non-volley zone.
· However, they can enter the non-volley zone to play a ball that has bounced.
6. Scoring: Games are typically played to 11 points, and you must win by a margin of two points.
· Each side only scores points when serving.
· If both teams reach a score of 10 (or a predetermined score), a two-point margin is required to win the game.
7. Rotation: In doubles play, the serving team's players switch sides after scoring a point.
· If a point is scored, the server moves to the other side, and the partner becomes the new server.
These are the basic rules of pickleball. However, there are additional rules regarding faults, let serves, and other specifics that can be found in the official rulebook. It's always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the specific rules and regulations if you plan on playing competitively or in organized tournaments.
Why is it called Pickleball?
The origin of the name "pickleball" has multiple explanations, but the most widely accepted one involves a family dog named Pickles.
In 1965, three friends—Joel Pritchard, Barney McCallum, and Bill Bell—created the game of pickleball on Bainbridge Island, Washington. During one of their early sessions playing the game, Joel Pritchard's cocker spaniel named Pickles would chase after the ball and run off with it. The dog's playful involvement in the game led the friends to jokingly refer to it as "pickleball." The name stuck, and they continued to use it for the new sport they had created.