Pickleball: What Is It and How Do You Play?

Have you heard of the game called pickleball? It’s an exciting and fast-paced sport you can play with friends and family, taking the world by storm. In this article, we’ll explain the basics of this sport, the equipment you need, and how to play the game. We’ll also cover some of the best pickleball strategies, so you can confidently start your game.

Whether you’re looking for a game to play with your family or a competitive athlete looking for a new challenge, this article will give you all the information you need to start pickleball. So grab your racquet, challenge your friends, and prepare to play!

What is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a combination of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. Developed in the 1960s on Bainbridge Island, WA, the game has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its versatility and adaptability to different ages and skill levels. The goal of pickleball is for each side to score points by consistently returning the ball to the other side without bouncing twice or being sent out of bounds. It can be played indoors or outdoors as singles or doubles.

Playing the Game

Equipment

The equipment for playing pickleball includes a paddle, a pickleball (similar to a wiffle ball), and a net. The paddle should be made of wood, graphite, or composite materials for ultimate maneuverability. Pickleballs come in several colors and sizes, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. For an outdoor game, you will need a badminton-style net that is hung across the center of the court.

Court Setup

Pickleball courts measure 20ft x 44ft with a 7ft net hung across the middle. Two halves of the court are divided by a line extending from one sideline to the other at the center of the court. A service line exists along each side of the court 4ft behind baseline lines that mark each end of the court. Players must stand behind these lines when serving to initiate play.

Scoring Rules

The team who serves first begins each game with zero points and should win at least two consecutive points to score any points (assuming a deuce). When one team scores 11 points before their opponent scores 10 points, that team wins. If both teams reach 10 points, then whoever scores two consecutive points beyond ten first wins the game. If both players/teams reach 13 points each, then only one more point will decide which team is victorious (such as if it’s 13-14).

Common Shots

There are several common shots used in pickleball, including ground strokes (primarily backhands and forehands), overhead smashes (similar to badminton), lobs (long backhand or forehand shots over opponents to reach the desired area of the court), and drop shots (short shots over the net into opponent’s space). Additionally, illegal shots such as carrying or double-hitting can result in a loss of points for players.

Conclusion

Pickleball is an exciting and fast-paced sport that is becoming increasingly popular. With the right equipment, court setup, and understanding of game rules, you can take your pickleball game to the next level! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pickleball, the game offers many benefits, such as improved coordination, muscle strengthening, and stress relief. Share the game with your friends and family, and make pickleball part of your weekly routine. Get ready to enhance your gaming experience and get pickling!