The Game of Pickleball
Pickleball, a sport with a quirky name and a rapidly growing fan base, has emerged as one of the most popular recreational activities in the world. Combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, it offers players a unique blend of fun, exercise, and friendly competition. Whether you’ve heard of it in passing or are curious about the hype, this comprehensive guide will help you understand what pickleball is, how it’s played, and why it’s so beloved by millions. (affiliate links present)
The Origins of Pickleball
Pickleball was invented in the summer of 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. The game was the brainchild of three friends; Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum who wanted to create a family friendly game. With improvised paddles, a perforated plastic ball, and a badminton court, they laid the foundation for what would become this super popular paddle sport.
The quirky name, and some of the Pickleball slang, is said to have originated from the Pritchard family dog Pickles, who loved chasing the ball. Some argue it references the term “pickle boat,” a rowing crew composed of leftovers from other teams. Regardless of its origin, the name has stuck and contributes to the sport’s charm. If you don’t receive any points at the end of the game it is said that “you have been pickled!”
How do you play?
We explain how to play pickleball in detail here but it is a paddle sport that can be played indoors or outdoors on a court similar in size to a badminton court. The game uses a plastic ball with holes, a style of wiffle ball, and paddles that are larger than ping-pong paddles but smaller than tennis racquets. It can be played in singles with one player per side or doubles with two players per side.
The objective of the game is simple:; to hit the ball over the net and into the opponent’s court, scoring points when the opposing team cannot return the ball or makes an error.
What Pickleball Equipment do You Need
We go over all the necessary and extra pickleball equipment here. What you should buy just when you start and as you progress a few things that may make your game better are on there too.
- Paddle: Pickleball paddles are made of wood, composite, or graphite. They are lightweight and easy to maneuver, making them accessible for players of all ages and skill levels.
- Pickle ball: The game uses a perforated plastic ball, available in indoor and outdoor varieties. Indoor balls are lighter with fewer holes, while outdoor balls are more durable and have more holes to handle wind.
- Net: Similar to a tennis net but slightly lower, the pickleball net stands at 34 inches in the center and 36 inches at the sides.
What is the size of a pickleball court?
The court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, divided into right and left service courts and a 7-foot non-volley zone on either side of the net, known as the “kitchen.” Normally it is blue in color so you can see the white lines well.
Can you play pickleball on a tennis court?
I mean you could just for fun but “technically” you could need to have different lines made to be the correct size for a true competition or to play league on it. Many cities are transitioning from tennis to pickle because it has become more popular than the larger racket sport of the 80’s.
Pickleball Rules
1. How do you serve?
- The serve must be underhand and hit below the waist.
- The server stands behind the baseline and must serve diagonally to the opponent’s service court.
- The ball must clear the non-volley zone (the kitchen) and land in the correct service court. It is deemed in, inside the diagonal players area, including the line which is in as well.
2. Double-Bounce Rule
- After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce before returning it.
- Similarly, the serving team must let the return bounce before playing it.
- After these two bounces, volleys (hitting the ball in the air) are allowed.
3. What is the kitchen?
- This area is between the net and the first line, about 2-3 feet wide and the width of the whole net.
- Players cannot volley the ball while standing in the non-volley zone (kitchen) or stepping on its boundary line.
- However, players can enter the kitchen to hit a ball that has bounced inside it.
How do you score a Pickleball Game?
- Only the serving team can score points.
- Games are typically played to 11 points, and a team must win by 2 points.
- In doubles, each player on the serving team gets a turn to serve before the serve switches to the opposing team. The exception to this is the very first serve where only the first person serves. Once missed it transitions to the other side where each player serves, and it goes on from there like that.
How to Play Pickleball
- Serve: The serving team begins the rally with an underhand serve aimed at the diagonal service court.
- Rally: Both teams hit the ball back and forth, adhering to the double-bounce rule at the start. Players aim to keep the ball in play and force their opponents into errors.
- Winning the Point: A team scores when the opposing side fails to return the ball, hits it out of bounds, or violates a rule.
The fast-paced action, combined with the manageable court size, makes pickleball a thrilling game that requires quick reflexes, strategic thinking, and excellent teamwork.
Why is Pickleball So Popular?
Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in recent years for several reasons but I think the main one is that all ages can play. From 8-80 you never know just how good someone is until the game is in play either.
1. Easy to Learn
Pickleball is easy to learn, making it perfect for beginners. The lightweight paddles and small court size ensure that players of all ages and fitness levels can participate. It’s a sport that grandparents and grandchildren can enjoy together.
2. Low Impact
Unlike tennis or other high-impact sports, pickleball is gentle on the joints, making it an ideal choice for older adults or those recovering from injuries.
3. Promotes Teamwork
The sport’s doubles format fosters teamwork and camaraderie. Pickleball is often played in community centers, parks, and clubs, providing a fun way to meet people and stay active.
4. Versatile
Pickleball can be played indoors or outdoors, on dedicated courts or repurposed tennis and badminton courts. Its adaptability has contributed to its widespread appeal.
5. Competitive Opportunities
For those seeking competition, this sport offers a range of tournaments and leagues at local, national, and international levels. The USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) oversees competitive play, ensuring standardized rules and regulations.
How many calories do you burn playing pickleball?
The quick movements and short bursts of activity improves heart health with a lot of health benefits. Swinging the paddle and moving around the court strengthens upper and lower body muscles. A one-hour game can burn up to 400 calories, making it an excellent workout. Most of the time you can reserve a court for 1.5 hours where you can complete 5-6 doubles games burning a total of 600-800 calories in that time which is great!
Pickleball Tips for Beginners
- Start with the Basics: Learn the rules, practice your serve, and get comfortable with dinking (soft shots near the net) to start with, those are key to your game even when you become an expert.
- Focus on Placement: Aim for accuracy over power; precise shots are more effective than hard ones. Always making it in will give you a better chance of winning the point. Power can come later.
- Communicate in Doubles: Talk with your partner to avoid confusion and cover the court effectively. Especially if there is a right and left handed player it is best to say “mine” loudly so the other player can back off or cover another area of the court.
- Stay Out of the Kitchen: Avoid stepping into the non-volley zone unless absolutely necessary. Keep your toes off the line too. You can lean in and dink it over the net or do a loft over their heads but feet inside this area before the ball bounces will lose your point.
- Have Fun: Don’t stress about mistakes, this is all about enjoying the game and improving over time.
Playing sports is more than just staying in shape, it’s a movement that brings people together through fun, fitness, and friendly competition. Whether you’re looking for a new hobby, a way to stay active, or a chance to connect with others, this racket and wiffle ball sport offers something for everyone. With its easy-to-learn rules, versatile playing options, and health benefits, it’s no wonder this quirky game has captured the hearts of players worldwide.
