Pickleball is a fun and fast-growing sport that blends elements from tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It’s played on a smaller court with a paddle and a plastic ball that has holes, similar to a wiffle ball. What makes pickleball unique is its accessibility – it’s easy to learn, making it a popular choice for people of all ages and skill levels.
How is Pickleball Played?
Pickleball is usually played in doubles, though it can also be played one-on-one (singles). The game involves hitting a lightweight ball over a net using paddles. The court is divided by a net that’s 36 inches high at the ends and 34 inches high in the middle. The court dimensions are the same as a badminton court (20 feet by 44 feet), making it smaller than a tennis court.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how the game works:
- Serve: The game begins with an underhand serve. The serve must travel diagonally across the net into the opponent’s service area. One key rule in pickleball is the two-bounce rule – the ball must bounce once on each side of the net before players can start volleying.
- Volleying and Dinking: Once the ball has bounced on both sides, players can hit it in the air (volley), but they must be careful to stay out of the kitchen. The kitchen, or non-volley zone, is a 7-foot area near the net where players cannot volley the ball. Players often use soft shots called dinks to keep the ball low and make it harder for their opponents to smash the ball.
- Scoring: Points can only be scored by the serving team. Games are typically played to 11 points, and you must win by 2 points.
Why is Pickleball So Popular?
One of the reasons pickleball is so popular is that it’s simple to learn. Even if you’ve never played a sport before, you can pick up the basics of pickleball in just a few minutes. It’s also a low-impact game, making it perfect for people of all ages, including seniors, as it doesn’t require intense running or high-level physical fitness.
In addition to being easy to learn, pickleball has a huge social component. Local pickleball courts often see players of different skill levels meeting for casual games, and it’s not uncommon for communities to host pickleball tournaments and events.
Equipment Needed for Pickleball
To play pickleball, you need just a few pieces of equipment:
- Paddle: The paddle is similar to a large ping-pong paddle but is typically made of wood or composite materials like graphite or fiberglass.
- Pickleball: The ball used in pickleball is plastic with holes and comes in different types depending on whether you’re playing indoors or outdoors.
- Pickleball Court: While pickleball courts are similar to badminton courts in size, many tennis courts have lines painted to allow for pickleball play. Portable pickleball nets are also available for temporary courts.
The Origins of Pickleball
Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by three fathers – Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum – who wanted to create a game that the whole family could enjoy. They used a badminton court, improvised paddles, and a wiffle ball to create the first version of pickleball. Since then, it has evolved into the popular sport we know today, with millions of players worldwide.
Why Should You Try Pickleball?
There are many reasons to give pickleball a try:
- Easy to learn: The rules are simple, and you don’t need any prior experience to start playing.
- Great exercise: It’s a low-impact sport that provides a good workout without putting too much strain on your body.
- Social fun: Pickleball is often played in groups, so it’s a great way to meet new people and enjoy a fun game together.
- Inclusive: People of all ages and abilities can enjoy pickleball. You’ll find players ranging from young kids to seniors enjoying the game side by side.
So, what is pickleball? It’s an exciting, easy-to-learn sport that’s perfect for staying active and having fun. Whether you’re playing for the first time or looking for a new hobby, pickleball offers something for everyone. All you need is a paddle, a ball, and a court – then you’re ready to experience the joy of pickleball!