Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, loved for its accessibility, fun gameplay, and social nature. Whether you're a complete beginner or just curious about this exciting sport, this guide will give you all the details on its origins, how to play, and the essential equipment you need.
The Origins of Pickleball
Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by three friends—Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum. They wanted to create a game that the whole family could enjoy, using a badminton court, table tennis paddles, and a perforated plastic ball. The name "pickleball" is believed to have been inspired by the Pritchard family's dog, Pickles, who loved to chase the ball.
How to Play Pickleball
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It can be played as singles (one-on-one) or doubles (two-on-two) on a small court, about one-third the size of a tennis court.
Basic Rules:
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Serving – The game starts with an underhand serve, diagonally across the court. The serve must clear the non-volley zone, also called "the kitchen."
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Double Bounce Rule – The ball must bounce once on each side before players can hit it in the air.
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Volleying – Players cannot volley (hit the ball in the air) while standing in the kitchen.
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Scoring – Only the serving team can score points. A game is usually played to 11 points, with a two-point lead required to win.
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Faults – Points are lost due to faults such as hitting the ball out of bounds, volleying in the kitchen, or failing to clear the net.
Equipment Needed for Pickleball
To get started with pickleball, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment:
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Paddle – Pickleball paddles are larger than table tennis paddles but smaller than tennis rackets. They are typically made from wood, composite, or graphite.
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Pickleball – The ball is lightweight, made of plastic, and perforated with holes. Indoor and outdoor balls vary slightly in size and weight.
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Court – A pickleball court measures 20 feet wide by 44 feet long, with a non-volley zone (kitchen) extending 7 feet from the net on each side.
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Net – The net is slightly lower than a tennis net, standing at 36 inches high at the sides and 34 inches in the middle.
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Comfortable Athletic Shoes – Non-marking court shoes with good grip are ideal for quick lateral movements.
Why is Pickleball So Popular?
Pickleball's popularity has exploded in recent years due to its ease of play, low impact on the body, and ability to bring people of all ages together. It’s an excellent sport for staying active, improving coordination, and socialising with friends.
Whether you're looking for a fun pastime or a competitive challenge, pickleball is a fantastic sport to try. Grab a paddle, hit the court, and experience the game for yourself!
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