Pickleball has rapidly become one of the most popular sports worldwide, appealing to people of all ages and skill levels. Combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, it offers a fun, fast-paced game that’s easy to learn and enjoy.
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a paddle sport played on a court similar to badminton but with a tennis-like net. It uses a perforated plastic ball, similar to a wiffle ball, and wooden or composite paddles. It’s a game that can be played in singles or doubles, making it versatile for different groups of players.
How Do You Play Pickleball?
The game begins with an underhand serve, hit diagonally across the court. Once the ball is in play, both teams aim to rally the ball over the net, avoiding faults (like hitting the ball out of bounds or into the net). The goal is to make the ball land in the opponent’s side of the court without them being able to return it.
Points are only scored by the serving team, and games typically go up to 11 points, with a win by two-point margin. The action is quick, with a mix of volleys, groundstrokes, and the signature “dink shot,” which is a soft, controlled shot designed to land in the non-volley zone.
Who Can Play Pickleball?
One of the greatest advantages of pickleball is its accessibility. Players of all ages and skill levels can join the fun, from kids learning the basics to seniors seeking a low-impact, engaging sport. The rules and court size make it easy for beginners to pick up, while more experienced players can enjoy its fast pace and strategic depth.
What Do You Need to Play?
To play pickleball, you need:
- A paddle: Made of wood or composite materials, typically lightweight for control and ease of use.
- A pickleball: A plastic ball with holes, similar to a wiffle ball but slightly smaller.
- A court: Similar in size to a doubles badminton court (20 feet wide by 44 feet long).
- A net: Hung 91cm high at the ends and 86cm in the middle, lower than a tennis net.
Many communities now offer pickleball courts at local parks, and you can even set up a makeshift court in your driveway or garden with portable nets.
Why Has Pickleball Recently Taken Off?
Pickleball’s rapid rise in popularity can be attributed to its ease of learning, versatility, and social nature. It provides a great way to stay active without requiring the high levels of fitness or technique needed for sports like tennis. Its inclusive nature appeals to a wide range of people, making it an ideal recreational activity for friends, families, and even competitive leagues. Additionally, the short learning curve means players can start enjoying the game almost immediately.
Rules of the Game for Beginners
For those new to pickleball, here are a few essential rules:
- Serves must be underhand and made diagonally, with the ball landing in the opposite service box.
- The two-bounce rule: The receiving team must let the serve bounce before returning it, and the serving team must also allow the return to bounce before playing their shot.
- Non-volley zone (kitchen): Players cannot volley the ball within 7 feet of the net.
- Scoring: Points are only awarded to the serving team, and games are played to 11 points, win by 2.
Pickleball is easy to pick up and, with these beginner rules, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the game.