Have you ever heard of the sport of pickleball? If not, you’re missing out on one of America’s most popular and fastest-growing sports. Pickleball is a simple and entertaining game that everyone of any age or ability level may play. It’s a terrific way to stay active, network, and have fun!
So what exactly is pickleball, and How to Play Pickleball? A Fun and Easy Guide for Beginners? In this post, we’ll provide you with a pickleball beginner’s guide, covering everything from the equipment you’ll need to the game’s basic rules and techniques. You’ll be ready to pick up a paddle and join the pickleball craze by the conclusion of this article.
What Is Pickleball and Why Is It Popular?
Pickleball is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It was invented in 1965 by three friends who wanted to create a game that their families could enjoy together. They named it after their dog Pickles, who loved to chase the ball.
Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court (20′ x 44′) with a net that is 36 inches high at the sideline and 34 inches at the center. The ball is a light plastic whiffle ball with holes in it. The paddle is wood or composite and larger than a ping pong paddle but smaller than a tennis racket.
Pickleball can be played as singles or doubles, but doubles is more common and more fun. The game is easy to learn and can be played at different levels of intensity, from casual to competitive. Pickleball is also very social, as players often chat with each other during breaks or switch partners after each game.
Pickleball has many benefits for players of all ages and abilities. It improves physical fitness, coordination, balance, reflexes, and mental acuity. It also reduces stress, boosts mood, enhances self-esteem, and fosters friendships. Pickleball is truly a sport for everyone.
What Equipment Do You Need to Play Pickleball?
To play pickleball, you don’t need much equipment. All you need are:
- A pickleball court: You can find one at your local park or recreation center or even make your own with some chalk or tape.
- A net: You can use any net that fits the dimensions of the court or buy one specially designed for pickleball.
- A ball: You can use any whiffle ball that has holes in it or buy one specially designed for pickleball.
- A paddle: You can use any paddle that meets the specifications of the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) or buy one specially designed for pickleball.
- Optional: Some players like to wear gloves, sunglasses, hats, wristbands,
or other accessories to enhance their comfort and performance.
How to Play Pickleball: The Basics
Now that you have your equipment ready let’s learn how to play pickleball! Here are some basic rules
and steps to follow:
1) Each Point Begins With a Serve
The player on the right side of the court facing their opponents starts the serve. The serve must be hit with an underhand stroke with contact below the waist. The serve must clear the non-volley zone (also known as the kitchen), which is a 7-foot area on each side of the net where no player can hit volleys from (more on that later). The serve must also land within the diagonal service area on the opposite side of the court.
2) Each Point Continues Until a Fault
After the serve gameplay continues until a fault is committed by either team. A fault ends a point. In pickleball there are basically three types of faults:
- The serve does not clear the kitchen (including the line) or lands out of bounds (behind the baseline or outside the sideline).
- A shot is hit out of bounds or into the net.
- A shot is hit while standing in the kitchen or touching the kitchen line during a volley.
3) Each Team Gets Two Serves Per Point
Each team gets two chances to serve per point unless they commit a fault on their first serve then they lose their second serve. The server switches sides after each successful serve until they commit a fault then their partner gets their turn to serve from their right side. The serving team keeps serving until both players have committed a fault then the serve goes to the other team.
4) First Team to Score 11 Points Wins
The game is played until one team reaches 11 points and has a two-point lead over the other team. If both teams are tied at 10 points, the game continues until one team has a two-point advantage. You can only score a point when you are serving.
Pickleball Skills: How to Master the Shots and Moves
Now that you know the basic rules of pickleball, let’s learn some strategies to improve your game and have more fun. Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind:
- The non-volley zone or the kitchen: This is the most important area of the court as it gives you an advantage over your opponents if you can get there first and hit low shots that force them to hit up. However, you cannot hit volleys (shots out of the air) while standing in the kitchen or touching the kitchen line.
You can only enter the kitchen after the ball bounces once inside it and you must exit it before hitting another volley. This rule prevents players from smashing the ball at close range and makes the game more fair and fun.
- The dink shot and the lob shot: These are two types of shots that can help you win points by keeping your opponents off balance. A dink shot is a soft shot that barely clears the net and lands in the kitchen forcing your opponent to move forward and hit up.
A lob shot is a high shot that goes over your opponent’s head and lands near the baseline forcing them to move back and hit down. These shots can be used alternately or in combination to create openings for winners.
- The forehand and backhand strokes: These are two types of strokes that can help you hit different angles and spin on the ball. A forehand stroke is when you hit the ball with the paddle on the same side as your dominant hand (e.g., right hand for right-handed players).
A backhand stroke is when you hit the ball with the paddle on the opposite side of your dominant hand (e.g., left hand for right-handed players). You should practice both strokes so that you can handle any ball that comes your way.
- Positioning and communication in doubles: These are two skills that can help you work better with your partner and avoid confusion or collisions on the court. In general, you should try to stay parallel with your partner so that you cover more space and avoid gaps between you.
You should also communicate with your partner by calling out who will take which ball or where you will hit it so that you don’t interfere with each other or miss opportunities.
FAQs
Pickleball can be played as a singles or doubles game. For doubles, two players are needed on each team, and for singles, one player is needed on each side.
The serve in Pickleball must be made underhand and must clear the net and land within the opposite service court. The ball must be served diagonally, starting from the right-hand side of the court for the server’s first serve.
A let-in Pickleball occurs when the ball hits the net on a serve or during play but still lands in the proper service court. The point is replayed without any penalty to the server or receiving team.
Yes, you can step into the non-volley zone to hit the ball, but you must make sure that you do not touch the zone with any part of your body or paddle while hitting the ball.
No, hitting the ball out of bounds in Pickleball results in a fault and a point for the opposing team. It is important to aim for the court and avoid hitting the ball too hard or at an angle that could cause it to go out of bounds.
Final Words
To summarise, pickleball is a fun and exciting activity that people of all ages and ability levels may enjoy. It incorporates features of other racquet sports and may be played individually or in pairs. The game has basic rules, but players may enhance their performance by employing numerous techniques.
Pickleball requires a paddle, a ball, and suitable footwear, as well as knowledge of court size, basic regulations, and serving skills. Pickleball is a terrific way to remain active, socialize, and enjoy some healthy competition, whether you are a novice or a seasoned player.