Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America. In fact, the recreational sport boasts almost three million players in the US alone.
Although many people have heard of it, not everyone knows what it is.
Pickleball could be the best sport you’ve never played! Are you ready to learn? Keep reading to learn how to play Pickleball.
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Pickleball for Beginners
In the 1960s, three American fathers struggled to keep their children entertained. They invented a game that included elements from tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. From there, the game evolved from its simple roots to a professional sport.
Playing Pickleball
We are more likely to stick with a fitness regime if it’s fun and done with friends. Pickleball ticks all the boxes.
To play Pickleball, players use a wooden or composite paddle. They hit a small ball over a net on a 20 x 44-foot court to the opposing side. The opponents then volley it back.
Many home driveways are near this size. This makes Pickleball an easy game to set up at home.
You can play in singles or doubles. The serving team can score. The other side defends.
You can score points when:
- Your opponent hits the ball out of bounds
- They miss, failing to return the ball
- Opponent volleys in a restricted zone
- They volley the ball before it bounces
A team wins by reaching 11 points — but they must also be at least two points ahead to win. Otherwise, the game continues.
Equipment
Learning Pickleball is easy. Better yet, it’s an inexpensive game to play. Gather some experienced friends for the best Pickleball tips and enjoyment.
Start with some chalk to mark off boundaries. If the court is 44 feet long, you want to divide it down the center at the 22-foot mark. This is where the net goes.
The net splits the court and should be about three feet tall. Seven feet from the net on either side are the non-volley zones
The remaining 15 feet on each side comprises the service areas. Split each service area in two so there are right and left areas.
Then, all you need is some Pickleball paddles, a small, hollow, plastic ball, and a group of friends.
How to Play Pickleball
First, pick teams. Toss a coin to determine which team will serve first.
Serves must be diagonal, starting with the right service area. This alternates with each serve. Serve underhand with your Pickleball paddle below your waist, then hit the ball mid-air without bouncing.
The ball must clear the net and the non-volley zones. After a successful serve, the opposing team will return the ball.
The teams continue to volley until one team fails to perform a successful return. This results in a fault that can give the opposing team control or points.
Discover Your New Favorite Sport
Pickleball is a fun, easy way to exercise. And once you’ve learned how to play Pickleball, you’ll be playing every chance you get.
So, get a net, a ball, and some Pickleball paddles and have fun!
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