What is Pickleball?

What is Pickleball?

Step into the exciting world of pickleball, a dynamic and exhilarating sport that's sweeping the nation! Combining the best elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, pickleball serves up strategic gameplay, hearty laughs, and adrenaline-pumping action for players of all ages. Easy to learn yet challenging to master, you can play it indoors or outdoors with friends, family, or new-found opponents!

 

Pickleball Rules:

  • Serve: Serves must be underhand hitting the ball below the waist, and the server must keep both feet behind the back line during the serve. When serving, the ball is to be hit into the opposing side's serving area, just like in tennis.
  • Double Bounce Rule: When the ball is served, the receiving team must let it bounce once before returning, and then the serving team must also let it bounce before returning. This ensures that the ball bounces once on each side of the court before volleys can begin.
  • Scoring: A team can only score a point while they are serving. Games are generally played to 11 points and must be won by a 2-point margin.
  • Faults: A fault is a failure to meet the rules of the game which causes a loss of serve or a point. Some possible ways to fault are: hitting the ball into the net, hitting the ball out of bounds, volleying the ball before it bounces once on each side, volleying the ball in the no-volley zone, among others.
  • No-Volley-Zone: Also known as the "kitchen", it's a seven-foot zone on both sides of the net where players cannot volley the ball. If a player steps into the no-volley-zone and volleys the ball, it's considered a fault.

 

Precautions in Pickleball:

Safety is paramount in any sport, and pickleball is no exception. Here are some precautions to keep in mind:

  • Proper Gear: Always wear the right gear, including athletic shoes with good grip, comfortable clothes, and perhaps most importantly, protective eyewear. It's always better to prevent an injury than to deal with one.
  • Maintain Equipment: Ensure your paddle is in good condition and the pickleball isn't cracked or damaged.
  • Stay Hydrated: Pickleball, like any sport, can be physically demanding. Ensure to keep yourself hydrated throughout the game.
  • Warm-up and Cool-down: This is essential for preventing injuries. Prior to playing, engage in light aerobic exercise followed by stretching. A cool down period with stretching after the game aids in recovery.
  • Court Safety: Make sure the court is clean and free of debris. Watch out for any wet spots as it can lead to slips and falls.
  • Know Your Limits: Pickleball is meant to be enjoyed. Play at a comfortable pace and intensity, and make sure to rest when needed. If you feel unwell at any point, stop playing and take a break.
  • Follow Rules: Adhering to the rules not only makes the game fair but also safe for all the participants. So, it's important to understand and follow all pickleball rules and regulations.

 

Dimensions of a Pickleball Court:

Ever dreamed of playing in a giant's badminton court? With dimensions of 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, a pickleball court feels just right - large enough for suspense, small enough for action-packed thrills! And yes, there's that fun term again, "the kitchen" - a seven-foot non-volley zone on both sides of the net.

 

Long History and Origins of Pickleball:

Imagine three dads transforming their summer of boredom, in 1965, into a worldwide sporting phenomena! Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum tuned into their sense of fun, family, and passion to create pickleball. And it took off faster than a rocket! It's not just a game; it's a legacy - filled with a zest for life, a sense of community, and a desire to play!

Since its creation in 1965, pickleball has been bringing more smiles, laughs, and friendly competition to people than ever before. From humble beginnings as a family game, it shot to community stardom. The 1970s saw the first official pickleball tournament and its steady rise from then on is no less than a fairytale! Today, with countless tournaments and steadfast fans worldwide, pickleball continues to pop, excite, and score in the hearts of millions!

 

Why it's called Pickleball and Its Invention:

Ever heard of a dog influencing sports history? Meet Pickles, the Pritchard family's ball-chasing bundle of joy who lent his name to pickleball! Creativity sparked in 1965 under the bright minds of Congressmen Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and businessman Barney McCallum. Their blend of family fun and competitive spirit gave birth to the super exciting game we know and love today!