What Is Pickleball And How Do You Play

Pickleball is a relatively new and exciting sport that has taken the world by storm. It is a combination of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, played on a smaller court with a paddle and a perforated plastic ball. In this article, we will delve into the basics of pickleball and how to play the game.

The History of Pickleball

Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum. The game was invented as a way to keep their families entertained during the summer. The name “pickleball” was coined by Pritchard’s wife, who thought the game reminded her of the pickle boat in crew, where oarsmen were chosen from the leftovers of other boats.

Pickleball is now played in over 5,000 locations across the United States, and the game is quickly gaining popularity around the world.

The Pickleball Court

Pickleball can be played indoors or outdoors on a court that measures 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. The court is divided into two equal halves by a 34-inch high net. The court has a 7-foot non-volley zone, or kitchen, on both sides of the net that players cannot enter unless the ball bounces in the kitchen first.

Pickleball Equipment

To play pickleball, you will need a paddle and a ball. The paddle is similar to a ping pong paddle but is larger and has a shorter handle. The ball is made of plastic and has holes in it, which make it lightweight and aerodynamic. The pickleball paddle and ball can be purchased at most sporting goods stores or online.

How to Play Pickleball

Pickleball can be played as a singles or doubles game. The game starts with a serve, and the ball must be served underhand and below the waist. The serve must land in the opposite diagonal court, and the receiving team must let the ball bounce before returning it. After the ball has bounced once on each side, both teams can hit the ball without letting it bounce again until one team fails to return the ball within the boundaries of the court.

To win the game, a team must score 11 points and win by 2 points. If the game is tied at 10-10, the game continues until one team has a 2-point lead. The game can be played as a best of three or five sets.

Pickleball is a fun and exciting game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. It is easy to learn, and the equipment is relatively inexpensive, making it a great option for families and friends. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, pickleball is sure to provide hours of entertainment and friendly competition.

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