A Beginner's Guide to Playing Pickleball
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports globally, loved for its simplicity and accessibility. It blends elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, making it enjoyable for players of all ages and skill levels. Here’s everything you need to know to start playing pickleball.
What is Pickleball?
Played on a court smaller than a tennis court, pickleball uses paddles and a perforated plastic ball. The game can be played in singles (two players) or doubles (four players). Its small court size and slower-paced action make it perfect for fun and competitive play alike.
The Court and Equipment
- Court: The court is 20x44 feet, with a net dividing it in half. The non-volley zone, often called “the kitchen,” is a seven-foot area on both sides of the net.
- Equipment:
- Paddle: Lightweight paddles, typically made of wood or composite materials.
- Ball: A plastic ball with holes, similar to a wiffle ball.
How to Play
Serving:
- Serve diagonally to your opponent’s service area.
- The serve must be underhand and clear the non-volley zone.
Double Bounce Rule:
- After the serve, each team must let the ball bounce once before they can hit volleys (hitting without a bounce).
Volleys and the Kitchen:
- Volleys are allowed only outside the non-volley zone. Players cannot step into the kitchen while hitting a volley.
Scoring:
- Points are scored only by the serving team.
- A typical game is played to 11 points, and a team must win by at least 2 points.
Why You’ll Love Pickleball
Pickleball is easy to learn but offers plenty of room for strategy as you improve. The game’s compact court encourages social play and dynamic action.
Quick Tips for Beginners
- Focus on your footwork to stay agile.
- Practice serving and returning to build consistency.
- Start with soft volleys before advancing to faster, strategic shots
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