As we seek healthier lifestyles, we are starting to look at options outside of the gym to make our exercise time more of a social experience. This has led to a surge in popularity of some newer sports, and pickleball is no exception. It might be one of the biggest recreational sports in the US right now, and it’s still steadily gaining popularity, seeing a surge in player numbers across generations. With its unique blend of badminton, tennis, and ping pong, pickleball offers a sport experience that’s easy to learn and yet challenging to master.
Let’s delve into the basics of pickleball, uncover its origins, and introduce you to some of the rules that make it a standout among sports enthusiasts.
The Origins and Equipment of Pickleball
Pickleball traces its roots to the mid-20th century, when inventors Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum created the game as a something they could play in the backyard with their families. The trio took elements from various other popular sports and created something of a hybrid versatile and engaging game that appealed to players of all ages. The game is typically played on a badminton-sized court with a low net. Players use paddles made of various materials to hit the ball over the net and into the opponent’s court. It borrows many of its rules from the sports it’s based on.
Mastering the Rules of Pickleball
Understanding the rules of pickleball is crucial for an enjoyable and fair experience. Contributing to its success, the game is usually played in doubles, but singles matches are also common. To start off a point, a player must serve underhand, and the ball must bounce once on the receiving side. After this bounce, volleys are allowed. This “double bounce” rule ensures that both teams have an opportunity to return the ball from a stationary position. Interestingly, points can only be scored by the serving team, and games are played to 11 points, with a two-point lead needed to win a game, like many other racket and ball sports.
Strategy and Skill in Pickleball
While pickleball is accessible to beginners, there is a good level of strategic depth that keeps even more experienced players engaged. Thanks to small court size, the game demands precision and agility in how you place your shots, and the relatively slower pace of the ball offers a good amount of time to think through your return shot calculate your move. Crucial to any good pickleball player, time and effort must be put in to master the serve; check pickleball serving rules before you start a game.
With its unique blend of a few different sports and easy to understand rules, pickleball is a sport that brings together people of all ages, fitness levels, skill levels and backgrounds. Whether you’re new to the game and looking for a fun way to stay active or a seasoned professional seeking a new challenge, pickleball offers an exciting way to get out the gym and make new friends while sharpening your competitive edge.