Play pickleball, share the fun
Pickleball is arguably the most popular sport in the United States. According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association is the practice of pickleball among players in the US doubled by 2022 and grew by almost 159 per cent in three years. All over the globe, pickleball is on the rise!
What makes pickleball so popular?
Accessible
It can be played by people of all ages. The game is very easy to learn.
Novice players can play matches after just a few training sessions. Fun guaranteed!
Social contacts
Pickleball is not only a sport, but also a social activity. Pickleball is played both competitively and recreationally.
It is the perfect opportunity to make new contacts. In many pickleball clubs, people meet several times a week. More and more tournaments are being organised. Togetherness at its best!
Versatility
How do you play pickleball?
Pickleball is a game in which you use paddles. These paddles can be made of various materials, such as wood, plastic, carbon fibre, and more. The game is played with a wiffleball, a plastic ball with holes.
Whether you play by yourself (singles) or in pairs on each side of the court (doubles), the playing area is about half the size of a regular tennis court. In the centre of the court is a net of up to 91 centimetres high.
Before you start, it is useful to know some basic rules
- On both sides of the net there is a 'non-volley' area, also called the kitchen. This is 2.13 metres deep, marked by a line parallel to the net. If you stand in this zone, you are not allowed to hit the ball directly over the net; the ball must first hit the ground.
- Serve the ball underhand from the baseline and make sure it lands behind the opponent's 'non-volley' zone. On each team's first serve, the ball must bounce once before being returned.
- The point goes to the other team if the ball bounces twice on the same side. The serving team can score, but if the non-serving team wins the point, the score does not change.
- The point goes to the other team if the ball bounces twice on the same side. The serving team can score, but if the non-serving team wins the point, the score does not change.
Eager to know EVERYTHING?
View or download the PDF of the book with the latest official rules!
Tips for novice pickleball players
Avoid big swings
Novice pickleball players, especially those with tennis experience, tend towards big back swings, but on the small court and with resilient balls, this is counterproductive. Make short strokes and control ball direction. With growing skills, you will eventually hit faster, but a big backswing is still not necessary.
Keep the ball in front of you
When you are just starting to play, you may move too little and reach too far for the ball, making it harder to hit within the lines. Improve your game by taking lateral steps and making short movements while staying focused on the ball and the desired play location. Start with bent knees, keep your paddle in front of your body, and position your feet in a V-shape for better control and accuracy.
Does it sound a bit complicated? Don't worry!
In pickleball, it is very common for experienced players to take newcomers under their wing.
Take your time and space to master the rules of the game and techniques at your own pace!
