In the bustling streets of Brooklyn, a group of friends—Mikey, Vinny, Sofia, and Angie—were looking for a new way to stay active, socialize, and have a great time together. As they strolled through their beloved borough, they stumbled upon a lively game being played in a nearby park.
“Hey, what’s goin’ on over there?” asked Mikey, pointing towards the action.
“I’m not sure, but it looks like everyone’s havin’ a blast!” Angie exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
As they got closer, they realized they were watching a game of pickleball, a sport that’s been winning hearts and minds across the nation. The fast-paced action, the friendly competition, and the social atmosphere had people of all ages hooked. The friends couldn’t believe their luck—they had found the perfect activity that combined fitness, fun, and camaraderie.
If you’re like Mikey, Vinny, Sofia, and Angie, and you’re searching for a game that brings people together, keeps you active, and offers endless enjoyment, then pickle ball is your answer. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the world of pickleball, covering the basics, the rules, the equipment, and the techniques. Soon enough, you’ll be ready to hit the court and experience the excitement for yourself.
So gather your crew, lace up your sneakers, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of pickle ball!
Before diving into the exhilarating world of pickleball, it’s crucial to grasp the sport’s fundamentals. In this section, we’ll guide beginners through the history of pickleball, court layout, scoring system, and essential terminology. With this foundation, you’ll be ready to take on the court with confidence and skill.
How it Came About
Pickleball sport began in the 1960s on Bainbridge Island, Washington, and has since transformed into a global sensation. Three inventive dads combined elements of various racquet sports to create a game enjoyed by millions today. The three dads who invented pickle ball were Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum.
Court Layout and Dimensions
A pickle ball court is similar in size and layout to a badminton court, measuring 20 feet wide by 44 feet long. The playing area is divided into two equal halves by a net, which is 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches high at the center.
Each side of the court features a left and a right service court, where players serve and receive serves. These service courts are marked by the centerline that runs parallel to the net and extends from the non-volley zone (NVZ) line to the baseline. The service courts are 15 feet long and 10 feet wide.
The non-volley zone, also known as the “kitchen,” is a 7-foot-wide area that extends on both sides of the net. Players are not allowed to hit the ball in the air (volley) while standing within this zone, unless the ball bounces first. This rule is in place to prevent aggressive volleys at the net and to encourage strategic play.
The baseline is the court’s outer boundary at the back, running parallel to the net. It is situated 22 feet from the net on both sides of the court. The sidelines, also marking the court’s outer boundaries, run perpendicular to the net and are 20 feet apart.
Scoring, Basic Rules, Key Terms, and Jargon in Pickleball
The scoring system involves a unique scoring system where only the serving team can score points. The game is typically played to 11 points, but it can also be played to 15 or 21, depending on the specific match format. To win, a team must have at least a 2-point lead over the opposing team. In doubles play, each player on a team serves before the serve moves to the other team.
Core Techniques and Strokes
Serving: Underhand and legal serves In pickleball, serves must be executed underhand, with the paddle contacting the ball below the server’s waist. The server should hit the ball diagonally so that it clears the non-volley zone and lands in the opposite service court. To practice a legal and effective serve, focus on consistent ball contact and aim for a smooth, fluid motion.
Groundstrokes: Forehand and backhand groundstrokes are fundamental shots in pickle ball, including forehand and backhand strokes. For a successful forehand, position yourself with your dominant hand facing the net, and use a combination of wrist and arm movement to strike the ball. For a backhand, rotate your body to face the opposite direction and use your non-dominant hand to provide additional support and control when hitting the ball.
Volleys: Soft and Hard Volleys Volleying is an essential skill that involves hitting the ball in the air before it bounces on the court. Soft volleys require a gentle touch and are used to return shots with minimal force, while hard volleys are powerful and aggressive. To practice volleys, focus on proper paddle positioning, timing, and control.
Dinking: Purpose and Strategy Dinking is a strategic, soft shot aimed at landing the ball in the opponent’s non-volley zone, forcing them to hit the ball upward and making it difficult to return with power. To master the art of dinking, work on paddle control, touch, and accuracy. Incorporate dinking into your gameplay to create opportunities for winning points.
Overhead Smashes and Lobs Overhead smashes and lobs are advanced shots that can catch your opponents off-guard. An overhead smash is a powerful, downward shot aimed at hitting the ball with maximum force. In contrast, a lob is a high, arcing shot designed to clear the net and land deep in the opponent’s court. To execute these shots, practice proper footwork, timing, and paddle control.
The Scoop on the Rules of Pickle Ball
The Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen) The non-volley zone, also known as the “kitchen,” is a 7-foot-wide area extending from the net on both sides of the court. Players are not allowed to volley (hit the ball in the air) while standing in the kitchen unless the ball bounces first. This rule encourages strategic play and prevents aggressive volleys at the net.
Double-Bounce Rule The double-bounce rule requires each team to let the ball bounce once on their side of the court before hitting it. This applies to the initial serve and the receiving team’s return. The rule is designed to promote longer rallies and discourage aggressive play from the outset.
Faults and Violations A fault occurs when a player violates one of the game’s rules, such as hitting the ball out of bounds, stepping into the non-volley zone while volleying, or failing to execute a legal serve. When a fault is committed, the serve changes possession or, if committed by the serving team, results in a point for the server.
Serving and receiving rules serves must be executed underhand, with the paddle contacting the ball below the server’s waist. The server must hit the ball diagonally, clearing the non-volley zone and landing in the opposite service court. The receiving team must allow the ball to bounce once before returning the serve, adhering to the double-bounce rule.
Scoring system and match format pickleball uses a unique scoring system where only the serving team can score points. Games are typically played to 11, 15, or 21 points, and a team must have at least a 2-point lead to win. In doubles play, each player on a team serves before the serve moves to the other team. Understanding the scoring system and match format is crucial for keeping track of your progress and knowing when to employ strategic gameplay.
How to Improve Your Skills
Practicing with Purpose and Consistency Consistent practice is key to improving your pickleball skills. Schedule regular sessions on the court and set specific goals for each practice. Focus on areas that need improvement, such as footwork, shot selection, or strategy, and track your progress over time. Consistent, goal-oriented practice will yield noticeable results.
Learning from Experienced Players Playing with and learning from more experienced players can provide valuable insights and help you refine your game. Pay attention to their techniques, strategies, and decision-making during matches. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek advice, as many experienced players are eager to share their knowledge and passion for the sport.
Participating in clinics and workshops attending pickleball clinics and workshops is an excellent way to receive expert coaching and instruction tailored to your skill level. These events often cover essential techniques, strategies, and drills to improve your game. Participating in clinics and workshops will not only enhance your skills but also allow you to connect with other players in the pickleball community.
Watching online tutorials and matches online resources, such as tutorial videos and recorded matches, can be invaluable for learning new techniques and understanding match dynamics. Study professional players’ movements, strategies, and shot selections to gain insights that can be applied to your own game. Platforms like YouTube offer a wealth of pickleball-related content, allowing you to learn and improve at your own pace.
Now it’s time to play some pickleball!
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Love pickleball
It’s a fun game isn’t Gayle! How long have you been playing?
I’m new to the game. But very familiar with ping pong, racquetball and tennis.
Great to hear Jill! Since you’re just getting started checkout our new picklball products on our store here:
https://www.fitnmeet.org/product-category/frisbee-golf/
Thanks