What is pickleball?
Pickleball is a paddle sport played with a hard paddle and a light, plastic ball with holes. It is very similar to tennis, but on a smaller court and with slightly different rules. The game was invented in the 1960s and is played with both singles (one against one) and doubles (two against two).
Rules of pickleball
The rules of pickleball are relatively straightforward:
- The court: Pickleball is played on a court with the same width, but is a little less than half the size of a regular tennis court.
- The serve: The game starts with a serve from the right-hand side of the court. The serve must bounce inside the court and pass over the net.
- Scoring: A point is scored when the serving team fails to return the ball or the ball goes outside of the court. The first team to score 11 points (or 15 points for a double) wins the game.
- Volley: Players are not allowed to hit the ball more than three times in a row (volleying). This is to avoid extended rallies and keep the game moving.
What equipment is needed to play pickleball?
The equipment you need to play pickleball is relatively simple:
- A pickleball paddle (can be hard or soft)
- A light, plastic ball with holes
- A court (preferably outdoors, but can also be played indoors)
Conclusion
Pickleball is an easy to learn, yet incredibly fun and engaging sport to play. With some basic equipment and a few basic rules, you can begin playing pickleball in no time. So grab a paddle, some friends, and hit the court – you’re just a few steps away from enjoying a great game of pickleball!
