HOW TO PLAY PICKLE BALL

Pickle Ball is the fast-paced and high-energy relatively new racquet sport which incorporates aspects of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Using a racquet and a perforated plastic ball on a rectangular playing field. With the option to play one on one or in teams, it's easy to see why pickleball is trending. We've assembled a list of everything you need to know about everyone's new favourite game, pickle ball!

 

 

Equipment:

Paddle: Smaller than a standard Tennis Racquet, Pickle ball paddles are crafted from Carbon Fibre, with soft foam handles for a firm, comfortable grip and a handy carry case.

Ball: The pickle ball, similar to a wiffle ball, is constructed from tough, long-lasting plastic material.

Court:

The pickle ball court is smaller than a tennis court, measuring 6 metres wide and 13 metres long. The court divides into left and right service, and there is a non-volley zone in front of the net.

Basic Rules:

Serving:

  1. The game begins with one team serving the ball across to the other player's serving area.

  2. The server must stand behind the baseline and hit the ball underhand. The ball must clear the net and land in the opponent's service court.

Volleys:

  1. Volleys are shots hit before the ball bounces on your side of the court.

  2. Players cannot volley the ball while standing within the non-volley zone (kitchen) unless the ball has bounced first.

  3. The non-volley zone extends 2 metres from the net on both sides.

Scoring:

  1. Only the serving team can score points.

  2. Players usually play games to 11 points, but local rules can vary.

Winning a Point:

Your team will earn points when the other team does one of the following:

  1. They send the ball beyond the boundary.

  2. They fail to get the ball over the net.

  3. They serve a volley while in the non-volley area.

Switching Sides:

  1. Players switch ends after each point scored.

Serving Rotation:

  1. The serving team alternates sides after scoring a point.

  2. If the serving team loses a point, the opposing team takes over as server.

Tips for Beginners:

  1. Master the Basics: Focus on getting the serve, return, and volleys right.

  2. Court Positioning: Pay attention to where you and your opponent are on the court. Try to control the "kitchen" area.

  3. Communication: When playing doubles, be sure to communicate with your partner who will take which shots.

 

 

And there you have it - you're now ready to take on the game of the season. But remember, the best way to learn is by playing! So find a local pickle ball court, grab a paddle, and master the serve, volleys, and court positioning all while enjoying the social nature of this unique and engaging sport.