Do you love fun sports but haven’t heard of pickleball? Are you a fan of tennis, badminton, and table tennis?
If so, then pickleball could be the perfect game for you! Pickleball is an exciting sport that combines elements from those three classics to create something unique and totally addicting.
It can be played indoors or outdoors and appeals to people of all ages and skill levels – it truly has something for everyone!
It's easy to learn and is incredibly fun for both professional players and newcomers giving it a go for their first time.
So if you’re new to the sport or simply curious, our pickleball experts here at Nicol Pickleball will take you through the basics of this fast-growing sport!
But first, let’s get the mini answer before we head into a little more detail.
Pickleball is a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s an easy sport to learn with an emphasis on skill, strategy, and good sportsmanship. It’s fun, great exercise, and relatively simple to understand. It can be played indoors or outdoors and by any age group.
Ok, so with the takeaway in place, let’s start by heading straight in and finding more.
Key reasons to play Pickleball?
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in North America.
Let’s look at some of the key points about Pickleball that make it a game to consider playing.
- It's a really fun game that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis.
- It’s a great form of exercise
- It’s an easy sport to learn with an emphasis on skill, strategy, and good sportsmanship.
- It’s a simple concept, you use a hard paddle to hit a perforated plastic ball over a net.
- You can play on an outdoor court or indoors on any kind of floor surface
- Pickleball can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels!
- It's easy to learn the basics and players are able to progress quickly! Making it an exciting way to stay fit and active for those just starting out or looking for something new.
- With a combination of strength, agility, and coordination required it’s sure to be a hit among your friends!
So where did this popular sport originate?
Who created Pickleball?
Pickleball is a relatively new sport that has been gaining in popularity since it was first invented in 1965.
As we’ve discovered, it combines elements of tennis, table tennis, and badminton to create an engaging and fast-paced game.
It all began on the Island of Bainbridge near Seattle, WA when American congressman Joel Pritchard noticed his family having difficulty finding a sport they could all play together due to their various ages and skill levels.
Pritchard created pickleball with the help of some friends, setting up badminton courts with a lowered net and using small whiffle balls.
From there, pickleball has become an incredibly popular game across the United States and around the world.
What equipment will I need?
You’ll need four main pieces of equipment for pickleball which has not changed from its humble beginnings.
These are paddles, balls, nets, and court lines.
The official paddles are lightweight, usually made from fiberglass or graphite composite. Paddles come in different sizes, weights, and materials.
So you are sure to find the one to suit your playing style.
A few types you can find are:
- Elongated pickleball paddle
- Carbon fiber pickleball paddle
- Long-handle pickleball paddle
The official ball is perforated like a wiffle ball and can be bought in either indoor or outdoor varieties. They are usually made of plastic with small holes and come in different sizes and colors.
Nets should be between 3-4 feet tall, secured with poles at each end of the court, and have an optional center net post.
Court lines should be clearly visible on your court surface so that players know where they should stand and where the ball is allowed to go.
So do you need an official court to play?
Read on to discover more.
Do you need a court to play pickleball?
Playing pickleball is a great way to stay active and have fun!
Fortunately, you don’t need a large court or expensive equipment like other racquet sports, making it accessible and enjoyable for players of all ages.
You can create your own court wherever you like – in a backyard, park, or even your living room!
The basic court measurements are 44 feet long by 20 feet wide, with a five-foot non-volley zone on each side. (The non-volley zone is the court area within 7 feet on both sides of the net). Play for singles is slightly shorter in length at 20 x 34 feet.
Pickleball can be played indoors or outdoors and has courts popping up all over the country in community parks, schools, clubhouses, and more.
Many local recreation centers also offer free or low-cost drop-in pickleball sessions so you can try it out without making any long-term commitments
If you’re lucky enough to live near a beach, grab a few paddles and head down for some fun on the sand!
“The basic court measurements are 44 feet long by 20 feet wide,
with a five-foot non-volley zone on each side.”
How do you play pickleball?
When it comes to gameplay, the game's objective is for one side (usually doubles) to score more points than the other by volleying and serving the ball over a net with a paddle.
How do I hold the paddle?
To get the most out of your game, it is good to know a few techniques when holding your paddle
So whether you are using carbon fiber or the best-elongated handle paddle, It's important to have a firm but relaxed grip.
This will maximize power and tactile control for volleys, serves, and other shots.
There are basic techniques for holding your paddle, depending on whether you're a forehand or backhand player.
Regular practice using the "hug the bear" grip can help ensure you've got the skills and confidence needed to deliver powerful plays and win big during your next pickleball match!
For more advanced players you can learn more about continental and eastern grips to improve your gameplay.
Once you’ve got the basics down, you can start having some fun!
Scoring is easy in pickleball
The object of pickleball is to hit the ball over a net so that it lands on your opponent’s side of the court in much the same way as badminton, tennis, and table tennis.
A point is scored when the opposing player fails to return the ball or hits it out of bounds.
Points are scored during each game, and the first player or team to get 11 points wins.
To earn a point, a team has to serve the ball into their opponent’s court without it being returned.
If the opposing team fails to return it they miss out on earning a point, but if they manage to return it then play continues until one of them wins the rally.
The two-bounce rule
One of the most important rules is the ‘two bounce rule’.every shot, except for serves, of course, must bounce twice before it can be hit.
This keeps things fair on the court whilst encouraging longer rallies full of back-and-forth action!
There are additional rules that are in place too.
These include rules governing the service box, or a point for the serving team if a server goes into the non-volley zone (also known as the kitchen) without being returned.
The USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) sets the rules and standards for the game and helps to promote this widely growing and popular sport.
To discover more, you can also head over to one of our other helpful articles for more gameplay and rules of Pickleball.
Ok so now you have some basics in place, where can you play this fast-growing sport?
Points are scored during each game, and
the first player or team to get 11 points wins.”
Easy places to play pickleball
It's easy to find places to play pickleball. Many local gyms and parks offer organized courts for singles or doubles matches.
If you have the space at home, grabbing a few friends and some paddles is all you need - no court necessary.
Other than that, check your neighborhood's recreation center or even school facilities as they often provide plenty of space for enthusiastic players.
You can also check with nearby high schools or colleges to see if they take part in pickleball matches, some even host tournaments for the sport.
Ok so now you understand where and how to play pickleball, you might be wondering if you need any specialist clothing.
How can we help you on your pickleball journey?
Here at nicolpickleball a dedicated team of pickleball players who believed there was more to be done for the game set out on a mission!
After extensive research, consulting with engineers and physicists, and countless hours spent working together we created our innovative line of paddles designed by players and FOR players!
With Team Nicol leading the charge in pursuit of exceptional quality, every player can look forward to improved equipment that will push their performance even further.
Find your perfect paddle today — let’s take this journey together!