Pickleball is a fun and engaging sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It is easy to learn. Pickleball is easy to learn and enjoyable for people of all ages and skill levels. This guide will walk you through the basics of playing pickleball. It also covers the equipment you need. The rules of the game have some strategies to help you get started.
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is an engaging and fun sport that is easy to learn but can provide a challenging and competitive experience. It is suitable for all ages and skill levels, making it a popular choice for family gatherings, fitness enthusiasts, and competitive athletes.
Pickleball is a fun and engaging sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It’s played on a court similar in size to a badminton court with a net slightly lower than a tennis net. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started with playing pickleball.
Understanding The Court
Pickleball is played on a court measuring 20′ x 44′. The net height is 36″ at the sideline and 34″ at the center. The court is divided into several key areas:
- Baseline: The back boundary line on each side.
- Sideline: The side boundary lines.
- Non-volley zone (Kitchen): A 7 ft area on each side of the net where volleys are not allowed.
- Service areas: The area from the net to the baseline on each side, divided by the centerline.
Court Dimensions
- Total court size: 20 feet wide by 44 feet long
- Non-volley zone: 7 feet from the net on each side
- Net height: 36 inches at the sidelines, 34 inches at the center
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TOP 9 Basic Rules of Pickleball
Following are 9 top basic rules of pickleball are under as:
1- Each Rally Begins with a Serve
- The serve starts from the right side of the court.
- The player directs it diagonally to the opponent’s service area.
- The serve must clear the kitchen and its line to be valid.
2- Your Serve Must Be Underhand
- The player executed the serve with an underhand stroke. It also makes contact with the ball below the waist.
- The arm must move in an upward arc when striking the ball.
- You can either hit the ball out of the air or drop it to the ground before hitting it.
3- Each Point Continues Until a Fault
A fault occurs when:
- The server does not clear the kitchen.
- A shot lands out of bounds.
- A shot is hit into the net.
4- You Can’t Volley in the Kitchen
- No player can hit a volley while standing in the non-volley zone or touching the kitchen line.
- Momentum cannot carry you into the kitchen after hitting a volley.
5- You Can Hit Groundstrokes in the Kitchen
- Players can enter the kitchen to hit groundstrokes, such as a dink—a strategic, soft shot meant to land in the kitchen of the opponent’s side.
6- The Ball Must Bounce on Both Sides Before Either Team Can Volley
- Known as the ‘double bounce rule.
- The ball must bounce once on each side before players can volley.
- This rule prevents the serving team from rushing the net immediately.
7- You Only Win Points on Your Serve
- Only the serving team scores the point.
- The server continues serving until it commits a fault.
8- Both Partners Serve in a Turn
- In doubles, each player on a team serves before the serve goes to the opponent.
- The serving team announces the score, indicating the server’s position (first or second server).
9- First Team to 11 Points Wins, But Must Win by 2
- The game played to 11 points. A team must win by 2 points.
- Its play continues until one team leads by 2 points.
Equipment Needed to Play Pickleball
- Paddles: A beginner pickleball paddle is ideal for starting.
- Balls: It is the most common requirement in this game.
- Net: A portable pickleball net if your local court does not have one.
- Court: Access to a local pickleball court.
Tips for Beginners
- Serving: Focus on placing the ball in play rather than making an aggressive serve.
- Kitchen Play: Practice dinks and learn to control your shots in the kitchen area.
- Positioning: Stay back until the ball has bounced on both sides, then approach the net strategically.
- Scoring: Remember that only the serving team can score points. Communicate with your partner about your service positions.
Recommended Gear
- Shoes: Invest in good pickleball shoes for better grip and comfort.
- Clothing: Wear comfortable and breathable clothing suitable for quick movements.
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Conclusion
By following these basic rules and guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the exciting game of pickleball. Remember, practice and patience are key to mastering the sport. Whether you’re playing for fun or competition, the key is to stay active, enjoy the game, and continuously work on improving your skills. Happy playing!