What is Pickleball?
The Basics
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A fun sport that combines many elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis.
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Played both indoors or outdoors on a badminton-sized court and a slightly lower net than a tennis net.
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The game is played with wooden or composite paddles, similar to those used in table tennis (only larger) and with a perforated polymer ball similar to a whiffle ball.
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Played as doubles or singles.
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Can be enjoyed by all ages and skill levels
Key Points
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The ball is served diagonally from the right-hand side of the court to the left-hand side for the first serve, and then from left to right for the second serve.
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The ball must bounce on the ground before it can be hit back over the net from the serve.
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Points are scored when the opposing team is unable to return the ball or hits it out of bounds.
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The first team to reach 11 points (with a lead of at least two points) wins the game.
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No Volleying in the Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone)
Pickleball Court Dimensions
A pickleball court is the same size as a doubles badminton court and measures 20×44 feet. In pickleball, the same court is used for both singles and doubles play. The net height is 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the middle. The court is striped similar to a tennis court with right and left service courts and a 7-foot non-volley zone in front of the net (referred to as the “kitchen”). Courts can be constructed specifically for pickleball or they can be converted using existing tennis or badminton court. At no point should the Pickleball net dip below 34 inches (center post height).
Some of the benefits of playing pickleball include:
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Pickleball is easy to learn and is suitable for players of all ages and skill levels.
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It is a low-impact sport, making it easier on the joints and less likely to cause injuries.
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The smaller court size makes it easier to cover the entire court, which can be beneficial for players who are not as mobile.
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Pickleball is a great cardiovascular workout, as it requires quick movement and good hand-eye coordination.