Welcome to Pickleball 101! Whether you're new to the sport or just looking to brush up on the rules and etiquette, this guide is for you.
Pickleball is a fun, fast-paced sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It's played on a badminton-sized court with a net and wooden paddles, and the ball used is similar to a wiffle ball.
Now let's dive into the rules of the game.
The first thing to know is that pickleball is played with two or four players. If playing with four, players form two teams and the game is played similar to doubles in tennis. If playing with two, it's similar to singles in tennis.
The game begins with a serve. The serving player must serve the ball diagonally across the net to the opposing team's service box. The ball must be served underhand and must bounce on the opposing team's side of the court before it can be hit back.
Points are scored when the opposing team is unable to return the ball or hits it out of bounds. The first team to score 11 points and win by at least a two-point margin is the winner. However, if both teams reach 10 points, the game continues until one team has a two-point lead.
In terms of rules, it's important to know that the ball must be returned over the net and within the boundaries of the court. Players are not allowed to catch or throw the ball, and the ball must be hit with an underhand motion. Doubles rules also dictate that players must alternate hitting the ball and must let the ball bounce before returning it.
Another important rule to know is the kitchen rule. In pickleball, the "kitchen" refers to the area on the court that is within 7 feet of the net on either side. This area is marked by a line on the court, and players are not allowed to step into the kitchen while serving or returning the ball. The kitchen rule was implemented to make the game more strategic and to prevent players from standing too close to the net and dominating play. It also helps to create more opportunities for volleys and drives, which can make the game more exciting for both players and spectators.
In terms of etiquette, it's important to be respectful of your opponents and the game. This includes waiting your turn to serve, not distracting your opponents, and using proper sportsmanship. It's also important to keep the ball in play and avoid lengthy delays between points.
Pickleball can be played indoors or outdoors, and there are variations of the game such as round robin and tournament play.
Now that you have a more detailed understanding of the rules and etiquette of pickleball, grab some friends and hit the court! Happy playing!