Pickleball Basics: Make Pickleball Your Hobby of 2023

1 years ago

Pickleball is an increasingly popular sport that you should consider on your bucket list for 2023 if you are open to new experiences. It is easy to learn, but also low effort and available for all ages. If you are curious bout pickleball or looking for a new hobby, this is your chance. Read on for more information about the basics of pickleball, including what it is, how to play it, and the rules for the game.

What Is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a racket sport that combines the elements of tennis, table tennis, and badminton. You play the game on a rectangular court smaller than that of tennis using a ball that looks like a wiffle ball and wooden rackets similar to ping pong.

A pickleball court varies in dimensions depending on the type of game, whether doubles or singles. A double has two players on each side, while singles involve one player on each side. A pickleball court for doubles play has dimensions of 20ft by 44 ft, while that of singles measures 20ft by 34ft.

The court is divided by a net in the middle that is 36 inches high at the center and 34 inches on the sidelines. Anyone can play pickleball regardless of age and skill level. It is also available as an indoor or outdoor game.

How to Play Pickleball

Pickleball is easy to learn, which makes it an ideal sport for anyone. The game’s main goal is to hit the ball across the net and land it within the opponent's side and preventing them from returning it successfully. You earn points when the opponent cannot return the ball or returns the ball but hits it out of bounds or into the net.

To start the game, the player on the right side diagonally hits the ball in an underhand motion toward the opponent on the other side of the net. The opponent then returns the ball, and the game continues back and forth until a player fails to return the ball.

According to the game's rules, the serving team is the only one that can win the game, and the game is played for up to 11 points. The winner has to win by at least 2 points.

The Rules of Playing Pickleball

Understanding pickleball rules makes it easy to understand the game and avoid violations. Below are standard rules for playing pickleball to guide you as you learn and master the game. While there are numerous rules, here are the most important ones. Also, you can find the rest of the pickleball rules in the USA Pickleball Official Rulebook.

• When serving the ball, the player has to hold the ball and paddle below the waist and serve underhand.
• Players must serve the ball diagonally across the court. When serving, players must not let their feet touch the court or sideline and should keep one foot behind the baseline.
• The two-bounce rule. Every side must let the ball bounce once before returning it. After two bounces, a player can hit the ball before it bounces (a volley) or after a bounce.
• The court has a zone known as "the kitchen" or no-valley" zone, which covers 7ft on each side of the net. Players can only hit the ball from the kitchen if it bounces first; otherwise, hitting the ball here is a fault.
• You also commit a fault if you step on the kitchen after hitting a volley, even if it was accidental.
• A ball touching any part of the line is known as an” in."
• Serves that fall in the kitchen are faults. 
• Points are scored by the team that serves, and you play to 11 points. The team that reaches 11 points first with at least a 2-point lead wins the game and becomes the serving team.
• When the serving side has an even score number, the team's server plays from the court's right side. An odd score number, on the other hand, means the server plays from the left.

Pickleball is a low-impact sport that allows you to exercise, socialize and have fun. It is also highly affordable as you don’t need much equipment to start playing. Pickleball is quite accessible, and you can play it indoors or outdoors in parks, malls, and even your backyard if you install a court.

If you are looking for answers to questions like "what is a pickleball court?" or want to install one, Sport Court Las Vegas has you covered. Contact us today for pickleball court installation in Las Vegas.