What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America. The game combines elements of tennis and ping-pong. The rules are simple and the game is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players.
Pickleball History
Pickleball was created in 1965 on Bainbridge Island (just outside of Seattle, WA) by three families who wanted to keep their kids from being bored during the summer. They used an existing badminton court, used some wooden beach paddles, found a plastic ball with holes and went to work creating this quirky game called Pickleball.
How to Play Pickleball
Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court: 20’ x 44.’ The ball is served diagonally (starting with the right-hand service area), and points can only be scored by the team that serves. At the start of a point, players on each side must let the ball bounce once before volleys are allowed. There is a seven-foot no-volley zone on each side of the net. The serving team can only score points. A game is to 11 points, win by 2 points.
Special Olympics athletes may allow the ball to bounce twice before hitting it.
Download a basic Rules Summary Sheet.
How to Keep Score
For new players, keeping score isn’t easy. Watch this helpful video and play a few games with someone who knows how to keep score and it’ll become easy to keep score.
Buying a Pickleball Paddle
Choosing a paddle has become increasingly complicated. There are so many shapes, sizes, materials and brands that it’s confusing for both beginner and advanced players.
Expect to spend between $60 and $100 for a nice paddle. Paddles with the latest technology will cost between $150 and $250. Choose a paddle with a “USA Pickleball Approved” certification seal to ensure the paddle has passed basic quality control tests.
LOW COST OPTION:
Nuipipo Explorer Pro | $60-$70 (amazon link)
VALUE OPTIONS:
Engage Omega Evolution Max | $80 – $90 (use UP101 discount code)
Franklin Signature Pickleball Paddle | $80 – $90 (use Forum20 discount code)