Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the US and around the world. It’s a fun and exciting game that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis.
Pickleball can be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to experts. Whether you’re looking for an enjoyable pastime or a competitive sport to challenge yourself with, pickleball has something for everyone!
In this article, we will discuss how to get started playing pickleball, what equipment you need, the rules of play and strategies for success. With just a few basics under your belt you’ll soon be ready to join in on this fast-paced game. So let’s dive in!
Introduction to Pickleball:
Pickleball is played on a court that measures 20’ x 44’ for doubles, or 20’ x 34’ for singles. The net height is set at 36 inches and the ball used is similar to a wiffle ball. Players use paddles that are smaller than those used in tennis and badminton.
The game begins with an underhand serve from behind the baseline. The server hits the ball diagonally across the net into the opposite service box located on the other side of the court.
After this, players can hit groundstrokes, volleys, overheads, or lobs until one team fails to return the ball correctly or the ball goes out of bounds. Points are scored when a team fails to return the ball, serves out of turn or commits a fault.
Rules of Play:
The rules of play for pickleball are fairly straightforward to learn. The main rule is that players must hit the ball diagonally across the net on each shot. There are also regulations regarding serving, volleying and scoring which should be reviewed before playing.
Additionally, all lines on the court are considered in-bounds and any part of the body can be used to hit the ball, as long as it stays within the boundaries of the court.
Strategies For Success:
Once you’ve become familiar with the rules, you can start developing your own strategies for success. A good pickleball strategy should involve a variety of shots including groundstrokes, volleys, overheads and lobs.
Additionally, players should work on their footwork and positioning to be able to return the ball more efficiently. Finally, practice patience when playing; it will pay off in terms of accuracy and overall consistency.
What Equipment Do You Need to Play Pickleball?
The most important piece of equipment you need to play pickleball is a paddle. Paddles come in a variety of sizes and materials, so it’s important to find one that fits your needs.
In addition to paddles, you will also need a set of balls (usually two or three), as well as net posts and boundary lines if you plan on playing on an outdoor court. Finally, some players choose to wear specialized clothing for extra protection or comfort during the game.
With these basics in mind, you’re ready to start playing pickleball! Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a new challenge, this sport has something for everyone—so grab your paddles and get ready to have some fun!
Rules of the Game and Scoring System
9 basic rules of the games:
1. The serve must be made underhand and diagonally to the opponent’s court.
2. The ball must be returned before it bounces twice in a player’s court.
3. Players are not allowed to volley the ball on the first bounce of service return shots, known as “No Volley Zone” or NVZ for short.
4. Players may hit the ball from any part of their body as long as it stays within the boundaries of their court and does not cross over onto another player’s court.
5. A point is scored when a team fails to return the ball correctly, serves out of turn or commits a fault (fouls).
6. The game is played in an alternating rally format, meaning each player must wait for their opponent’s shot before they can hit the ball again.
7. Players may choose to make a let serve if a fault is committed on the first legal serve of the game (this does not count as a point).
8. A double bounce rule applies when playing doubles; both players must be allowed to touch the ball after it bounces once in either court.
9. The winner of the match will be determined by whichever team has scored 11 points with at least a 2-point lead over their opponents.
Scoring system:
A point is awarded to the team that wins a rally. The first team to reach 11 points (with at least a two-point lead) will be declared the winner of the match. If both teams are tied at 10 all, then they will continue playing until one team has reached a two-point lead.
If the game reaches 13-13, then it is considered a tie and each team will be awarded one point for the match.
In order for a score to count in pickleball, the ball must have been served properly and returned across the net without faulting or going over any lines. If either of these conditions is not met, then no point will be scored by either team. Additionally, any points scored on a faulted serve or ball out of bounds will not be counted.
How To Play Pickleball For Beginners – Serving Techniques
Serving is an important part of pickleball, as it sets the tone for each point. As a beginner, you should focus on developing your serve before worrying about any other shots or strategies.
The main goal with serving is to make it difficult for your opponent to return the ball, while also ensuring that you don’t commit any faults.
To start off, practice tossing and hitting the ball in a way that makes it arc over the net and land inbounds in your opponent’s court. You can also try different spins and speeds when practicing your serves to add variety and make them more unpredictable.
Additionally, as you become more comfortable with your serve, experiment with varying your technique (i.e., trying a slice serve or a full-body swing).
As such, learning proper serving techniques for beginners is essential if you want to become a better player. Here are some tips on how to serve correctly in pickleball for those just starting out:
1. Start with good posture
Stand tall, feet shoulder-width apart with your weight evenly distributed between both legs and make sure your paddle arm is relaxed.
2. Hold the paddle properly
Grip the handle firmly but not too tightly so you have maximum control when striking the ball. Make sure that your non-paddle hand stays close to your body while you’re serving.
3. Use an underhand motion
When executing a serve, use an underhand motion where the paddle travels downwards towards the ground before striking the ball upwards into play across from the court diagonally from one side of the court to other side at net level or above it slightly (not below). It’s important not to hit down on the ball as this will cause it to land short.
4. Aim for your desired target
Before serving, decide where you want the ball to land and make sure you’re aiming directly at that spot. This will give you better accuracy and consistency when executing your serves.
5. Follow through with a pendulum motion
After striking the ball, keep your paddle arm moving in an up-and-down (pendulum) motion following through until your hand is back in its starting position near your body.
6. Serve consistently
Practice making consistent serves by repeating the same steps until it becomes second nature. With practice, you’ll be able to find just the right amount of power and spin for each serve.
Ultimately, the key to serving well is practice. The more you practice, the better your serves will become, and the easier it will be for you to win points!
Strategies for Winning at Pickleball
Pickleball is a game of strategy and skill, so to become an effective player you need to have a good understanding of different strategies and approaches. Here are some strategies for winning at pickleball that experienced players use.
Know the rules – Knowing and understanding the basic rules of pickleball will give you a better idea of what can be done on the court. This knowledge will also help you spot any illegal plays by your opponents, allowing you to capitalize on their mistakes.
Take time to plan your shots – Before hitting each shot, take a few moments to think about where it should land in order for you to score points or put pressure on your opponent’s side. Planning ahead will make it easier for you to adjust your shots when needed.
Keep the ball in play – The longer a rally continues, the more chances you have of scoring a point. Try to keep the ball in play for as long as possible by making sure that your shots stay within bounds and don’t hit an obstruction on the court.
Know when to attack – Although defensive shots can be useful at times, attacking shots are much more likely to result in points. Be patient and wait for an opportunity to hit a shot that will put pressure on your opponent’s side while also giving you a chance to score.
Use deception – Deception is an important element of pickleball strategy. By mixing up your shots, you’ll be able to keep your opponents guessing and put them at a disadvantage.
Know when to move – When playing pickleball, it’s important to know when to move around the court. Try not to stay in one spot for too long as this will give your opponents an advantage. Instead, try to follow the ball around the court and anticipate where it will land in order to get into position for a shot.
With practice and dedication, anyone can become better at pickleball. By understanding different strategies and following proper serving techniques, you’ll be able to take your game to the next level!
Finding a Pickleball Partner or Group Near You
Once you’ve mastered the basics of pickleball, it can be a great idea to find a partner or group to play with. Playing with others is a great way to improve your skills and build relationships. Here are some tips for finding a pickleball partner or group near you:
Check online forums
Many online forums provide an ideal platform for connecting potential pickleball partners. You can use these forums to search for players near you, so make sure to check them out if you’re looking for someone to play with.
Join local clubs
Joining a local pickleball club is another great way to find people who share your love of the game. Clubs also often hold tournaments and events, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to test your skills against others.
Attend pickleball festivals
Pickleball festivals are a great way to meet people who share your passion for the game. Festivals also often feature special events like workshops and clinics, giving you an ideal opportunity to learn from experienced players.
Look for social media groups
Social media is another excellent platform for finding potential pickleball partners or groups near you. Look out for local clubs and pickup games on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Ask around at parks
Most public parks have dedicated courts for pickleball, so it can be a good idea to ask around when you’re at one. You can also look out for pickleball meetups and events that are often held at these locations.
Pickleball lingo:
Know your pickleball lingo and you’ll be able to communicate with other players more effectively. Here are some common terms used in the game:
Ace: When a player serves, and the return shot is not returned by the opposing team.
Double tap: When two players on the same team hit the ball twice in succession.
Banger: A hard-hit shot that goes straight at your opponent’s body.
Poach: When a player hits a shot into their partner’s court.
Zing or Zinger: A high arcing shot that just clears the net.
Lob or Pop Up: A slow, high floating shot designed to give time for players to get back into position.
Snake Shot or Dink Shot: A low bouncing shot that just clears the net.
Kitchen: The non-volley zone located within 7 feet of the net on either side.
Dink rally: When two players hit a series of shots back and forth over the net without letting it bounce.
Triple Threat Position: When a player is in a good position to hit a forehand, backhand, or volley from any angle. This position is often taken up when playing defensively.
Third Shot Drop: A shot that is hit softly and just over the net after the second bounce. This is often done to set up an offensive attack.
Reach Around: When a player hits the ball with their backhand while they’re hugging the post on their side of the court. This technique requires a lot of skill and can be used to surprise opponents.
Fish Out Of Water: When a player is forced out of position and has to desperately lunge for a shot they normally wouldn’t have to reach for. It looks as if they are ‘flopping’ around like a fish out of water!
Roll Shot or Roller: A shot that is hit with spin, causing it to roll along the court and make it harder for opponents to return.
Final Words
Pickleball is a great sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. To get the most out of your pickleball experience, it’s important to know some basic terminology like ace, double tap, banger and poach as well as court positions such as triple threat position or third shot drop.
Additionally, finding a partner or group to play with will help you improve your skills while also building relationships with others who share your love for the game. With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to hit the courts and start enjoying this exciting sport!
