A paddle
sport created for all ages and skill levels. 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.
The Basics
- A fun sport that combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong.
- Played both indoors or outdoors on a badminton-sized court and a slightly modified tennis net.
- Played with a paddle and a plastic ball.
A Game for
Everyone
According to
the Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s 2015 Participant Report,
pickleball participation is 2.46 million. SFIA is the premier trade association
for top brands, manufacturers, retailers and marketers in the American sporting
goods and fitness industry and has been in existence since 1906.
Pickleball facilities are located in all 50 states
Many kids
and teenagers play it in physical education classes in middle and high schools.
Seniors
enjoy the social aspects and the ability to stay active in towns and retirement
communities.
Tennis,
racquetball and ping pong players love the competitive nature of the sport and
regularly participate in competitive tournaments.
Brief History
Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle, WA. Three dads – Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum -whose kids were bored with their usual summertime activities are credited for creating the game. Pickleball has evolved from original hand made equipment and simple rules into a popular sport throughout the US and Canada. The game is growing internationally as well with many European and Asian countries adding courts.
The Court
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 courts.
Equipment
When playing pickleball, each player will need a pickleball paddle, which is smaller than a tennis racquet but larger than a ping-pong paddle. Originally, paddles were made only from wood, however today’s paddles have evolved dramatically and are primarily made of lightweight composite materials including aluminum and graphite. Players will also need a net and a pickleball. The ball itself is unique, with holes through it like a wiffleball and there are different ball models intended for indoor and outdoor play. The ball travels at 1/3 the speed of a tennis ball and is usually white or yellow in color. New bright color balls are also gaining in popularity. Players wear just about anything comfortable… athletic shorts, sweatpants, polo shirts, t-shirts, etc. Tennis-style dresses and skirts for females are also common. Comfortable tennis shoes are also important. As for accessories, players may wear hats, visors, safety glasses, sweatbands and light jackets or sweatshirts for cold, outdoor play.
Helpful Links
For more information regarding pickleball, please visit these links:
Pickleball Rules Summary …… A general overview of
the rules of the game.
Skill Development ……………… Tutorials, playing tips,
and instructional video clips.
Pickleball Mania ………………… A humorous look at the
addictive nature of pickleball.