Pickleball is arguably the most popular sport in the United States. According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association is the practice of pickleball among players in the US doubled by 2022 and grew by almost 159 per cent in three years. All over the globe, pickleball is on the rise!

What makes pickleball so popular?

Accessible

This is perhaps the main reason why pickleball is so popular: the accessibility of the game. It can be played by people of all ages. The game is very easy to learn. Novice players can safely play matches after just a few training sessions. Fun is guaranteed!

social contacts

Pickleball is not only a sport, but also a social activity. Pickleball is played both competitively and recreationally.
It is the perfect opportunity to make new contacts. In many pickleball clubs, people meet several times a week. More and more tournaments are being organised. Togetherness at its best!

versatility

Pickleball is a versatile sport that you can play both indoors and outdoors. It can be played on different surfaces such as concrete, asphalt or specially constructed courts. Both doubles and singles are played. This offers flexibility for players with different preferences and abilities.

How do you play pickleball?

Pickleball is a game where you use paddles that are bigger than table tennis balls, but smaller than tennis rackets. These paddles can be made of various materials, such as wood, plastic, carbon fibre, and more. The game is played with a plastic ball with holes, similar in size to a baseball.
Whether you play by yourself (singles) or in pairs on each side of the court (doubles), the playing area is about half the size of a regular tennis court. In the centre of the court is an 86-centimetre-high net.

Before you start, it is useful to know some basic rules

Make sure the ball goes over the net and lands within the lines of play. This applies to almost all racket sports, and pickleball is no exception. If the ball lands outside the lines, the opponent scores.

On both sides of the net there is a 'non-volley' area, also called the kitchen. This is 2.13 metres deep, marked by a line parallel to the net. If you stand in this zone, you are not allowed to hit the ball directly over the net; the ball must first hit the ground.

Serve the ball underhand from the baseline and make sure it lands behind the opponent's 'non-volley' zone. On each team's first serve, the ball must bounce once before being returned.

The point goes to the other team if the ball bounces twice on the same side. The serving team can score, but if the non-serving team wins the point, the score does not change.

The game ends at 11 points with a difference of two points. Only the serving team can score points, and if they win a point, they keep serving for the next point.

Eager to know everything?

View or download the PDF of the book with the latest official rules!

Tips for novice pickleball players

Avoid big swings
Novice pickleball players, especially those with tennis experience, tend towards big back swings, but on the small court and with resilient balls, this is counterproductive. Make short strokes and control ball direction. With growing skills, you will eventually hit faster, but a big backswing is still not necessary.

Keep the ball in front of you
Beginning players sometimes move little and reach too far towards the ball, making it harder to hit inside the lines. Improve your game by making side steps and short movements while staying facing the ball and the desired playing location. Start with bent knees, keep your paddle in front of your body and put your feet in a V-shape for more control and accuracy.

Think it sounds a bit complicated? Well, don't worry!

In pickleball, it is quite normal for experienced players to take the newcomers under their wings.
Take your time and space to master the game rules and techniques at your own pace!

Have fun playing!

Pickleball