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Pickleball has been rising up the ranks in popularity in recent years. The game borrows elements from tennis, badminton, and ping pong, culminating in a sport that's easier on the joints than tennis but more active than a table sport.
Whether you're new to the game or aiming to go pro, we're here to help. We've rounded up essential information about rules, equipment, and more to help you hop on (or drive) the bandwagon. From selecting your gear to understanding the ins and outs of gameplay, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to get out on the court with confidence.
The double-bounce rule forms the foundation of pickleball play. When serving, the ball must bounce once on each side before players can start volleying. This creates engaging rallies and prevents aggressive serve-and-volley tactics.
Serving must be done underhanded, with contact made below the waist. Players serve diagonally from their baseline; only the serving team can score points.
The non-volley zone rules prevent players from striking the ball in the air while standing in "the kitchen." This strategic element keeps the game accessible and promotes longer exchanges.
Games typically go to 11 points, with a two-point margin needed for victory. In tournament play, teams must win by serving — no points are awarded on return plays.
Your playing style and skill level will ultimately determine the type of pickleball paddle you need. Lightweight paddles (7.3-7.8 oz) are often best for beginners, and rackets with larger sweet spots offer better control and forgiveness as you get a handle on the game. Once you've gotten the hang of things, graduate to a mid-weight paddle (7.8-8.2 oz) that gives you more power and precision with your strike. If you consider yourself a pro, a heavyweight paddle (8.2-8.7 oz) might be more your speed. Look for an option with a textured surface for enhanced spin control during maneuvers.
On top of weight, you'll also want to consider grip size. Smaller hands work better with 4" circumference grips, while larger hands may need up to 4.5" for optimal control.
The most basic pickleball accessories are a paddle and a ball, but you may want to enhance your kit with a few extras. Things like bags, covers, and grips will enhance your experience on (and going to and from) the court.
Since pickleball is a sibling of tennis, tennis shoes are a natural choice. They’re a great option for outdoor courts. If you’re playing indoors, you may want to choose a pair with grippy soles — similar to what you’d wear for squash or badminton — to give you traction on slippery surfaces.
While pickleball and tennis are both racquet sports, a pickleball court's dimensions create a distinctly different game. A pickleball court measures 44 feet long by 20 feet wide, making it roughly a quarter of a tennis court's size. This leads to faster-paced exchanges and more strategic positioning.
The "kitchen" is a 7-foot non-volley area near the net, fundamentally changing gameplay compared to tennis. Players must let balls bounce in this zone, which means precision is valued over power.
The net is also a bit different. Pickleball nets are 36 inches high at the posts and dip to 34 inches at the centre, while a tennis net is a consistent 36-inch height. And instead of a hard felted ball, you'll be working with a perforated plastic ball with lower bounce characteristics; this means the game relies more on strategy than athleticism.
Beyond the basic court measurements, proper setup requires specific spacing for competitive play. The non-volley zone lines must be precisely 7 feet from the net on each side, marked with 2-inch-wide boundaries in a contrasting colour to the playing surface.
For tournament-standard courts, players need adequate space to move freely. USA Pickleball mandates a minimum total play area of 30 feet by 60 feet, with a 10-foot margin around the court perimeter being optimal for safety and mobility.
The net setup demands particular attention to detail - posts should extend 22 feet apart, with the net height carefully adjusted to 36 inches at the sidelines and maintaining a 34-inch height at center court. This slight dip creates the characteristic arc that makes pickleball's net play unique.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, pickleball rose in popularity. Since it's typically played outdoors, it allowed people to connect and get active while social distancing. It's also accessible and has a gentle learning curve. It's not as expensive to get into as many sports, the rules are easy to get the hang of, and, since the court size is on the smaller side, it requires less physical strain to lob and volley the ball. The game's blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements creates an engaging experience that keeps players coming back for more.
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