Pickleball is a fun and accessible sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Here’s a basic guide on how to play:
1. Understand the Basics:
Objective: The main goal in pickleball is to score points by hitting the ball over the net and into the opponent’s court in such a way that they cannot return it.
2. Equipment:
- Paddle: A solid, flat paddle typically made of wood, composite, or graphite.
- Ball: A perforated plastic ball designed for either indoor or outdoor play.
- Court: A pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long for both singles and doubles play. It has a net that is 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches high in the center.
3. Basic Rules:
Serving:
- Serve Underhand: The serve must be made underhand with the paddle below the waist. It should be hit diagonally into the opposite service box.
- Serve from Behind the Line: Stand behind the baseline and serve the ball over the net into the diagonal service box.
- Serve Must Clear the Non-Volley Zone: The serve must clear the 7-foot non-volley zone (also known as the kitchen) that runs along the net.
Rally Play:
- Double Bounce Rule: After the serve, each side must let the ball bounce once before volleying (hitting it before it bounces). This means the receiving team must let the ball bounce once before returning it, and then the serving team must let it bounce once before hitting it back.
- Non-Volley Zone: Players cannot hit the ball out of the air (volley) while standing in the non-volley zone. They must let it bounce first if they are in this area.
- Score Points: Points can only be scored by the serving team. A game is typically played to 11 points, but you must win by at least 2 points.
Scoring:
- Points: A point is scored when the opposing team fails to return the ball, hits it out of bounds, or commits a fault.
- Games and Matches: Games are usually played to 11, 15, or 21 points, with the requirement to win by at least 2 points. Matches can be played as best-of-three or best-of-five games.
4. Faults and Violations:
- Serve Faults: A fault occurs if the serve lands outside the service box, doesn’t clear the net, or if the server steps on or over the baseline.
- Net Faults: A fault occurs if the ball hits the net during play and doesn’t go over, or if a player touches the net with their paddle or body.
- Out of Bounds: The ball is out of bounds if it lands outside the court lines.
- Volleying in the Kitchen: Players are not allowed to volley (hit the ball before it bounces) while standing in the non-volley zone.
5. Basic Strategy:
- Keep the Ball in Play: Focus on consistent and accurate shots to keep the ball in play and force errors from your opponents.
- Use Placement and Angles: Try to place your shots where your opponents are not. Aim for open spaces and use angles to make it difficult for them to return.
- Work as a Team (in Doubles): Communicate and position yourselves strategically to cover the court and support each other.
6. Etiquette and Sportsmanship:
- Respect Opponents: Always show respect to your opponents and follow the rules of the game.
- Be Honest: Call out faults and boundary lines honestly.
Pickleball is easy to pick up and play but offers plenty of depth for those who want to refine their skills. Enjoy the game and have fun!