What is Pickleball?

Pickleball has the combined features of badminton, tennis and table tennis but also has its own unique features, too! This sport receives point scoring from badminton, the court structure from badminton and tennis, the net from badminton and tennis and the paddle (well sort of) from table tennis.  The ball is plastic and contains several small holes.  A game is played to 11 points.  Only the server can score points – 1 point per serve.  Each time you win a point you serve again.  You continue serving until you lose the rally. In tennis, it’s usually one, two, and three and the rally is over.  In pickleball, the court is smaller than a tennis court. The rallies are fun, exciting and can last for several minutes.  Pickleball is great exercise and, like all sports, it gives you a mental and physical release.  You can forget your worries and even laugh during the rallies. 

Can anyone play?

 
Anyone can play this game!  Players come in all ages.  Some of the best players range from their late 30’s to their late 70’s.  You don't have to be strong.  You don’t have to be quick.  You don’t have to be tall.  You don’t have to be athletic or good at other sports.  You don’t need a powerful stroke because this game is not about power but of shot placement and accuracy. With well thought out strategic placement, you can be in control of the point and the match.

Pickleball, like tennis, is a family sport, and is virtually a “fountain of youth” for senior citizens.  Many seniors have said that "pickleball has changed and even saved their life.”  Many cities throughout the US sponsor a “senior games” (50 and older) every year – usually in the summer months and pickleball is always one of the sporting events.

You can set up a pickleball court just about anywhere.  Most high schools, colleges, community centers, athletic clubs, parks and apartment complexes have either basketball, volleyball or badminton courts.  These courts can easily be “taped” for pickleball.  Throughout the United States many families have installed pickleball courts in their backyard.  Many outside courts even have lights installed.  Playing pickleball at night and under the lights and stars is truly exhilarating.  There is nothing like it!  You can even set up pickleball in your driveway or a dead-end street. With a portable, easily movable set of net posts you can set up pickleball just about anywhere. There really is no excuse for not playing.  But please be very careful!  This game is addictive!  Once you start playing you can't stop.  It’s just too much fun!