What is it?
Pickleball is fun, social and friendly! The rules are simple, and the game is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a fast-paced, competitive game.
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 with holes
- Played as doubles or singles
- Can be enjoyed by all ages and skill levels
The Rules
The ball is served underhand from the right side of the court and is played diagonally across to the other service court. The defending side has to let the ball bounce first before it can be returned and, subsequently, the serving side also has to let the ball bounce. It is only on the third ball that the ball can be returned immediately. Either you can play a volley or you can let the ball bounce first.
Points can only be scored by the serving side. You win a point if the defending side does not manage to return the ball, hits the ball out, does not let the serve ball bounce, volleys in the non-volley zone, or is hit by the ball. The game ends when one of the parties gets 11 points, with a 2-point lead.
When a side scores a point, the same person serves, but from the other side of the court. When a player loses a point, his or her partner serves from the side of the court where he or she is standing at the moment. If this service also fails to score, service goes to the opponent and the opponent begins the service on the right. For the first service, however, the service changes sides after only one serve.
When playing singles, the player serves from the left if he or she has an uneven number of points, and from the right with an even number of points. This is how scoring is kept: 1-0-1 means that the serving side has 1 point, the other side has no points, and this is the first server.
What equipment is needed?
Each player will need a pickleball paddle, which is smaller than a tennis racquet but larger than a ping-pong paddle. Players will also need a net and a pickleball. The ball is unique, with holes through it. Different ball models are intended for indoor and outdoor play. Balls come in several colours, including white, yellow and green, but must be a single color to meet International Federation of Pickleball (IFP) specifications. But don't worry, we will supply all the equipment you need.
What should I wear?
Players should wear anything comfortable and appropriate for the climate: athletic shorts, leggings, tracksuit bottoms, wicking apparel, t-shirts, trainers, etc.