Pickleball

What is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a fun and popular sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It is played on a badminton-sized court with a net that is similar to a tennis net, but lower. The game is played with a perforated plastic ball and paddles that resemble oversized ping-pong paddles. The sport is enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels, and is often played in community centers, parks, and schools. The game is known for its simplicity and ease of learning, making it popular among people who want to play a fun and social sport without the need to invest a lot of time and money. The sport can be played indoors or outdoors and can be enjoyed by people of all ages, genders and skill levels. The objective of the game is to hit the ball over the net and land it within the boundaries of the opponent's court. The game is usually played as doubles, and the point system is similar to that of tennis, with games to 11 or 21 points.

Pickleball was created in the mid-1960s in the state of Washington, by a group of friends who were looking for a new sport to play. They combined elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis and created the game of Pickleball. It quickly gained popularity in the Pacific Northwest and has since spread to other regions of the United States and Canada. Today, it is enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels, and it is one of the fastest growing sports in the country.

The game is played on a badminton-sized court that measures 20 feet by 44 feet for doubles and 20 feet by 34 feet for singles. The net is similar to a tennis net, but lower, measuring 34 inches at the center and 36 inches at the edges. The ball is made of perforated plastic and is slightly larger than a Wiffle ball. The paddles are made of wood, graphite or other composite materials and are similar in size to table tennis paddles.

Pickleball can be played indoors or outdoors, and it is a great way to stay active, improve your cardio, and have fun with friends and family. The sport is easy to learn, and it is a great way to introduce children to the world of sports. It is also a great way for seniors to stay active, as it is low impact and does not put a lot of stress on the joints.

Pickleball is usually played as doubles, and the point system is similar to that of tennis, with games to 11 or 21 points. The scoring system is similar to that of badminton, where the first team to reach the winning point wins the game, unless both teams are tied at that point then the game goes to a tiebreaker.

In addition to the recreational aspect, pickleball also has a competitive side with tournaments and leagues at local, state, national and international level. The USAPA (United States of America Pickleball Association) is the governing body for the sport in the United States, promoting the growth and development of the sport.

Overall, Pickleball is a fun, social, and easy-to-learn sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. It's a great way to stay active and have fun with friends and family, and also offers a competitive side for those who wants to take it to the next level.