Everything you need to know about pickeball

Are you looking for a new, fun, and active sport to play? Then pickleball might just be what you're looking for! Pickleball is a rapidly growing sport that's being played by more and more people worldwide. Pickleball is also becoming increasingly popular in the Netherlands, and we're seeing more and more courts being built. Whether you want to play recreationally or challenge yourself in tournaments, the sport is flexible and offers something for everyone. But what exactly is pickleball? How do you play it, and what do you need to get started? In this blog post, we'll delve into the world of pickleball and tell you everything you need to know to get started. 

What is pickleball? 

Pickleball is a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. The game is played with special rackets called pickleball paddles and a perforated ball similar to a Wiffle ball. Pickleball can be played both indoors and outdoors on a special pickleball court, which is smaller than a tennis court. The game is accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. This flexibility contributes to the rapid growth of pickleball in the Netherlands and the rest of the world. 

Pickleball rules 

Another factor contributing to the sport's rapid growth is the pickleball rules. They are very simple, making them easy for everyone to understand. Pickleball can be played as a singles game (one-on-one) or a doubles game (two-on-two). The goal of the game is to score points by hitting the ball into your opponent's court, preventing your opponent from returning the ball. Below, we've outlined some of the basic rules of pickleball. 

• The server must serve diagonally, hitting the service ball underhand; 

• The ball must bounce once in the opponent's court before it can be played back; 

• Players must allow the ball to bounce on both the first and second shots of the rally before hitting the ball directly out of the air; 

• Points can only be scored by the server. The game usually ends at 11, 15, or 21 points, with the winner having at least a two-point lead; 

• A unique aspect of pickleball is the "no-volley zone" (also known as the "kitchen"). This is an area close to the net where players are not allowed to hit shots directly from the air. This creates tactical and fun rallies. 

The pickleball court and the pickleball paddles 

Because a pickleball court is smaller than a tennis court, the game becomes somewhat faster and more dynamic. An official pickleball court is 6.10 meters wide and 13.41 meters long, comparable to a badminton court. The court is divided into different zones, such as the service boxes and the no-volley zone mentioned above. Because a pickleball court is more compact, the sport is less strenuous on the body than tennis. This makes it attractive to both young and old. 

The rackets used in this sport are called pickleball paddles. These are different from tennis or badminton rackets. They are typically smaller and lighter, stringless, and made of materials like wood, composite, and graphite. There are different types of paddles available, and the one you choose depends on your playing style and experience. Beginners often choose a paddle with a larger hitting surface, making it easier to hit the ball and giving you more control over your shots.