What to Know About Pickleball
History:
- Pickleball originated in the 1960s on Bainbridge Island, Washington, USA. It was created as a backyard game by three families - the Pritchards, the Bells and the Barnards.
Equipment:
- Paddles: Pickleball paddles resemble oversized ping-pong paddles. they can be made of wood or composite materials like graphite or carbon fiber.
- Balls: Pickleballs are perforated plastic balls with holes. The size and weight are similar to a wiffle ball.
- Court: A pickleball court is about one-third the size of a tennis court and is divided in half by a net similar to a badminton net.
Rules and Gameplay:
- Players: Pickleball can be played in singles (one player vs one player) or doubles (two players vs two players).
- Scoring: Points are scored by hitting the ball over the net to land in the opponent's court within the boundaries. Scoring system is simlar to tennis, where games go up to 11 points.
- Serving: The serve must be underhand and diagonally across the court.
Features and Benefits:
- Accessibility: Pickleball is relatively easy to learn, making it accessible to people of all ages, skill levels, and fitness backgrounds.
- Physical Activity: Pickleball provides an excellent cardiovascular workout and involves quick movements, stretching and improves hand-eye coordination.
- Social Aspect: Pickleball is becoming increasingly popular as a social sport, played in parks, clubs, and community centers, facilitating social interactions and building communities.
- Fun: It's a fun, dynamic, and engaging game that can provide players with enjoyment and entertainment.