A World of Pickleball

Gale Leach

Why Is It Called Pickleball?

Legend has it that the founders had a cocker spaniel named Pickles, who used to run away with the ball.

Consequently, the game became known as “Pickles’ Ball.”

What Is Pickleball??

A paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong.

Played both indoors and outdoors on a badminton-sized court with a slightly modified tennis net.

Played with a hard paddle and a perforated plastic ball.

A Game for EveryoneThe USAPA estimates over 100,000 players actively play pickleball.

Pickleball facilities are located in all 50 states and in many other countries around the world.

Children, teenagers, and young adults play it in middle schools, high schools, and colleges.

Seniors enjoy the social aspects and the ability to stay active in towns and retirement communities.

Tennis, racquetball and ping pong players love the competitive nature of the sport and regularly participate in tournaments.

A Brief HistoryPickleball began in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle, WA.

Three dads – Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum –whose kids were bored with their usual summertime activities are credited for creating the game.

Pickleball has evolved from original handmade equipment and simple rules into a popular sport throughout the US and Canada. The game is growing internationally as well, with many European and Asian countries adding courts.

The CourtA pickleball court is the same size as a doubles badminton court and measures 20×44 feet.

The same court is used for both singles and doubles play. The court is striped like a tennis court, with right and left service courts; in addition, there is a 7-foot non-volley zone in front of the net (referred to as the “kitchen”).

The net height is 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the middle.

Courts can be constructed specifically for pickleball or converted from existing tennis or badminton courts.

EquipmentEach player needs a paddle, which is smaller than a tennis racquet but larger than a ping pong paddle.

Paddles have evolved dramatically and are primarily made of lightweight composite materials, including aluminum and graphite.

The ball is unique, with holes like a Wiffle ball.Different balls are used for indoor andoutdoor play.

The ball travels at 1/3 the speed of a tennis ball and is usually white or yellow in color. New, brightly colored balls are also gaining popularity.

ApparelPlayers wear anything comfortable: athletic shorts, sweatpants, polo shirts, t-shirts, etc.

Tennis-style dresses and skirts for females are also common.

Comfortable tennis shoes are very important.

Players also wear hats, visors, safety glasses, sweatbands, and light jackets or sweatshirts for cold, outdoor play.

The Basic Rules

Server starts in the right courtand serves to the court diagonally opposite. The ball must travel pastthe non-volley zone line.

Receiver must let the ball bounceonce before hitting it. Can return the ball anywhere.

On the first return of service, server (or partner) must also let theball bounce once before hitting it.

After that, players may also volley, unless they are standing in the non-volley zone.

The Basic Rules: Doubles

Server 1 (A) starts in the right courtand serves diagonally opposite.

Let’s assume Team C/D returns the ball into the net (a fault).

Because they served, Team A/B wins a point and they switch courts before serving again.

Except for the first service, both players on a team serve until their team makes faults. Then service changes to the opponents, who also both serve.

The Basic RulesIn tournaments, a match consists of the best 2 out 3 games played to 11 points.

Players/Teams only score points when serving.

The ball can only bounce once per side.

Typical faults:

Hitting the ball out of bounds or into the net

Volleying while in the non-volley zone

Missing the ball while trying to hit it (unless it goes out)

Serving incorrectly

Being touched or hit by the ball

Stepping on service line or non-volley zone line while hitting the ball.

Keeping ScoreBefore serving, the serving player must call the score.

The server announces his score followed by his opponent’s score.

If playing doubles, the server announces his team’s score followed by his opponents’ score – and then states his “server number” (either 1 or 2).

1 2

3 4

Player A says: “4-3-1”Player A serves and wins a point.

Player A says: “5-3-1”A serves again. Team A&B make a fault.

Player B says: “5-3-2” and serves.Team A/B faults again.

Team C&D gets the serve.Player C says: “3-5-1” and serves.

Score: A&B = 4 C&D = 3 Score: A&B = 5 C&D = 3

Huntsman World Games Pickleball 2013 - (WD 50-54)

Now in 4th edition

Winner of the 2007 Arizona Book Award for Recreation/Sports

Step-by-step instructions

Numerous photos, illustrations, and diagrams

Easy to read and understand

Contains the complete rules of the game