Pickleball: What is it?

Pickleball seems to have invaded Southwest Florida and for multiple reasons it seems to be here to stay. This sport is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States and is being played by millions of people of all ages.

What is pickleball?

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It is played with a whiffle ball on a badminton sized court with a tennis style net and is appropriate for people of all ages. The rules are simple and easy for beginners to learn but it can also develop into an intense fast-paced game among more advanced players.

How to play:

While keeping both feet behind the line and starting from the right-hand service square, the server must underhand serve diagonally to the opposing player behind the non-volley zone. From there, players on each side must let the ball bounce before they can begin to volley. There is a non-volley zone (also called the kitchen) on both sides to prevent spiking. Players may not step into the kitchen to volley the pickleball as it must bounce. The server continues to serve until a fault is made. A team is only able to score a point when serving. The first team to 11 points and leading by two wins the game. These are general rules to get you started and you can view videos online to understand the details and strategy involved in the game of pickleball.

Is pickleball the sport for me?

Pickleball is great for all ages and has been popular among older adults since it is easy to play, easier on the body, and a very social sport. The smaller court associated with pickleball can mean less running and less wear on the hips, knees, and ankles. It can be a great social game being played as singles or doubles. Also, the game is relatively easy to learn among all age levels and required equipment is minimal. Grab a paddle and ball and get out and try it out!

Stay tuned for next week as we discuss some common injuries that we see within the pickleball community.