Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is typically played on a rectangular court divided into halves by a net. The game can be played in singles or doubles, and the objective is to score points by hitting a perforated plastic ball, similar to a wiffle ball, over the net and into the opponent's court.
Key Facts about Pickleball:
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Court Dimensions: A standard pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, with a net set at 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center.
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Equipment: Players use solid paddles made of wood, composite materials, or a combination of both. The ball used is a plastic, perforated ball with 26-40 round holes.
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Serving: The game starts with an underhand serve, and the server must stand behind the baseline and hit the ball diagonally to the opponent's service court. The ball must bounce once on each side before players can volley (hit the ball without letting it bounce).
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Scoring: Points are scored when the opposing team faults – either by failing to return the ball within the boundaries, hitting it out of bounds, or committing other rule violations. The first side to reach 11 points (or 15 or 21 in some variations) and lead by at least two points wins the game.
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Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen): A specific area near the net, known as the non-volley zone or kitchen, restricts players from hitting the ball in the air within this zone, except after the ball has bounced.
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Doubles Play: In doubles, partners take turns hitting the ball, and the serving team only scores points when they are serving. After scoring, they switch sides, and the receiving team becomes the serving team.
Pickleball's popularity has surged due to its simplicity, quick learning curve, and inclusive nature. It can be played by people of all ages and fitness levels, contributing to its widespread appeal in community centers, parks, and dedicated pickleball facilities worldwide.