Pick of the Court: The Rise of Pickleball and Why You Should Try It!

Pickleball, a fast-paced and highly addictive sport, has ignited a wave of excitement as it combines the best elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. What began as a simple backyard pastime has swiftly evolved into a sport complete with dedicated courts, professional tournaments, and a vibrant community of passionate players.

Over the past five years, the number of participants in pickleball has doubled, indicating its growing popularity. Many players appreciate how it provides an excellent workout without feeling like traditional exercise. Moreover, pickleball is a sport that puts less strain on the body, particularly on the hips and knees, compared to tennis and other racquet sports, making it much more accessible.

But what makes pickleball so uniquely entertaining? How did it come to captivate hearts around the world? Whether you're a seasoned athlete seeking a new source of thrills or simply looking for a dynamic and amusing way to stay active, pickleball promises endless enjoyment. Its infectious energy, lively gameplay, and inclusive nature guarantee an unforgettable time for everyone on the court.

What is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a captivating racket sport played both indoors and outdoors, accommodating either two or four players. The game incorporates a condensed net, reminiscent of other racket sports, to create a division between players. In pickleball, participants wield paddles to skillfully hit a ball across the net, engaging in an exhilarating back-and-forth.

The sport offers a unique blend of strategy, agility, and hand-eye coordination, making it an enjoyable and accessible activity for players of various ages and skill levels. With its rising popularity, pickleball has become a vibrant and dynamic addition to the world of racket sports.

Rules and Equipment

Unlike tennis and badminton, which use a stringed racket, pickleball utilizes a flat paddle. While initially crafted from wood by Joel Pritchard, Barney McCallum and Bill Bell (the sport's creators), contemporary versions of the paddle offer diverse sizes and thicknesses to suit individual playing styles. However, it's important to note that the paddle's length must not exceed 17 inches.

Pickleball employs a plastic ball, resembling a wiffle ball, featuring 26 to 40 perforations. The ball's lighter weight and the presence of these holes create substantial drag, resulting in a slower-paced game when compared to tennis or badminton. Typically, the ball measures between 2.87 and 2.97 inches in diameter and must have a uniform color, except for logos.

The court has six sections, with a designated non-volley area or kitchen on each side of the net. Similar to tennis, there are two sections at the back of the court on both sides where serves begin. The net's height measures 36 inches at the ends and 34 inches in the middle.

Pickleball is an easy sport to pick up, thanks to its straightforward rules. The simplicity of the guidelines fosters a welcoming environment where new players can quickly join in and experience the joy of playing and start strategizing in no time. Some rules include the following:

1. Underhand serve: The serving technique in this game requires an underhand motion. You have two options: strike the ball while it's in the air or let it bounce once before serving. The objective is to successfully send the ball over the net and maintain its playability. It's important to note that this differs significantly from tennis and its more aggressive overhand serve.

2. Play: Every point begins with a serve. When serving, players are required to serve diagonally toward their opponents. Players must face their opponents, and if positioned on the right side of the court, they must serve toward the left and vice versa.

3. Gameplay continues until a fault: A fault occurs when the ball does not clear the kitchen, is shot out of bounds, lands behind the baseline outside the sideline, or into the net.

4. The non-volley zone: Also known as the kitchen, the non-volley zone is a seven-foot area on each side of the net. Players cannot hit a volley (a ball in the air) inside this zone. In other words, no part of the player’s body can be in the kitchen during gameplay.

5. Groundstrokes: This shot, commonly known as a dink, is a defensive maneuver frequently utilized for strategic purposes. Groundstrokes provide the only exception to the non-volley zone rule. In the event that an opponent hits a short shot that lands within the kitchen, players are allowed to enter this area to return the serve.

6. Double Bounce: Before either team can volley (hit the ball out of the air), the ball must have bounced on both sides of the net.

7. Point system: Players can only win points during their designated serving turn. Whenever a team wins a point, the partners must switch sides before commencing the next serve. The serving privilege remains with you until you and your partner lose a point. It takes 11 points to win the game; however, teams must win by a margin of two points, and the exact scoring rules may vary depending on the game format or level of play.

Health Benefits

Pickleball offers a low-impact experience that is gentle on the knees, hips, and ankles. The underhand serve technique in pickleball reduces strain on muscles and joints, making it an excellent choice for individuals of all ages. With a smaller court size, pickleball doesn't require extensive running but ensures constant movement, providing an effective aerobic workout.

Engaging in exercise, including pickleball, has numerous benefits for stress relief and overall well-being. It triggers the release of endorphins, promotes mental focus, and allows you to divert your attention from daily concerns. As an aerobic activity, pickleball enhances blood circulation and stimulates the production of those feel-good neurotransmitters.

In addition to its physical advantages, pickleball is a communal sport that facilitates social interaction and the opportunity to meet new people. Engaging in social sports like pickleball helps combat feelings of loneliness and depression while enabling you to stay active and fit. Overall, pickleball combines the advantages of low-impact exercise, stress relief, and social interaction, making it a fantastic choice for both physical and mental well-being.

Start Playing

Ready to start your pickleball journey? The Firelands Area Pickleball Association (FAPA) is a vibrant community in Sandusky, offering regular games, tournaments, and exciting pickleball events. FAPA is not only dedicated to helping newcomers learn the ropes of the sport but also committed to transforming you into a skilled player. By joining FAPA, you'll not only enhance your skills but also have the chance to connect with fellow pickleball enthusiasts.

Cedar Point Sports Center Pickleball Leagues

We’ve brought pickleball to CPSC! Recognizing its tremendous growth and popularity across the United States, we have taken the initiative to provide accessible courts and equipment for both beginners and experienced players. Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned pro, we have you covered.

We offer adult pickleball leagues catering to various skill levels. If you're just starting, our beginner leagues will help you learn the ropes and develop your skills in a supportive and friendly environment. For those seeking a more intense and competitive experience, we have competitive leagues that will challenge even the most seasoned pickleball enthusiasts.

Whether you're looking to learn, improve, or compete, our dedicated facilities and welcoming community are here to make your pickleball journey unforgettable. Learn more about our pickleball leagues today!