Pickle Ball: What it is and How to Play

Although it's been around for over 20 years, I just recently learned about the game of pickle ball. Pickle ball is a game that combines the skills and techniques used in Ping Pong, tennis and badminton. It is played and enjoyed by all ages but has become a favorite among the 55 and older group.

If you are already familiar with tennis, Ping Pong or badminton the rules are fairly simple. The only equipment needed is a paddle and a whiffle ball. The pickle ball paddle is a little larger than one used in Ping Pong and the whiffle ball is slightly larger than a tennis ball. One of the benefits of pickle ball is that it can be played on just about any hard surface. However a tennis court is ideal because the net, service lines and boundaries are already there for you.

The serve in pickle ball is similar to the serve in badminton because it is underhanded. Each player gets one serve and serves diagonally to the player on the other side of the net. The ball must land in a designated service area. Each team must return their first shot off the bounce. After the ball has bounced once on each side the players can hit the ball in the air. This is known as a volley. However, there is a seven foot area either side of the net which is a no-volley area. You must allow the ball to bounce first before hitting it in this area. Each player gets one serve and continues serving as long as he or she wins the point. In doubles, except for the first game of the match, each team member gets to serve before the serve passes to the other team. In the first game of the match only, one member of the team serves before it passes to the other side. A match consists of winning two out of three games.

A team can only score on their serve. The game is played until one team reaches eleven points. However, a team must win by two points. So when the score is tied play continues until one team wins two points in a row.

As in all sports there are strategies and techniques that help you become a winner. Pickle ball is a serve and volley game even more so than tennis. Since you are playing with a whiffle ball the wind plays a significant roll in where to stand especially when receiving a serve. Normally you would stand behind the service line but if the wind is in your opponent's face you may want to move a little closer to the net. It is important to remember, however, that you have to let the ball bounce once.

In tennis when the ball bounces you have a little time to take your racket back and hit the ball. Playing with a whiffle ball does not allow you that luxury as the ball tends to die when it bounces. You use your wrist more with a pickle ball paddle more so than with a tennis racket.

Pickle ball is an easy game to learn. It is fun and very good exercise. I learned it quickly, met some very nice people and got a great workout.

Source: http://www.pickleball.com/Rules.aspx