Pickleball is a widely growing sport worldwide, with every player emerging day-to-day with unique talent and different strategies for playing it. However, it is necessary to learn the proper tactics not just to sustain, but to excel in the game. In this blog, I have shared some tactics and pickleball rules that will give you a solution to how to play Pickleball. So, read the blog to learn more.
What Is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a racket sport that is gaining recognition and its popularity is spreading faster. The game combines various sports, such as tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. The game is usually a team sport played in singles and doubles, in whichever the players are comfortable with.
How Is Pickleball Different From Other Racket Sports?
Pickleball differs from other racket sports like tennis and badminton based on its playing style and rules structure. If we compare pickleball vs paddleball or the other racket sports, the following are their differences.
Ball
Pickleball is different from those of other sports, such as tennis or squash. The ball is made of plastic with holes in it to reduce its bouncing rate, as per the game's playing method.
Court
The pickleball court dimensions are different from the tennis courts, where it is smaller. Pickleball is played just on one side of the tennis court. The size of the pickleball court is 20 feet by 44 feet.
Net
The nets are also different from those of the other racket sports. Usually, the pickleball nets are lower, 34 inches at the centre and 36 inches along the poles.
Gameplay
The gameplay method of Pickleball is slower than that of tennis. It focuses more on accuracy and strategy over power and speed.
Serving
The tennis ball's serving methodology is also different from that of other racket sports. Here, the players serve underhand diagonally cross-court, keeping both feet behind the back line. They can not touch the court or sidelines while serving.
What Equipment Is Required to Play the Pickleball Game?
To play the pickleball game, the following is the necessary equipment.
Pickleball Paddle
Pickle Paddle is the fundamental equipment required for you to continue the game. However, there are several types of pickleball paddles, among which you can choose the most suitable for you while playing the game.
Pickleball Court
The size of the pickleball court is smaller than that of the other racket sports, like tennis and the net size is also lower.
Pickleball
A small plastic ball which is perforated and has numerous holes in it.
- Also Read: Pickleball Doubles Strategies
Costumes
The pickleball game requires you to wear comfortable and responsive clothes and tennis shoes for both a comfortable and effective game. The clothing should be comfortable so that it does not interfere with you while playing. Also, see to it that the shoes do not slip while playing.
Companion
Despite all the most important things, one needs a playing partner with whom they can play. It is the most vital thing required while playing.
How to Play a Pickleball Game?
When talking about the pickleball game, there is a typical chronology to follow, which is as per the standard rules of the game. So here are the ones that I have mentioned.
Start With a Serve
Each rally in the game begins with a serve.
The player on the right side of the court serves first diagonally to their opponent.
The person serving can either hit the ball once it bounces or out of the air to clear the kitchen line.
The serve should be either underhand, backhand, or forehand serve, and the contact must be below the waistline.
The paddle should also construct an arc when you strike the ball.
Basic Rules
Several rules should be followed during gameplay.
As per the double bounce rules, the player should return the ball only after it bounces.
The serving team must also let the return bounce once hitting it.
Only after these two bounces can the ball be volleyed or hit after a bounce.
Fault
When we talk about the fault, the fault is considered in the following instances.
If the ball lands out of bounds.
A player volleys the ball while standing in the non-volley zone.
If the ball does not clear the net.
Scoring System
When we talk about the scoring system, it is as follows.
Only the serving team can score points.
The server continues serving until their team commits a fault.
When Does a Player Win?
The game comes to an end with any player winning the game. However, the player wins in the following circumstances.
The game starts with the player winning 11 points.
A winner should score two points more than their opponent like 9-11.
Pickleball Tips for Beginners
For beginners, it is required to perform consistent and controlled shots rather than power.
Practice open communication to prevent any confusion between your partner in doubles.
Try to communicate effectively with your partner.
Practice dinks and volleys to improve your skills.
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Play Pickleball
How Do You Serve the Ball?
The game starts with the player winning a toss. The player stands behind the baseline and hits the ball diagonally across the net. The serve should be either underhand or below the waist.
How Does a Player Win a Point?
The player or team that loses a chance to return the ball gives their opponent the chance to score a point. Another team also grants a point when the team commits a fault or hits it out of bounds.
How Many Players Are Required in the Game?
The game requires two players if played in singles and four in doubles.
Pickleball is indeed a great sport, with its unique tactics, diverse playing methods, scoring system, distinct and specialized equipment, and court dimensions. So if you are stuck on how to play pickleball game, all you need to know is the right strategy for playing the game.
Turf Town is a platform to discover the best playing grounds near you. You can also join a group of people who share your interest in the game. The app is available for both Android and iOS users.
Thank you!
