Pickle Pointers: The 5 Rules of Pickleball

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What is pickleball? It’s tennis! No, it’s ping pong. It combines the best of both worlds actually!

Anyone who’s been playing pickleball for some time knows how fun it can be, pickles not included.

We can’t have fun though without a couple of ground rules. Keep reading to learn some pickle pointers that will help you have fun and score high in your next pickleball match!

How To Play Pickleball

While seasoned players know the rulebook by heart, it’s always a good idea to refresh our minds on the basics.

The match can be played as singles or doubles.

Serving Some Knowledge And Points

The serving player must serve underhand, below the waist, diagonally to the receiving player’s court. The server continues to serve until she or he faults.

The server scores the points when the opponent faults. The first side to make 11 points, with a two-point lead, wins the match.

Double Bounce Rule And Volleying

The double bounce rule means that the serving and receiving teams must let the ball bounce before returning, bounces are only required during these first two returns.

Volleying isn’t allowed within the seven-foot area of the net on either side, this area is marked off by lines. This area is called the kitchen.

From An Amateur To A Pro Pickleball Edition

Now that we’ve established some of the basic pickleball rules, mentioning some of the lesser-known rules will surely turn an amateur player into a professional ready to compete!

The 10-second rule could lead to a fault, if the player doesn’t serve within 10 seconds, the referee can issue a warning.

Distractions meant to affect the opponent’s game can actually be called by the referee and result in a loss for the player, distractions include yelling or stomping of the feet.

Touching the net is a no go! Even while playing in the kitchen, players must make sure that no part of their body, clothes, or paddle touches the net.

Paddle Perfection

Third on this list of Pickle Pointers for those of us who want to play a perfect game is the art of choosing the right pickleball paddles.

Grip is an important aspect of pickleball paddles because the right fit will prevent joint pain. Whether the grip is smaller or larger or has some type of padding, it must fit comfortably in your hand.

Weight, whether lighter or heavier, will help with the control of the ball. Testing which paddle feels best is always the best way to go!

The build and material depend on the style of play each player prefers. Wood is heavier, while polymer strikes a balance somewhere in the middle.

All Aboard The Pickleball Craze

Pickleball is the best combination of some other great games. Following the pickle pointers above will surely help you succeed in improving your skills or brush up on some of the basic rules of the sport.

Check out some of the pricing and packages offered here on CourtReserve and make sure to book your next pickleball match with us!

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