Formed from an intriguing blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, Pickleball was born in the United States in the mid-1960s.
Designed by two congressmen from Washington State, Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell, as a fun-filled pastime for their children, it has since evolved into a worldwide sport.
Introduction to Pickleball
The rules of Pickleball are straightforward.
The game is played on a court similar in size to a doubles badminton-sized court. Like a whiffle ball, the ball is hit back and forth over a net slightly lower than a tennis net, using a wood or composite paddle.
The aim is to score points by making contact with the ball within the opposing side’s court without the opposition being able to return the shot. The “non-volley zone” is unique to pickleball, an area extending seven feet from the net into which a player cannot volley the ball, i.e., the ball hits before it bounces.
Games are typically played to 11, 15, or 21 points, with a team needing to win by at least two points.
Pickleball Evolution
The evolution of Pickleball has been impressive since its inception in the mid-1960s.
Initially, it was a game crafted to entertain bored children during summer. However, by the 1970s, it began gaining recognition as a serious sport.
The game’s popularity further soared in the 1980s and 1990s, with many schools, community centers, and parks across the US incorporating pickleball into their sports offerings.
It wasn’t until the 2000s when the sport really started taking off and growing globally. The sport’s first nationally televised championship happened in 2018.
Pickleball Through the 70s & 80s
Before putting itself on the map as the fastest growing sport.
Throughout the 1970s and 80s, pickleball continued to develop and gain traction.
While the game’s roots were in a residential backyard, it quickly found its way into local community centers and schools. Recognizing the game’s potential to promote physical activity and social interaction, many institutions integrated pickleball into their sports programs.
The game’s popularity particularly soared in senior communities due to its low-impact nature and the strategic yet fun aspect of the game.
The late 70s marked a significant milestone for pickleball with the formation of the National Pickleball Association and the organization of the first-ever pickleball tournament. This pickleball tournament took place in 1976 at South Center Athletic Club in Tukwila, Washington.
This not only solidified pickleball’s status as a legitimate sport but also paved the way for competitive play.
In the 1980s, pickleball experienced a surge in popularity with the establishment of numerous local pickleball clubs and leagues. The sport’s reach began to extend beyond the borders of the United States as enthusiasts introduced the game to other countries.
The accessibility and inclusivity of pickleball, appealing to both the young and old, contributed to its growing popularity during this era.
Modern Growth of Pickleball
Since the turn of the millennium, the growth of Pickleball has been nothing short of phenomenal.
The 2000s saw pickleball breaking beyond the borders of the United States and making its mark globally. Countries like Canada, Spain, and India began to embrace the sport, and international tournaments started popping up.
Establishing It’s Self As A Sport In Demand
In 2005, the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) was established to promote the growth and advancement of pickleball nationally and internationally.
The organization has instituted official rules, established player ratings, and organized sanctioned tournaments.
As of today, pickleball is played in thousands of locations across the United States and has spread to numerous countries worldwide. Its simplicity, entertaining nature, and suitability for players of all ages and abilities have contributed to its rapid growth and immense popularity.
In the United States, the number of places to play pickleball more than doubled from 2010 to 2013, according to the USA Pickleball Association. This trend has only accelerated with the establishment of the Professional Pickleball Association in 2020, which has helped to legitimize the sport further.
Today, it is estimated that over 3 million people play pickleball in the United States alone, and the sport shows no signs of slowing down. With its easy-to-learn rules and emphasis on social interaction, pickleball continues to attract people of all ages and skill levels. The future of pickleball looks bright as it solidifies its place in the global sports arena.
If you haven’t already, it’s time to pick up a paddle and experience the game for yourself!
Pickleball Game Playing Surface: Lines and Dimensions of Pickleball Courts
When designing a Pickleball court, there are several aspects to consider. Firstly, the ground surface should be flat and smooth for player safety and optimal ball bounce.
The standard dimensions of a pickleball court are identical to a doubles badminton court. The court is divided into two halves by a net. Each half is further divided into two sections: the right service court and the left service court.
The net should be securely fastened at the ends to posts just outside the court’s sidelines. The net is 36 inches high at the ends and 34 inches tall at the center.
The court should be marked appropriately according to standard dimensions: a total length of 44 feet and a width of 20 feet.
Each side of the court should have a service area of 15 feet (from the net to the baseline) and a width of 10 feet. The seven-foot non-volley zone, or “kitchen,” is a critical design component and should extend seven feet from the net on either side in a rectangle.
For visibility and clarity, the court lines should be a contrasting colour to the court surface.
In addition to these guidelines, considerations for ample runoff space around the court, adequate lighting for evening play, seating for players and spectators, and fencing to contain stray balls can enhance the functionality and enjoyment of the pickleball court.
Pickleball Rules and Regulations
The basic rules to play pickleball are designed to ensure a fair and enjoyable game. Let’s delve into them:
- Serve: The game begins with a volley serve, the first server must hit the ball underhand, and the ball must make contact below the waist as the server serves. The serving side must serve diagonally, hitting the ball to the receiving team service court.
- Two-Bounce Rule: Also known as the “double bounce rule,” After the serve, the ball must bounce on each side once before volleys (hitting the ball before it bounces) are allowed.
- Non-Volley Zone line: Also known as “the kitchen,” players cannot volley the ball while standing within this seven-foot zone on both sides of the net.
- Faults: Faults in pickleball include hitting the ball out of bounds, failing to clear the net, volleying from the non-volley zone, or violating the two-bounce rule. When the serving team’s fault leads to the ball going to the other team, it’s called a side-out.
- Scoring: Points are scored by only the serving team and occur when the opposing team faults. The game is typically played where a team’s score is 11, 15, or 21 points, and the winning team must win by at least two points.
- Doubles Play: In a doubles game serving sequence, each team member on the serving team gets to serve and score points until they commit a fault, except for the first serve of each new game, where only one partner on the serving team has the opportunity to serve before faulting changes the serve to the other team.
By adhering to these rules, players can ensure a fast-paced, fun, and fair game of pickleball.
Fun Facts – A Sport For All Ages and Generations
Pickleball boasts some intriguing facts that add to its charm.
Initially known spelled “Pickle ball” before combining the two words together, the sport’s quirky name has a disputed origin; some attribute it to the inventor’s dog, Pickles, who would chase the ball during games, while others believe it’s from the term ‘pickle boat,’ which refers to a crew made up of leftover rowers from other boats.
Moreover, pickleball can be a calorie burner; an hour-long game could help you burn around 600 calories! Lastly, the game’s popularity is not restricted to any particular demographic.
It has a broad appeal, with participants ranging from school children to senior citizens, making it a true community sport.