Pickleball Phenomenon: Beginner’s Guide to the Hottest New Sport
For those of you who’ve been living under a rock, a new wave is forming, and it goes by the name pickleball. From paddles to passion, many people are falling in love with this thrilling game. In fact, pickleball is sweeping the nation and bringing people together. Whether you’re young or old, recreational games and leagues are being played in cities across the country.
In this article, we are going to take a deeper dive into the sport that’s uniting the masses one serve at a time.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before starting any exercise program, changing your daily nutrition, or adding any supplements to your regimen.
Table of contents
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a popular racquet sport that combines elements of badminton, table tennis, and tennis. It was invented in the 1960s by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum on Bainbridge Island, Washington. The game gets its name from the Pritchard family’s dog, Pickles, who would chase the ball and disrupt games.
Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court with a lowered net and a perforated plastic ball similar to a Wiffle ball. Players use solid paddles to hit the ball back and forth over the net. The rules are similar to tennis, except players serve underhand, and the ball must bounce on the opponent’s side of the court before it can be hit back.
One of the great things about pickleball is that people of all ages and skill levels can enjoy it. The game can be played indoors or outdoors, and it is easy to learn but challenging to master. It is also a low-impact sport, making it easier on the joints than activities like tennis or running.
Pickleball is growing in popularity, with numerous tournaments and leagues being held across the United States and Canada. The sport has also been gaining international recognition, with the first World Pickleball Championships held in 2016.
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In addition to being a fun recreational activity, pickleball has several health benefits. It is a great cardiovascular workout and can improve balance, coordination, and reflexes. It is also a social game, encouraging players to interact and have fun with one another.
If you’re looking to try something new and get in a good workout, pickleball is a great option. You can find local courts and clubs through the USA Pickleball Association website or set up a court in your backyard or at a local park. Give it a try!
How Should a Beginner Get Started Playing Pickleball?
Pickleball is a fun and easy sport to get into, and there are a few simple steps that beginners can follow to get started:
1. Learn the rules
Pickleball has a few basic rules that are important to understand before you start playing. You can find a summary of the rules on the USA Pickleball Association website or by contacting your local pickleball club.
2. Find a place to play
You can find local pickleball courts and clubs through the USA Pickleball Association website. Many communities have public courts that are open to the public, or you can set up a court in your backyard or at a local park.
3. Get the right equipment
You’ll need a pickleball paddle and balls to play the game. There are many options available, and you can find equipment at sporting goods stores or online.
4. Practice
Pickleball is a skill-based sport where the more you practice, the better you’ll get. You can practice your strokes and footwork by hitting against a wall or playing with a partner.
5. Join a pickleball club or league
Joining a club or league is a great way to meet other players and improve your skills. You can find local clubs through the USA Pickleball Association website or by contacting your local park and recreation department.
How Do You Play Pickleball and What Are the Rules?
Here are the basic rules of pickleball:
- The ball must be served underhand and must land in the opponent’s diagonal service box.
- The ball must bounce on the opponent’s side of the court before it can be hit back.
- Points are scored when the opponent fails to return the ball, the ball is hit into the net, it bounces twice, or is hits out of bounds.
- Points can only be scored by the side who serves the ball.
- If the side that did not serve wins the rally, no point is awarded but they now get to serve.
- No player may enter what is called “the kitchen” (the area within seven feet of the net) until the ball has bounced once on their side.
- The first player to score 11 points and lead by at least two points wins the game. The team who wins two sets wins the match.
- After the first game is won, teams or players will change sides. If teams/players get to a third set, players switch sides after every six points.
- Doubles play follows the same rules, with two players on each side of the court. If the first server loses the rally, the second server goes from the left side of the court and serves. If they lose that rally as well, the serve changes to the other team.
There are a few other rules and guidelines that players should be familiar with, but these are the basic principles of the game. Pickleball is a fun and easy sport to learn, and it can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.
What Are the Health Benefits Associated with Playing Pickleball?
Pickleball is a great low-impact cardiovascular workout that can provide a number of health benefits. Some of the benefits associated with playing this sport include the following:
1. Improving cardiovascular fitness
Pickleball is a fast-paced game that increases your heart rate and can help improve your cardiovascular fitness.
2. Burning calories
Pickleball can be a vigorous activity, and it can help you burn calories and lose weight. According to Healthline, a 150-pound person can burn around 300 calories in an hour of play.
3. Improving muscle tone and coordination
The quick movements and precise strokes required in pickleball can help improve muscle tone and coordination.
4. Improving balance and reflexes
The back-and-forth nature of pickleball can help improve balance and reflexes.
5. Reducing stress
Playing pickleball can be a fun and social activity that can help reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
6. Improving bone density
The weight-bearing nature of pickleball can help improve bone density, which is vital for maintaining strong bones and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
Overall, this sport is a great way to get in shape and have fun at the same time. It can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels and can provide a range of health benefits.
What is the Professional Pickleball Association?
The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) is the governing body for professional pickleball in the United States. It was founded in 2015 by a group of professional players and is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.
The PPA is dedicated to promoting the growth and development of professional pickleball in the United States. It organizes and oversees professional tournaments, including the PPA National Championship and the PPA World Championship. The association also works to promote the sport to new audiences and to establish pickleball as a professional sport.
The PPA is a member-based organization and is open to professional players who meet certain criteria. To be eligible for membership, players must have a certain level of skill and experience in the sport and must meet the association’s ethical standards. Members of the PPA are eligible to compete in PPA-sanctioned tournaments and can earn prize money and ranking points.
The PPA is committed to growing the sport of pickleball and helping to establish it as a professional and mainstream activity. By organizing high-level tournaments and promoting the sport to new audiences, the PPA is working to increase the visibility and popularity of pickleball in the United States.
Who Are the Best Pickleball Players in the World?
Pickleball has grown in popularity in recent years, and many talented players from around the world have made a name for themselves in the sport. Some of the top players include:
1. Ben Johns
Ben Johns is a professional pickleball player from the United States who has won numerous titles in both singles and doubles play. He is known for his powerful shots and strategic play. Ben Johns also has his own pickleball paddle. We’ve been using it and it has a ton of great features and benefits. You can read our full review on his JOOLA paddle here.
2. Kyle Yates
Kyle Yates is another top American player who has had a successful career in pickleball. He has won numerous titles in both singles and doubles play and is known for his athleticism and court awareness.
3. Simon Belaire
Simon Belaire is a Canadian pickleball player who has won numerous titles in both singles and doubles play. He is known for his technical skill and consistent play.
4. Corrine Johnson
Corrine Johnson is a top female pickleball player from the United States who has won numerous titles in both singles and doubles play. She is known for her powerful serve and aggressive playstyle.
5. Kyle Kantor
Kyle Kantor is an American pickleball player who has had a successful career in both singles and doubles play. He is known for his strong serve and strategic play.
There are many other talented pickleball players from around the world, and the sport continues to grow in popularity, with new players emerging on the scene all the time.
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