Pickleball is a fun, low-impact sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. It is easy to learn and has only a few rules, but also offers room for improvement and strategy. This enjoyable and social sport is great for players of all abilities. It is also a fantastic way to exercise while truly having fun.

Pickleball is played on a smaller court than tennis and with a lower net. The ball used in pickleball is made of lightweight plastic and has holes punched through it, making it slower and easier to control than a tennis ball. Pickleball is also played with solid paddles instead of strung rackets. In pickleball, the ball is served underhand, whereas tennis requires an overhand serve.

To play pickleball, two or four players hit a perforated ball over a net using paddles. The ball is served diagonally across the court and players try to rally the ball back and forth over the net, similar to tennis. Points are scored by the serving team when a player on the opposing team is unable to return the ball or hits it out of bounds, or commit another fault (like hitting it out of the air in the kitchen).

After the ball is served, it must bounce once on the receiving side and one on the return. This is why it’s called the “double bounce rule,” as it must bounce twice. After the return, players may hit the ball out of the air before it bounces on their side, as long as they are not standing in the kitchen (also called the non-volley zone).

The pickleball court is similar in size to a badminton court, measuring 20 feet by 44 feet for singles play. The net is positioned at a height of 36 inches at the edges and slopes to 34 inches at the center.

The ball used in pickleball is made of durable plastic and has holes punched through it. It is similar in size to a wiffle ball, but is slightly heavier. The ball is designed to fly slower and have less bounce than a tennis ball, making it easier for players to hit and control.

Outdoor pickleball balls have 40 holes and indoor pickleball balls have 26 holes. Both balls look similar and can be any color for visibility or court conditions.

To learn how to play pickleball, you can take lessons from a coach or watch instructional videos online. You can also practice your skills by hitting the ball against a wall or playing against a partner. Many recreational centers, senior centers, and cities in the United States have pickleball learn-to-play programs, leagues, and classes.

The goal of pickleball is to score points by hitting the ball over the net and within the boundaries of the court, and to prevent your opponent from doing the same. The first player or team to reach 11 points and have a lead of at least two points wins the game.

To start playing pickleball, you will need a pickleball court, pickleball paddles, and a pickleball. You can play doubles pickleball (with two players per side) or singles pickleball (one player per side). Some players may also choose to wear athletic shoes and clothing, but there’s nothing specific required.

You can find places to play pickleball at community centers, schools, parks, and private clubs. You can also check online for pickleball groups and events in your area.

Practice regularly to improve your pickleball skills. Take lessons from a certified coach and watch instructional videos or attend clinics. You can also try to play against opponents who are better than you to challenge yourself and improve your skills. Additionally, working on your physical fitness and footwork can also help improve your pickleball game.