Introducing pickleball, a fun game the whole family can play

Look out basketball, baseball, and volleyball. There’s a new ball game in town. It’s called pickleball and it’s dill-lightful! (Sorry… I couldn’t resist).

The game was first invented in 1965 by three dads in the United States with bored kids. It slowly made its way to Canada and is now the country’s fastest-growing sport.

It’s a game played by young, old, and everyone in between. In fact, the slogan of Pickleball Canada is, “A Game for All.”

If it hasn’t already, it may show up in your child’s school phys ed class very soon. The game has all the components that kids like: it’s easy to learn and it has a funny name!

So what is this game and, most importantly, are there pickles involved?

The game does not require brined cucumbers. But there is a whole lot of fun. Here’s how to play pickleball.

The game is played on a badminton-sized court with ping pong-type rectangular racquets, a wiffle-type ball, and tennis-like rules. It can be played as a singles game (with two players) or a doubles game (with four players).

The rules sound complicated but they’re actually pretty easy to pick up. Once your kids play a couple of times, they’ll have the game down pat and they’ll want to play again and again. Before you know it, you’ll have seasoned pickleball players in your family!

The court

The court is divided into six sections. On each side of the net, there is a section called the non-volley zone or the kitchen. At the back on both sides of the court, there are two sections into which serves are made – just like in tennis. The net is 36” high at the ends, and 34” high in the middle. (The diagram comes from Pickleball Canada’s Basic Rules of Pickleball.)

How to serve in pickleball

The server stands behind the baseline in the bottom right-hand corner facing the net. The serve is made by hitting the ball underhand with the racquet just below the waist without bouncing the ball. The ball must bounce in the opposite corner (diagonally across the court) beyond the receiving team’s kitchen.

The opposing player must let the ball bounce before hitting the ball back.

After the ball is returned to the server’s side, the ball has to bounce one more time before volleys (shots when the ball is returned without bouncing), can be made. (This is known as the two-bounce rule.) And this means that players can’t run to the net to smash the ball at their opponents. Far friendlier than tennis!

The rules

Once the ball has bounced on each side once, the gameplay continues with the ball being played back and forth across the net. Remember: players can only volley the ball (play it without it bouncing) outside of the kitchen area. You can only go over the kitchen line to return a ball once it has bounced, otherwise, you must stay out of the kitchen.

Pickleball scoring: Only the serving team can win a point. How?

Just like in other racket sports, players score points when their opponent(s) commit a fault.

How to avoid a fault:

• Remember to keep both feet behind the baseline and at least one foot on the ground when serving
• Make sure you keep your racket below your waist when serving
• Ensure your serve bounces into the opposing team’s area diagonally opposite from you
• Keep the ball in bounds
• Remember to let the ball bounce once your opponent returns it after your serve
• Don’t hit the net with the ball
• Stay out of the kitchen unless you are going to hit a ball that bounces into it
• The first side that scores 11 points when they are leading by at least two points wins.

Where can you play a game of pickleball?

Pickleball courts have been set up in community centres, YMCAs, and in gyms in schools across the country. Many communities are also adding lines to tennis courts so either tennis or pickleball can be played on the same surface.

If you have a large space of your own, you can measure out your own pickleball court using the dimensions in the diagram above, and use tape to mark out the boxes. Sets with pickleball paddles, balls, and nets are sold online so you can have your own game ready to go at a moment’s notice. If you are setting up your own game, make sure it’s on a surface where the ball can bounce. If you want to set up a court on grass, make sure it’s very compacted.

If you’re relishing a brand new game for you and your kids, perhaps you find yourself in a pickle for something to do, (stop me now!). Pickleball is a game that is growing in leaps and bounds and is an activity perfect for new players, tennis players and anyone else who enjoys a lot of fun! The best part is, you and your whole family can easily play it together.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on September 6, 2018.