What is Pickleball?

You might have seen it mentioned on social media or even in the news but what exactly is Pickleball? Relatively unknown for quite some time, Pickleball is a sport that is growing in popularity in leaps and bounds. It combines tennis, badminton, and table tennis (or ping-pong, if you prefer). It’s enjoyable, easy-to-learn and provides fun for all ages, making it a popular choice for recreational and competitive play. In short, 2-4 players hit a perforated, hollow plastic ball over a net and the game can be played in both indoor and outdoor courts.

Originating from Bainbridge Island, Washington. Pickleball was created in 1965 by trio Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum. Initially intended as a means to entertain their families, it has since developed into a beloved worldwide activity.

Pickleball is played on a court similar to badminton, measuring 20 feet by 44 feet. The net is 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center. Players use a paddle and a plastic ball with holes, resembling a wiffle ball.

1. Serve: The game starts with an underhand serve diagonally across the court.
2. Volleying: After the serve, players can hit the ball in the air (volley) or let it bounce once before hitting.
3. Double Bounce Rule: Each team must let the ball bounce once on their side before volleys are allowed.
4. Scoring: Only the serving team can score points. Games are typically played to 11 points, and a team must win by 2 points.

Playing pickleball offers numerous health benefits, including cardiovascular exercise, improved coordination, and increased agility. It’s also a low-impact sport, making it suitable for older adults and those looking for a gentler form of exercise.

Pickleball is a social sport that encourages interaction and teamwork. It’s common to see players of all ages and skill levels enjoying the game together, fostering a sense of community.

The rules of pickleball are simple, making it accessible to beginners. Courts can be found in parks, community centres, and sports clubs, allowing easy access for anyone interested in trying the sport. Many courts are also completely free to use, as long as you bring your own ball and bats!

At Lightmain, we specialise in designing and installing Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs) that can be adapted to include pickleball. Our durable and versatile courts provide the perfect setting for this sport. We can also assist you in converting your existing Multi-Use Games Area so that it can incorporate Pickle Ball, thus expanding the functions of the space even further.

We offer custom solutions to fit your specific needs, whether you’re looking to add pickleball courts to a public park, school, or existing facility. Our team will work with you to create the ideal setup for your space rather than a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach.

Pickleball is more than just a sport; it’s a fun, engaging activity that brings people together. Whether you’re looking to stay active, meet new people, or enjoy a competitive game, pickleball offers something for everyone.
For more information on how Lightmain can help you set up a pickleball court, drop us a line and we would be happy to have a free, impartial chat with you about it.