The Know-How of Pickleball: From the Size of Court to Rules
1 years ago
Many people love pickleball because it's easy to play, it's neither age nor gender-sensitive, and it's loads of fun. Here are the pickleball basics you need to know including the size of pickleball court, the rules, and where to play.
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a mix of other court games like tennis, pingpong, and badminton. You can play inside or outside with a tennis-like net and a court that is around the same size as a badminton court. It can be a double or single game.
The playing gear includes:
A paddle - you can get a wooden paddle or a longer-lasting one made of composite or graphite with a standard length of 14-16 inches and 8 inches wide.
Balls - Pickleball balls are plastic balls with holes (wiffle balls). Outdoor balls are thicker and heavier with smaller holes.
Where To Play Pickleball
You can play indoors or outdoors.
Playing indoors gives you a consistent playground free from the hot sun and strong winds. The ball sounds from playing indoors may, however, be distracting when you need audio cues to play better.
Playing outdoors is a great way to take in the good weather as long as you're not dealing with unbearable temperatures or strong winds.
Standard Rules of Playing Pickleball
Pickleball follows the following basic rules:
1. The ball must stay inbounds
The ball should stay within the white lines. You lose your serve if the ball goes out of bounds which is a disadvantage to your team.
2. Only one bounce is allowable per side
The one bounce per side rule sets the pickleball game apart, but players often forget this one. If the ball bounces twice on your side, you have to return it to the other team.
3. You must serve at the baseline
You must serve the ball at the baseline with one foot behind it. You can determine who begins the serve by doing a coin flip.
4. Underhand serves only
Underhand serves distinguish pickleball from tennis. You should hold the ball below the waistline and serve it diagonally to the other side.
5. The serve can't land in the no-volley zone
This no-valley zone or kitchen area is the area inside the lined box 7 feet from the net, on both sides of the court. You lose your serve if your ball touches the kitchen area but you can drop the ball in the kitchen after the serve.
Generally, the deeper the serve, the better.
6. The game ends at 11 or 21 points
The game ends at 11, 15, or 21 points but the winning team must be ahead by at least 2 points. Otherwise, the game continues.
What is The Size of Pickleball Court?
A pickleball court measures 44 feet long and 20 feet wide, lines inclusive. The net sidelines are 36 inches high and the middle is 34 inches high. You can add more space outside the net and sidelines and go for a 24’ x 54’ or a 30’ x 60’ court space.
A tennis court also had a 7-foot kitchen area. The court must be rectangular and measure 23.77 meters long, 10.97 meters wide for doubles, and 8.23 meters wide for singles according to the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
Pickleball vs Tennis
These two sports are similar but here are the contrasting differences:
- Tennis courts are larger than pickleball courts and require a lot more running and athletic ability
- Tennis swings are longer, faster, and require more strength
- Tennis players serve by tossing the ball up while pickleballers serve underhand
- You can play tennis on clay, grass or hard courts but pickleball is often played on hard courts
- Tennis is played in sets of up to one or more hours while pickleball continues until a team reaches 11, 15, or 21 points
Pickleball is an Easy, Fun Everyday Game
Pickleball rules are easy, the game requires less space, and you can play it indoors, which makes it a good choice for an everyday game.
If you're looking for a low-impact game to include in your exercise routine, pickleball can be a great and fun pick! The professionals at Sport Court can install a pickelball court to your exact specifications, allowing for years of enjoyment. Contact us today for a free estimate and let us transform your backyard!