Are you new to the sport of Pickleball and wondering about the rules and etiquette of the game? Look no further! In this post, we'll cover the ins and outs of Pickleball's basic rules and etiquette, so you can hit the court with confidence and style.
The Rules of Pickleball
Pickleball is a game played with a paddle and a ball with holes, on a court that's similar in size to a badminton court. But, don't let the small court size fool you; Pickleball is a fast-paced and exciting game that's easy to learn but challenging to master. Here are the basic rules of the game:
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Serve: The serve must be hit underhand, and the paddle must make contact with the ball below the server's waist. The serve must be made diagonally across the court, and the ball must land in the opposite service court. Want to add a little extra oomph to your serve? Try some trick shots or spin to keep your opponents on their toes.
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Double Bounce Rule: After the serve, each team must let the ball bounce once on their side before hitting it. After that, the ball can be volleyed or hit before it bounces. The other team must also let the ball bounce once before hitting it. This rule helps to keep the game fair and balanced, allowing for both offensive and defensive plays. But, don't be afraid to mix it up and try some fast-paced volleys to keep your opponents guessing.
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Non-Volley Zone: There is a 7-foot non-volley zone on each side of the net, commonly referred to as the kitchen. You cannot hit a ball while standing inside the kitchen unless the ball has bounced outside of it first. This rule helps to prevent players from dominating the game with quick volleys and forces them to use more strategic shots. But, don't be afraid to take some risks and try some shots from the kitchen line to keep your opponents on their toes.
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Scoring: A game is played to 11 points, and the winning team must win by two points. Points are scored only by the serving team. This rule helps to keep the game exciting and suspenseful, allowing for comebacks and last-minute victories. It can get intense!
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Faults: A fault occurs when a player hits the ball out of bounds, into the net, or fails to follow one of the above rules. A fault results in a point for the other team. Don't worry if you make some mistakes; it's all part of the game. But, don't be afraid to learn from your mistakes and keep improving your skills.
The Etiquette of Pickleball
While the rules of the game are essential to follow, it's also crucial to practice good sportsmanship on the court. Here are some basic etiquette guidelines for pickleball players:
- Respect your opponents: Shake hands, paddle or fist bump with your opponents before and after the match, and avoid arguing during a competitive game. Sure it can get heated but thats no reason to be a dick.
- Follow the rules: Always play by the rules, and call your own faults. If you're unsure about a call, ask your opponent or call in a referee to make the decision. But, don't be afraid to challenge your opponents and keep the game fair and exciting.
- Stay quiet: Avoid making unnecessary noise, such as grunting or yelling (try not to be the courts resident Sharapova!) particularly while hitting the ball.
- Share the court: Be aware of your surroundings and avoid crossing into your opponent's side of the court (I once slipped on a court divider net - it wasn't fun). Always give your opponents enough space to play their shots, and never interfere with their shots or movement. If the ball goes out of bounds, retrieve it quickly and return it to the other team. But, don't be afraid to have a little fun and show some personality on the court.
- Dress appropriately: Wear comfortable and appropriate clothing and shoes for the game. Avoid wearing jewellery or other accessories that may interfere with your play or cause harm to yourself or others.
By following the rules and practicing etiquette on and off the court you can enjoy the game and build relationships with other players. So grab your paddle today and meet us by the net. First to 11 wins!
