Pickleball is a unique sport that combines three types of small ball games: badminton, tennis, and table tennis.
Like tennis, pickleball is a game played by two players on a court, whether indoor or outdoor. Pickleball is one of the sports types that is low-risk, so it can be played by people of all backgrounds and ages.
Before preparing to play pickleball, first understand what pickleball is, the rules, and how to play it. Let's take a look at the complete information below.
What Is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a type of small-ball sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis.
Originally, this sport was developed by three fathers seeking entertainment for their children on rainy days on Bainbridge Island, Washington, United States.
In 1976, pickleball was recognized by world sports organizations. To this day, there are numerous pickleball tournaments and communities worldwide.
Pickleball can be played in singles, one-on-one, or doubles, two-on-two.
A pickleball court itself resembles a tennis court, but is smaller. The equipment used differs from a tennis racket.
The main equipment in pickleball includes paddles that resemble bats and plastic balls with holes on their surface.
Benefits of Playing Pickleball
Pickleball is a small ball game that is highly popular in the United States. To date, its user base continues to grow.
In fact, pickleball has been included in physical education curricula in the United States and in other countries, including Australia.
1. Good for Physical Health
Pickleball is a small-ball game that helps develop balance, agility, hand-eye coordination, and reflexes without overworking muscles.
On the other hand, playing pickleball can help you burn calories. However, calorie burn can vary based on game intensity and player age.
Regular 1-hour pickleball play is believed to improve blood pressure and cardiorespiratory fitness.
2. Can Be Played by Various Groups
People of all skill levels can play this small ball game. Whether you're a beginner looking for light exercise or a professional athlete, everyone can play pickleball.
3. Encourages Social Interaction
The pickleball court, which is smaller than a tennis court, allows players to interact or chat more easily.
This is what makes pickleball a preferred sport for spending time with family or close friends.
Pickleball Rules You Need to Know
Before getting into how to play pickleball, there are some game rules you need to know.
First, make sure to find the nearest pickleball court. Alternatively, you can also use a badminton court to play pickleball.
In general, the rules of pickleball are similar to tennis. Some of the pickleball game rules you need to know are:
- To serve, the ball must be hit diagonally across the court with an underhand swing and below the waist. Then the ball must bounce before the opponent can return it.
- Points are only scored after a serve.
- When a point is scored, the serving team will switch positions, with the server moving from right to left.
- There is an area or zone called the no-volley zone or kitchen, located about 2 meters from the net. The served ball must not touch this area.
- A pickleball game ends at 11 points. The winner is determined when the score difference reaches 2 points at the end of the game.
How to Play Pickleball
Like badminton, tennis, and table tennis, pickleball is played by serving the ball to the opponent's area first.
In simple terms, how to play pickleball can be summarized in the following points:
- A serve is made by one of the players or teams.
- The ball is served or hit over the net.
- Both players or teams take turns throwing the ball.
- The opponent returns the ball. If they cannot return the ball, a point is awarded to the player or team.
- Points can also be scored if the opponent hits the ball in a non-volley area or zone.
- The first player or team to reach 11 points and lead by 2 points over the opponent will be the winner.
- If a player or team reaches 11 points without leading by 2 points, the game continues until a winner is determined, with a 2-point margin over the opponent.
That is some brief information about what is pickleball, including its rules and how to play it. People of all ages can enjoy this light sport and can help keep their bodies healthy.
Now, if you are interested in trying this game, you need to prepare the necessary equipment first. But remember, don't forget AQUA DULU, because not all water is AQUA.
AQUA is natural mineral water sourced from 19 selected mountains in Indonesia with protective layers, ensuring the water is free of contamination and safe to drink.
Because of this, AQUA naturally feels cold without being chilled, so it can refresh your body while you enjoy an exciting game of pickleball.
Let’s have #AQUADULU before heading to the pickleball court. AQUA, created by nature, is 100% PURE mountain mineral water with no additives, just as nature intended you to drink it.
