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Overview
Pickleball is described as "a combination of Ping-Pong, tennis, and badminton." Invented in 1965 by U.S. Congressman who wanted to create a "sport for the entire family." Apparently, they've succeeded. According to the founders, PickleBall is played "...in thousands of school P.E. programs, parks and recreation centers, correctional facilities, camps, YMCA's and retirement communities." Utilizing a simplified combination of tennis rules and strategies, Pickleball works to be a serious yet fun measure of physical activity, as well as a wonderful way to exercise and stay fit. Many schools also include the sport as part of their Physical Education curriculum.
History
Pickleball is officially labeled as a "paddle sport," invented in Bainbridge Island, Washington by Bill Bell, former Washington State politician Joel Pritchard. It is best described as a cross between tennis, badminton, and ping pong. The sport was named after the Pritchard's dog, Pickles, who used to run away with the ball during the initial trial-runs of the game.
The Court
The game itself is played on a court that is the same size as a badminton court (20 feet wide by 44 feet long), within reason. A ball similar to a whiffleball, made with a more rigid material and having smaller holes, is used in gameplay. It has also been classified as being similar to a Floorball ball. Originally, during the time the game was invented, wooden paddles were used, but now lightweight fiberglass and composite paddles are most common due to their lower cost and higher durability.
Rules
Pickleball's small court also allows younger players or those with varying degrees of mobility and paraplegics to participate in a way that tennis' larger court sometimes prohibits. Additionally, a rule prohibiting volleying (hitting the ball in the air) in the space 7 feet from the net helps to equalize play and reduce overpowering smashes at the net. However, the rule is subject to the players whims; it may or may not be used in a game. Also, Pickleball has both singles or doubles variations.
The rules are similar to those of tennisor course, except that only the serving side scores (as in badminton). However, the serve itself is made underhand, and the ball must bounce once on each side of the net after service before any volleys may be made. PickleBall is designed to keep everyone in play. There's a no-volley zone close to the net to prevent overcompetitive players from smashing their way to one-sidedness. The serve is underhanded, and the ball must bounce once before being returned. Pickleball is a game of shot placement and patience, not brute power or strength. Once the ball has hit the ground on both sides of the net, the volley can continue as in badminton, with the ball constantly in the air. Otherwise the serve is void.
Present
Pickleball has become a common high school sport in gym classes and has gained popularity with teenagers as well as seniors. Schools often host tournaments such as the one at Port Jervis High School where a doubles open and girls tournament is held on the last day of school before Easter Break every year. In New York State alone, it is estimates that over 500 schools include Pickleball in their curriculum. With 32 open teams and 16 girls teams the tournament extends to over 3 periods and increases in popularity every year. Nor is the pickleball phenomenon limited to schools. Summer day camps, like Adventure Day Camp in Upper Merion Township, Pennsylvania, feature annual pickleball tournaments. These tournaments sometimes pit campers against counselors, or, as is the case at Adventure Day Camp, counselors against fellow counselors.
External links
"Pickleball"