Pickleball 101: How to Play, What to Wear, and Other Important Information

Are you considering trying out a new sport, maybe one that you’ve never heard of before? Let’s consider pickleball then! We know, pickleball sounds like a funny name, and even something that doesn’t sound real, but it is and it’s actually quite fun. Pickleball is a mix of badminton, tennis, and table tennis all together and it is truly an exciting sport to play.

Now there are so many questions that can run through your mind when learning more about pickleball. Everything from how you play, what equipment you need, to how you should dress are the most important things that you need to know about the sport, but don’t worry because we’re going to cover it all. Make sure to continue reading to understand how fun pickleball can actually be!

Pickleball: A Sport Fixed With Other Sports

Learn what it is and what the court looks like to try and play a game with friends and family!

Pickleball is an incredible sport that mixes tennis, table tennis, and badminton all in one. This is a fast-paced, competitive game that was invented in 1965 and is a popular sport in both the United States and Canada and is slowly starting to grow internationally in Europe and Asian countries. 

The court that you play on while playing pickleball is a 20x44 court that is the same as a doubles badminton court. The net in the middle should be up 36 inches and there is a left service area and a right service area where two people will stand on each side, unless it’s a 1 VS 1 game. There is also a centerline, sidelines on the court (so avoid going out of bounds!), and an area in the front that is the non-volley zone. 

"Pickleball is as much about skill and strategy as it is about the right attire. It’s about choosing attire that complements the energetic and dynamic nature of the game," says Men'sFlair male style guide editor Ryan Thompson.

What Are the Rules of Pickleball?

Understand how to play a game of pickleball to successfully play, and maybe win a game!

Now that you know what pickleball is, you obviously have to learn the rules of the game! If you’re afraid that the rules may be difficult, please do not worry because there are five basic rules of playing pickleball, and trust us, they’re not hard!

The first rule is to always stay inbounds. No matter if it is you, yourself, or the ball, it’s important to make sure you’re within the lines and staying on the sidelines. The white lines along the court will guide you to ensure the ball stays inbounds. If it falls out of bounds, you lose your serve, or give the ball to the opposing team.

The second rule is to follow the proper serving regulations, meaning to determine who serves first before the game starts, hold the ball below the waistline, hit the ball diagonally in the opposite direction, and if you make an incorrect serve, the opposing team gets the ball.

Thirdly, the ball should only bounce on once on each side of the court after it is hit. If it bounces more than once, the opposing team will gain a point and they will get the next serve. 

When it comes to the fourth rule, the ball should not touch the no-volley zone, which is the area between the sidelines and the net.

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The final rule deals specifically on the scoring system of the game. The game can only end at 11, 15, or 21 points. When playing in singles, the game can only go to 11 or 15 and when playing in doubles, 15 or 21 are the most common points that you can get. The winning team should be winning by two points. 

The rules of pickleball are not complicated, and it is easy to play. Keep exercising can make a person healthier, strengthen his physique, and improve his mental health. In the process of exercising, individuals can give themselves appropriate rewards. They can use Award Medals to motivate themselves to keep exercising, increase their enthusiasm for sports, and achieve the goal of strengthening their bodies.

What Equipment Do You Need For Pickleball?

Purchase all of the necessary equipment in order to play this unique game!

You’re in luck because when it comes to pickleball, there isn’t a lot of equipment that you need to have in order to play! The first essential piece of equipment that you need is a pickleball net that divides the court in half. The correct size should be 36 inches on each side and about 34 inches in the middle.

The other two pieces of equipment that are most essential in order to successfully play a game of pickleball is a pickleball paddle, or commonly referred to as a bat, and pickleball balls that resemble waffle balls. When these balls are hit, the little holes in them make it easier for them to fly across the court to be hit again and again. 

There are some things to keep in mind when it comes to purchasing pickleball bats are that you should carefully choose the right brand and not purchase something cheap, to choose the right material for you, make sure the weight of the bat is perfect for you, and to make sure that you have a comfortable grip on the bat.

The Right Clothing is Essential to Play to the Best of Your Ability!

Make sure you’re prepared to make quick movements and sweat in the best clothing possible!

So you’re interested in playing pickleball, but what do you wear? When it comes to pickleball, you can dress like you would for a tennis match, which is very helpful if you already enjoy tennis and have the outfits to prove it.

If you’re a woman, you can wear some beautiful tennis skirts, polo shirts, sports bras, tank tops, and a comfortable pair of athletic shoes is just what you need in order to play a fun and successful game while staying comfortable. For a male, you can wear tennis shorts, or athletic shorts, a polo or sweat-wick shirt. 

We know it can be difficult to find the best athletic pickleball clothes to wear for your very first game. Consider looking into the amazingly fashionable, yet athletic, make sure to look at Dona Jo’s incredible athletic line. With everything from leggings, capris, skirts, sports bras, jackets, swimwear, and so much more!

Pickleball is an incredible sport that everyone can learn how to play. The rules are fairly simple and a lot like tennis, badminton, and table tennis, and you don’t need a lot of equipment either! If you’re interested in playing pickleball, make sure to purchase the equipment necessary, get the right clothing, and learn the easy rules and you’ll be on your way to having a lot of fun!
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