What is Pickleball?

What is pickleball?

Pickleball is a fast-growing sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. The game has become popular because of its accessibility and the fun it offers to players of all ages and skill levels. At the KW FLEX Pickleball shop, we aim to offer not only the best equipment, but also useful information to improve your game. In this blog post, we will discuss what exactly pickleball is and why it is so popular.

The basics of pickleball

Pickleball is played on a court about a quarter the size of a tennis court. The game can be played indoors or outdoors and requires a paddle and a plastic ball with holes. Pickleball can be played in singles (one against one) or doubles (two against two).

Rules of play of Pickleball

1. The pitch:

• The pitch is 13.4 metres long and 6.1 metres wide, with a net that is 86 cm high in the middle.
• There are two service boxes on each side of the net.

2. The game:

• The aim is to hit the ball over the net and prevent the opponent from returning it.
• Each rally starts with an underhand serve that must be hit diagonally and land in the opponent's service box.
• The pickleball ball is allowed to bounce once on each side of the net before it must be returned.

3. Point scoring:

• A match is usually played to 11 points, and a player or team must win by at least two points difference.
• Points can only be scored by the serving side.

4. ‘Double Bounce Rule’:

• After serve, the ball must first bounce on the receiving end and then on the serving end before players can hit the ball directly.

Why is pickleball so popular?

Pickleball is popular for several reasons:

• Accessibility: The rules are easy to learn, and the game can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.
• Physical Advantages: Pickleball offers a great cardio workout and helps improve agility, reflexes and hand-eye coordination.
• Community spirit: Pickleball is often played in communities and clubs, making it a social sport that fosters new friendships and connections.

Pickleball equipment

In our pickleball shop, you will find a wide range of pickleball racket, balls and other equipment you need to start playing or improve your game. We are happy to help you choose the best equipment to suit your playing style and level.

Tips for beginners

1. Practice your serve: A good serve is crucial in pickleball. Practise regularly to get consistency.
2. Play a lot of matches: The more you play, the better you will become. Enter local tournaments or play friendly matches to gain experience.
3. Focus on positioning: Learn where to stand and how to move around the court to play more efficiently.