Some of you may already know, but for those who don’t: What’s pickleball about? Pickleball is a rapidly growing racket sport that combines elements of tennis, padel, badminton, and table tennis. It has gained popularity in the United States, with over five million people playing. In Spain, it is also experiencing significant growth. The game is played by hitting a ball over a net with lightweight paddles. It is an inclusive sport for all ages and skill levels. In this article, we will explore its origins, rules, equipment, and benefits, as well as the growth of pickleball in Spain.
History and Origins of Pickleball
The origin of PICKLEBALL dates back to 1965 on Bainbridge Island (Washington) when US Senator Joel Pritchard and his friend Bill Bell decided to improvise a game of Badminton using what they had on hand.
Despite its recent surge in popularity, this sport has many years of history. Here’s how the story of Pickleball began:
Pritchard, a former basketball and tennis player, and his friends were looking for a recreational activity to play with their families. Without enough players for a tennis match, they improvised with a lower net and badminton rackets. They wanted to use a badminton shuttlecock, but without one available, they used a perforated dog ball. And so, unintentionally, they created a new game!
The story goes that Pritchard and his family had a dog named Pickles, to whom the game owes its name. Originally called “Pritch-ball,” it was later changed to “pickleball.”
How to Play Pickleball
Due to its origins, Pickleball is set up as a mix of elements from various racket sports, such as Tennis, Badminton, and Table Tennis. It features gameplay dynamics and a striking technique very similar to tennis, though it is played on a smaller court, with a very light paddle and a perforated plastic ball, and serves are made below the waist. It can be played in doubles or singles and has some particular rules like a no-volley zone 2 meters from the net and the inability to volley when serving.
Pickleball in Spain
Pickleball has seen significant growth in popularity in Spain in recent years. More and more people are discovering this exciting racket sport and joining the community of pickleball players across the country.
Growth and Popularity in Spain
Pickleball has found a special place in the hearts of sports enthusiasts in Spain. It is estimated that there are currently about 100-110 pickleball courts across the country and more than 1,000 players enjoying this exciting game. As more people discover it, the number of courts and players continues to grow steadily.
Spanish Pickleball Association and Its Work
In 2012, Mike Hess founded the Spanish Pickleball Association with the goal of promoting the sport and fostering its growth in the country. The association has played a key role in spreading pickleball, organizing tournaments, offering training programs, and working closely with other sports organizations. The efforts of the Spanish Pickleball Association have led to pickleball being recognized by the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation, further boosting its growth and visibility in the sports field. The federation intends to promote pickleball in schools, institutes, and other educational settings, so that more people have the opportunity to learn about and practice this fun sport. Pickleball has found fertile ground for expansion in Spain, and its popularity is expected to continue to rise. As more people join the player community and more courts are built across the country, pickleball is becoming an attractive and exciting option for sports lovers in Spain.
- Pickleball has seen significant growth in popularity in Spain in recent years.
- It is estimated that there are currently about 100-110 pickleball courts and thousands of players in Spain.
- The Spanish Pickleball Association, founded by Mike Hess in 2012, has played a key role in promoting and growing the sport in the country.
- Pickleball has recently been recognized by the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation, further boosting its growth and recognition in Spain.
- The federation aims to promote pickleball in educational settings and expand its reach through programs and collaborations with other sports organizations.
Pickleball Rules
Courts and Game Dimensions
Pickleball is played on a rectangular court similar to a doubles badminton court. The court measures 20 by 44 feet and is divided into two playing areas by a net. The net height is 36 inches at the ends and 34 inches in the center. The court is designed to provide enough space for players to move and make proper shots.
Game Objective and Scoring
The objective of pickleball is to pass the ball to the opposite field before it bounces a second time. Only the serving side can score points, and a point play ends when a team commits a fault. The first team to score 11 points with at least a two-point lead wins the match. It’s important to note that the game can be played in the best of three sets, depending on the competition or agreement between players.
Faults and Penalties in the Game
During a pickleball game, certain faults can result in penalties for players. These faults include:
– Failing to hit the serve into the opponent’s service court.
– Failing to hit the ball over the net.
– Hitting the ball before it performs a second bounce on one side of the net.
– Hitting the ball out of bounds.
– Volleying the ball on the service return.
– Volleying the ball on the first return by the serving side.
– Stepping into the no-volley zone.
– Touching the net with any part of the body, paddle, or assistive device.
These faults can result in the loss of points or the serve being handed over to the opposing team, depending on the situation in the game.
New Rules in 2024
The USAPA is set to welcome new pickleball rules in 2024. From simplifying the rules of carrying and double hits to introducing procedures for degraded and soft balls, these changes will affect both strategy and equipment selection, including paddles, balls, and nets. It’s essential for players to update themselves and prepare to adapt to these new regulations to stay competitive and fully enjoy the sport.
Pickleball Equipment and Techniques
Next, we’ll explore the equipment needed to play your new favourite sport – I know, you know -, as well as some basic game techniques.
Pickleball Paddles and Materials Used
Pickleball paddles are the main equipment used in this sport. They are made from different materials, such as wood, carbon fiber, or composite materials, to suit the preferences and needs of each player. You can find your favorite paddle on our website.
Wooden paddles are usually the most accessible and economical. They are ideal for beginners or casual players looking to familiarize themselves with the game. On the other hand, carbon fiber paddles offer greater durability and power, making them a popular choice among more experienced players.
There are also composite paddles that combine different materials to optimize playability. These paddles offer a balance between power and control, making them a versatile choice for players of all levels.
Basic Game Strokes and Techniques
In pickleball, different strokes and techniques are used to make the most of the game. Below are some of the most common basic strokes and techniques:
- Serve Stroke: It’s the initial stroke to put the ball into play. The serve is performed below the waist and must be hit towards the opponent’s court.
- Volley Stroke: Involves hitting the ball in the air before it bounces on the ground, allowing for faster and more aggressive play.
- Drive Stroke: A powerful and straight stroke used to return the ball to the opponent’s court, maintaining control and precision.
- Smash Stroke: A powerful stroke executed downwards, seeking to overcome the opponent’s defense and score a point.
- Drop Shot Stroke: Involves hitting the ball softly, aiming for it to fall close to the net and be difficult for the opponent to return.
These are just some of the basic techniques used in pickleball. As players gain experience, they can develop their own playing style and perfect different strategies to face their opponents.
Benefits and Practitioners of Pickleball
Pickleball is an inclusive sport that offers a wide range of physical and mental benefits to those who practice it. Besides being fun, pickleball is an excellent way to stay active and improve physical fitness.
Inclusivity and Age of Players
One of the reasons pickleball has gained popularity is its inclusive nature. This sport can be practiced by people of all ages and skill levels. From children to seniors, everyone can enjoy pickleball and participate in exciting matches.
Pickleball is particularly popular among young people, as it offers an opportunity for fun physical activity and helps them develop skills such as coordination, balance, and reaction speed.
Moreover, pickleball is an ideal sport for older adults, as it is low-impact and less demanding on the joints compared to other racket sports. This makes it a perfect choice for those who wish to stay active and enjoy competition as they age. Its audience spans a wide spectrum of players, from Tennis, Padel, or Badminton players, to people of any age with little or no previous experience, looking for a sport where they can quickly get involved and have fun with minimal risk of injury.
Big Sports and Entertainment Stars
This amazing sport has caught the attention of big sports and entertainment stars, contributing to its growing popularity. Celebrities like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Tom Brady have shown interest in the sport and have invested in Major League Pickleball teams.
Not only famous athletes have taken an interest in pickleball, but it has also been embraced by entertainment personalities like George Clooney and Kim Kardashian. Their participation has generated greater attention and curiosity around the sport.
The involvement of these recognized figures has not only helped popularize pickleball but has also stimulated competition and encouraged further development of the sport in terms of resources and sponsorships.
ENJOY THE BEST OF PICKLEBALL
What Does a Pickleball Court Look Like?
The pickleball court is similar to a doubles badminton court. The actual size of the court is 6 by 13 m for both doubles and singles. The net is hung at 91 cm at the ends and 86 cm in the center. The court is marked like a badminton one, but the service line is 2 meters further from the net than the badminton service line. That line in pickleball is the no-volley line, delimiting a zone that extends 2 meters from the net on each side.
You already know what Pickleball is, take it a step further, join
Now that you know what pickleball is and have discovered the innovation and quality of ZCebra’s equipment, it’s the perfect time to take a step further. Join the growing community of fans and players. No matter your skill level or experience; there’s a place for you in this exciting and dynamic sport. With ZCebra, you have access to the best equipment to start or improve your game. Explore, play, and become part of the revolution! Follow us on our Instagram.
