Pickleball
The game was first invented in 1965 by three men in the United States near Seattle and it gradually grew into now being the fastest-growing sport in the US. It’s also rapidly gaining popularity in the UK and the rest of the world.
It’s a game played by young, old, and everyone in between. It truly is “A Game for Everyone”.
So what is this game?
Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court with ping pong-type rectangular paddles, a tennis ball sized plastic hollow ball with holes in and some simple rules designed to make the game less aggressive and rally friendly. It can be played as a singles game (with two players) or a doubles game (with four players).
The rules sound complicated but they’re actually pretty easy to pick up.
The court
The court is divided into six sections. On each side of the net, there is a section called the non-volley area or the “kitchen”. At the back of the court on both sides, there are two service areas into which serves are made – just like in tennis. The net is 36” high at the ends, and 34” high in the middle.
The main rules
The server stands behind the baseline behind the right service area facing the net. The serve is made by hitting the ball underhand with the racquet just below the waist and the paddle below the wrist. The ball must bounce in the diagonally opposite right service area before being hit by the receiver.
After the ball is returned to the server’s side in either service area, the ball has to bounce one more time before volleys (shots when the ball is returned without bouncing), can be made. This means that players can’t run to the net to smash the ball at their opponents. Far friendlier than tennis!
Once the ball has bounced on each side once, the game continues with the ball being played back and forth across the net. Remember: players can only volley the ball (play it without it bouncing) outside of the kitchen area (you can only go into the kitchen to return a ball once it has bounced, otherwise, you must stay out of the kitchen).
Only the side serving can win a point. If the serving side lose a rally, the serve goes to the next server. Each player on each side has one serve except for the first serve of the game. The game is played to 11 points and the winners must lead by at least two points.
Faq
I’m a complete beginner at Pickleball, how can I get started at the club even though I’ve never hit a Pickleball before?
Most of the members of our club started in exactly the same position. They had never hit a Pickleball before in their lives. We’ll give you an introductory session to teach you the basics of the game. It’s easier than you think and just a little coaching has most people ready to play after just one or two of these beginner’s sessions.
What days do you have sessions?
As one of the UK’s most active Pickleball clubs we have 2 hour sessions running 5 days a week, Monday to Friday. On Mondays we run 2 sessions to fit every one in. Get in touch via the contact form to let us know if you’d like to join a session and we’ll book you in.
How many people play at the club
We have more than 80 regular players at the club and more people that play on an ad-hoc basis. Our Monday session is the most popular and has over 40 people playing. Session numbers are controlled to make sure the sessions are now over-crowded and that everyone gets a constant plenty of games and a variety of people to play with.
I already play Pickleball and I’d like to join some sessions at the club
Drop us a message to let us know you want to come along and we’ll work out how well you play and the soonest session we can fit you into. We don’t charge a membership fee, you can pay-to-play at each session you come along to.
I’m visiting Oxfordshire and I can’t bear the thought of not playing Pickleball while I’m away from home
We understand! Come and join us for one session, or play every day of the week that you are visiting. It’s always great to meet other Pickleball players from around the world and we’ve had people drop into the club from America, Canada, Switzerland, The Cayman Islands, Australia and even from Rugby! We’d love to meet you.
Singles or Doubles?
We predominantly play doubles at the club to make the best use of the courts we have with the large number of people that we have playing. We mix up doubles partners so that people play against a variety of skill levels helping everyone to improve their game.