Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and for good reason! It’s a fun, social, and easy-to-learn game. This guide is about Pickleball For Beginners, If you’re a beginner interested in pickleball, this guide is for you!
What is pickleball?
Pickleball is a paddle sport. The game is played on a court the size of badminton with a modified tennis net. Players use solid paddles to hit a plastic ball over the net.
Benefits of playing pickleball
There are many benefits to playing pickleball, including:
- It’s easy to learn The rules are simple and easy to understand, even for people who have never played a paddle sport.
- It’s a great workout Pickleball is a great way to exercise, involving running, jumping, and hitting the ball.
- It’s social Pickleball is a great way to meet new people and make friends. It’s often played in doubles, so it’s a great way to socialize and have fun with others.
- It’s fun Pickleball is a fast-paced and exciting game that’s sure to get your adrenaline pumping.
What do you need to play pickleball?
To play pickleball, you’ll need:
- A pickleball paddle Pickleball paddles come in various shapes, sizes, and weights. Beginners need a lightweight paddle with a large sweet spot.
- A pickleball You can buy pickleballs at most sporting goods stores.
- Pickleball shoe Court shoes will help grip the court and prevent injuries.
- Comfortable clothing You’ll want to wear comfortable clothing that you can move around in quickly.
How to play pickleball
The basic rules of pickleball are as follows:
- The game requires 11 points to win, with a win by two.
- Hit the ball over the net into your opponent’s court to score.
- Serve underhand, bounce once on each side, then volley.
- There is a “non-volley zone” (also called the “kitchen in pickleball”) within 7 feet of the net on each side. According to pickleball rules, players cannot volley the ball while standing in the kitchen.
- Doubles games are played with two players on each side.
pickleball Tips for Beginners
Here are some Pickleball Tips For Beginners:
- Start with the Basics Focus on consistent serving, basic forehand, and backhand shots, and understanding the game’s rules.
- Positioning and Footwork Good positioning and footwork are critical. Stay balanced, keep your feet moving, and position yourself to cover the court’s most significant area.
- Control Over Power As a beginner, prioritize control over power. Keeping the ball in play is more important than hitting it hard.
- Use the Dink Shot A dink shot is a soft, arcing shot aimed at the opponent’s non-volley zone. It’s an essential skill to learn as it helps control the game’s pace.
Advanced Technique | The Erne
The Erne, named after pickleball legend Erne Perry, is not your average shot. It’s an advanced, high-risk, high-reward maneuver that can leave opponents stunned and score points in style.
There are two ways to execute an Erne:
- Jumping Around the Kitchen Imagine leaping over the non-volley zone (affectionately called the “kitchen”) from outside the court, hitting the ball mid-air before landing outside.
- Running Through the Kitchen Picture dashing through the kitchen, ensuring both feet touch the baseline before striking the ball again while still outside the court.
In both scenarios, the key hits the ball outside the kitchen but is incredibly close to the net. It’s like a ninja move, sneaking in for a point before your opponent can blink.
Why Use the Erne?
The Erne offers several advantages:
- Surprise Attack When done well, it catches opponents off guard. By the time they react, the ball is already blazing at the net.
- Net Advantage Hitting close to the net makes it nearly impossible for your opponent to return the ball.
- Score Booster Executed flawlessly, the Erne is often a point-winner, leaving your opponents scrambling.
Challenges of the Erne
- High Difficulty It requires precision timing, athleticism, and a decent dose of bravery.
- Risk of Faults Miscalculate your jump or footwork, and you’ll end up with a violation, handing the point to your opponent.
- Limited Application Only some situations call for an Erne. Overuse can backfire, making you predictable.
Where to play pickleball
Pickleball courts are becoming increasingly popular, and you can find them at many parks, community centers, and private clubs. You can also find pickleball players to play with online or through local pickleball associations.
Conclusion
Pickleball is suitable for all ages and abilities. It is an excellent option if you’re looking for a fun, social, and easy-to-learn activity! So grab your paddle and head to the court!
FAQs
What is the primary scoring rule in pickleball?
The serving side scores points and the game is played to 11 points, winning by a two-point margin.
What is the kitchen in pickleball?
The ‘kitchen’ or non-volley zone is a 7-foot area on each net side where players cannot volley the ball.
What is an Erne in pickleball?
The Erne is an advanced shot where the player hits the ball mid-air while jumping around or running through the non-volley zone, landing outside the court.
