Are you looking for a fun new activity to introduce to your significant other? Look no further than pickleball! We’ve compiled a list of some ideas on how to convince your partner to give this exciting sport a try:
Ace (verb) – A serve that is so epic, the opponent cannot return it and a point is won.
Here at Amazin’ Aces, we’re going back to basics. We proudly wear ace in our name because we craft premium pickleball paddles at a modest price point to give everyone the chance to ace in the games they play.
THE BIRTH OF AN ACE
We like to consider ourselves the OGs of pickleball. The sport, however, was really invented in 1965 in Bainbridge Island, Washington when dads Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell wanted to entertain their family with a game of badminton. Upon reaching the court, they realized there were not enough rackets available. The dads decided to improvise using ping pong paddles and a wiffle ball – and hence the amazing game of pickleball was born. This sport has continued to grow and we proudly joined the new wave of enthusiasts in 2016 and stay devoted pickleball fanatics and encourage everyone to play and ace the game – masters and beginners alike. Bainbridge Island was the spot to be for Seattleites looking for a summer getaway. Included in our recently launched City Series collection is our Seattle paddle, honoring the city in which pickleball has become the most popular pickleball spot since the sport originated.
RULES
It’s quite simple, but as a refresher here is a brief summary of the rules of the game:
As quite possibly the biggest fans of pickleball, we want to equip you with all the gear you need to ace all day. Whether you’re new to the sport or have tons of experience competing in Major League Pickleball, we have the perfect paddle for you.
Shop our City Series Collection
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Meet the City Series Collection. Our designers created a very special collection that highlights and celebrates the cities that make pickleball the ever-growing, fun-loving pickleball community it is today – meet our Austin, Seattle, and San Diego paddles! Each paddle is intentionally designed with a map of the city overlayed with colors and designs inspired by each city.
Whether you’re from these cities, love to travel to them, or just love their aesthetics, the colors and artwork of these paddles are designed to be enjoyed by all.
AUSTIN
Austin: known for Matthew McConaughey, year-round patios, and a variety of places to play, both private and public, from city courts to adult amusement parks.
SEATTLE
Incredible vistas, close to the place where the game got its start, and plenty of paces to play, both indoors and outdoors.
SAN DIEGO
San Diego: pickleball with the background music of Pacific Ocean waves. Our community raves about the welcoming and friendly scene for newcomers and old-timers alike.
A pickleball player's number one sidekick is none other than their paddle. Without a pickleball paddle, there would be no pickleball - and let’s be honest, that would be no fun.
A pickleball paddle is the most important gear you need to play the game, so you want to make sure that your paddle is the best.
USAPA describes the paddle as smaller than a tennis racket but bigger than a ping pong paddle. Pickleball paddles started as wood paddles, but thanks to new technology, paddles have evolved over the years to be more powerful and durable.
When picking out your perfect paddle, there are many factors that you need to take into consideration. Read on to see how different core and surface materials, weights, shapes, and other paddle factors can help you decide which paddle is perfect for your needs.
When looking for the best pickleball paddle, you need to consider the paddle’s core. The core gives you control and power when you swing and hit the ball. The paddle’s core can come in four different materials - wood, polymer, Nomex, and aluminum.
Wood paddle cores are generally the best option for pickleball beginners. A wood paddle core is the least expensive option but is the heaviest and offers less playability.
Polymer paddle cores are a honeycomb core made from an advanced plastic blend called polypropylene or PP. A polymer paddle core is the most popular choice for players because it has an excellent blend of control and power and it’s quiet, which makes this core great for residential communities.
One of our most popular paddles sets has a polymer honeycomb core!
A Nomex paddle core is a DuPont Nomex paper coated honeycomb core that has a heat resistant resin coat on top. Nomex paddle cores are considered one of the original cores aside from wood cores. When a ball hits a Nomex paddle core, it has a lot of pop but with a stiffer feel than wood and polymer cores.
As expected, an aluminum paddle core is made from aluminum honeycomb core. An aluminum core is strong, light, and has loads of power. Players know the aluminum core for its good touch around the net and its classic pop sound.
The paddle surface is what the paddle is made from. There are four paddle surface options that players can choose from.
A wood paddle surface is made from wood, and just like the wood paddle core, it’s the perfect paddle choice for pickleball beginners. Wood paddles were the first paddles ever created for pickleball. Wood paddles are easy to find and inexpensive.
Check out our 4-pack wood paddle set!
A paddle surface that is made from graphite is durable and powerful, so you will have an easier time hitting the ball. Graphite paddles are ultra-light and ultra-stiff. Players looking for control and more energy to get the ball across the net prefer graphite pickleball paddles.
A polycarbonate paddle surface is made from synthetic resin. Just like graphite, polycarbonate is a durable paddle surface choice; however, polycarbonate paddles are lighter than graphite paddles. Many pickleball paddle factories and stores prefer polycarbonate paddles because the resin makes the paddle long-lasting.
A composite paddle surface is made from a combination of materials like fiberglass and graphite. Most non-wood paddles like graphite and polycarbonate paddles can be considered a composite paddle.
An edge guard is a piece of material wrapped around the paddle’s face to keep the paddle from chipping. The majority of pickleball players have paddles with an edge guard to protect their paddle from damage. However, there are pros and cons to having or not having an edge guard on your paddle.
A paddle with an edge guard may last longer, but the guard can throw off your game. An edge guard creates a slight lip around the edge of the paddle. If a ball hits the guard, it can cause a miss-hit shot.
Having a paddle without an edge guard gives the paddle a consistent flat surface that provides the widest playing surface without the risk of a missed ball. However, without an edge guard to protect the paddle continuous use can lead to chips and dings on the paddle.
Check out our 4-pack classic paddle set!
A paddle’s weight plays a huge role in your search for the best pickleball paddle. When looking for a pickleball paddle, you want a paddle light enough to provide enough power, but not too heavy where the paddle is unwieldy.
Lightweight paddles weigh between 6.5 to 7 ounces. A lighter paddle will give you more control and better maneuverability. Light paddles are the perfect choice for a person who needs a paddle that provides less stress on their elbow or shoulder. While playing with a lightweight paddle, you reduce power and drive. Due to the reduction of power, you need a strong wind to help hit long or hard shots.
Midweight paddles weigh between 7 to 8 ounces. Most pickleball players use a midweight paddle because it has a nice blend of power and control from both a lightweight and heavyweight paddle. Midweight paddles are easier to find at stores or online.
Heavyweight paddles weigh 8 or more ounces. A heavier paddle will give you significantly more power than a lightweight paddle. With a heavier paddle, there is less effort to hit the ball harder and deeper. But, with great power comes great negatives. A heavyweight paddle gives you less control and a slower swing. Since you have to add more force with a heavier paddle, constant use can increase fatigue. Also, a heavy paddle is not recommended to players with elbow and shoulder injuries because continuous playing will add more stress to those injuries.
A paddle’s weight and grip go hand-in-hand when looking for the perfect paddle. The grip on a paddle will give every move you make a distinctive feel. A smaller grip allows more wrist action making it easier to put a spin on the ball and improve control. Whereas, a larger grip eases the strain on the wrist, elbow, and shoulder joints while still increasing stroke stability.
One of the easiest ways to figure out grip size is your height. For people under 5’2”, a paddle with a 4” grip is the most comfortable. For players between 5’3” to 5’8”, a paddle with a grip between 4 ⅛ “ to 4 1⁄4” works best. And, for players who are 5’9” or taller, a paddle with a grip of 4 1⁄2” or more is their best choice. Don’t be afraid to feel and test out different grip sizes to discover your right fit.
The shape of a pickleball paddle is all about preference when you play. Most pickleball paddles are 8” wide by 15 ¾” long. There are two other shape options in paddles - oversized paddles and elongated paddles.
An oversized paddle adds length to the face of the paddle and shortens the length of the handle. An elongated paddle adds tremendous length to the face of the paddle while shortening the handle. Many experienced players go for an elongated paddle to add reach.
Once you have the basic understandings of what you are looking for in a paddle, you also have to take into consideration a few other key components. For example, if you are playing a USAPA tournament.
According to the USAPA site, you must meet specific requirements revolving around size, roughness, and deflation to play in a USAPA tournament. Here at Amazin’ Aces, we have a few USAPA approved paddles like our Signature paddle set, and it now comes in a 4-pack!
Another key point to always remember during your search is to select a paddle that fits your budget and skill level. Generally, paddles can range from $10 to $150 depending on the brand, material, and personalizations. It’s up to you to decide which paddle fits your skill level and budget.
For more pickleball paddle information, check out our paddle guide. With your new paddle in hand, it’s time to hit the courts and play some pickleball. Plus, learn more about pickleball and how to play:
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]]>It’s definitely been a beautiful season for trying out new things! How’s your fall season going so far? We’ve got a fun mix of indoor and outdoor activities you could try to make the most out of the cozy weather!
Watch spooky movies. If you don’t feel like going out today, microwave some popcorn and watch a spooky movie. The scarier the better to get you excited to go out into the day for…
Resin art making. Enjoy everything nature has to offer this season with resin art making! You could maybe even decorate your old pickleball paddle with some leaves, then hang them as decor. This will totally elevate the fall ambiance!
Pickleball shopping. Get that dopamine boost when you click add to cart and check out our newest releases – the classic and signature 4-pack paddles!
Thrifting. Thrift shops are home to some of the best Halloween costumes! A piece for upcycling may even be ready for you. Orrr just go thrifting for the sake of satisfying the inner fashionista on a budget. 💅
Tried anything new you wanna share? Sound out your ideas on our Facebook page and see what other fun things the pickleball community has been up to!
]]>In a pickle and don’t know where to start?
Read on below to find out exactly what you need this fall.
]]>PICKLEBALL BACKPACK. First and foremost, you’ll need a good pickleball backpack to store your essentials. Leave it to us to hook you up with a spacious and durable backpack that would get you the most bang for your buck. Need we say more?
MOISTURIZING SUNSCREEN. As temperatures are cooler this season, dry skin is inevitable. And we all know a good sunscreen is a must for whatever occasion, so go get yourselves a sunscreen with good moisturizing ingredients to go out there worry-free!
4-PACK SET. Hear us out, 2 is always better than one if you wanna maximize the pickleball experience. Take one for the team and get you and the crew our signature or classic 4-pack sets to share! These sets come with 4 pickleball balls so you don’t have to worry about anything else other than getting everyone out for a game – or two (or more)!
WATER BOTTLE. You’ve always got to keep yourselves hydrated. You’ll be running and sweating around so best to replenish lost water and electrolytes as much as possible.
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Training. Train like you mean it. Do your warm-ups and don’t forget to do your pre and post-stretches. Practice progressive training whether it’s adding extra reps to your drills. You don’t need to be at a hundred percent each time, but make sure to challenge yourself.
Remember, training may be important but so is…
Rest. Did you know that muscles grow stronger when you give them a chance to repair and heal? So, yes. Train like you mean it then give your body the rest it needs. Never run the risk of fatiguing, or worse injuring, yourself. Relax, go watch movies, bond with your family and friends, and get enough sleep.
Meditation. No, you don’t need to sit in a corner, close your eyes and ohmmm for hours on end. (Unless, of course that works for you!). It’s about blocking the world out, getting your head in the game, and focusing on yourself. Put on some music (or not… totally up to you) and visualize what you want to achieve.
All this prep is nothing if you don’t have fun out there. Regardless of what happens during your games, don’t forget why you got into this sport in the first place. Have fun, make friends, and bask in the light of your own greatness– you’re better today than you ever were yesterday.
These are only how we try to prepare ourselves before a tournament. We would like to hear about your routines! Any special tip or trick you’d like to share? Head on over to our Pickleball community page right here.
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Avoid tripping during the most crucial parts of the game with a few modifications in your steps. Read on below to see what you can do to improve your footwork!
Shuffling. Do quick shuffling routines covering both sidelines, sideline to center line, and all the way back from the baseline going up the center line and sidelines of the pickleball court. Focus on being light on your feet, lifting your hips, and lessening the weight on each ankle as you shuffle. To quote Sarah Ansboury, a Pickleball coach, imagine having buttons on your big toes, and press both of them down to help you stay on your toes.
Figure 8s. You’ll need two objects, like cones or water bottles, that you can place on both sides of the serving area near the centerline. Starting from one side, run up to the other object/cone, stop your feet to “receive” a shot, and go back to your side by running around the cone/object in front of you instead of just behind it. Repeat the same steps to the other side to help build better coordination when moving from both sides of the court!
Split-steps. Keep a wide stance with your feet a little more than shoulder-width apart, then push yourself high off the ground. When you land, practice running sideways, then forward, or back. Split-steps are perfect for when you’re defending, doing the drop shot, or when you’re further back in the court and you have to cover a lot of space.
Now that's covered, go check out this post on our Facebook group for the visual instructions!
Sign up to our newsletter below for more tips like this.
]]>Eligibility
Amazin' Aces sincerely apologizes for excluding international customers (we so appreciate all of you!) but international laws are difficult and added to that, shipping is too pricey. We hope you understand.
You may only win one Amazin' Aces contest of any kind in a 12 month period unless expressly noted.
Sponsor
All Amazin' Aces giveaways are in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, or any other companies. All giveaways are sponsored by Amazin' Aces which is owned by Profound Aces, LLC and feature only Amazin' Aces products (unless expressly noted).
Steps to Take Before You Enter
We try to make our giveaways as simple as possible. Whether you come across our contest on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, or any other site, all you have to do is click on the link provided. From there, you will be directed to the Amazin' Aces x The Pickler Contest page. Before any entries are counted, you must log in using your Email, Facebook, Instagram, Soundcloud, or Twitter account.
Once you log in, you will be asked to provide your email address. This is very important because a confirmation email is sent to let you know that you have successfully entered the contest. You will also receive emails letting you know how many entry points you have earned and ways to earn more.
How to Enter
Here are the 5 different ways you can enter our giveaways and earn points:
Please note: Contests are based on a point system. Points are listed on the contest page next to each entry type. To make sure points are accounted for, use the official Amazin' Aces x The Pickler Contest Page when participating and remember to log in.
How Not to Enter
Please do not contact Amazin' Aces via email or through any social network messaging to be entered into contests. Since all contests are based on a point system, all entries have to be made through the official Amazin' Aces x The Pickler Contest Page.
What if I encounter a problem?
If you experience any problems along the way, feel free to reach out to the Amazin' Aces Team. You can contact us via email (info@amazinaces.com) or by messaging us on any of our social networking sites. We are happy to work through any technical issues or questions you might have in order to make sure you don’t miss out.
How will I know if I won?
If you win, you will receive an email from info@amazinaces.com with instructions on how to claim your prize. Winners have one week to claim their prize before another winner is selected.
Winners are also announced on all Amazin' Aces and The Pickler social media networks, so long as the winner grants us permission.
If you think you may have missed an email from us and want to check if you won a giveaway, contact info@amazinaces.com. We keep accurate records of every contest and can help you out.
When will I receive my Amazin' Aces product?
If you win the Amazin' Aces x The Pickler giveaway, you should receive your product within 7-10 business days. Amazin' Aces ships all prizes the following business day after we receive the winner’s mailing address. If you haven’t received your items within a week, please contact info@amazinaces.com.
When will I receive The Pickler's Pro Pickleball Coach videos?
If you win the Amazin' Aces x The Pickler giveaway, you should receive your Pro Pickleball Coach videos within 7-10 business days. The Pickler ships all prizes the following business day after receiving the
winner’s mailing address. If you haven’t received your items within a week, please contact stacie@thepickler.com.
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Let’s start off this list with how we feel every time we head out to play pickleball.
If you were one of the lucky players to unwrap a new pickleball paddle this holiday season, you can relate to this meme 100%.
This meme gave us a good chuckle because we all know that pickleball is the best sport — hands down.
As pickleball players, it is our duty to tell the whole world about pickleball — even if they don’t want to hear about it.
Who doesn’t like a good pun, especially when it involves cute animals and pickleball.
This kid knows the true feeling of executing a dink shot correctly.
It’s 2020, so now’s the time to educate everyone about the fastest growing sport in America.
Tennis is a great sport and all, but have you tried pickleball?
No matter how many times we’ve tried to play another sport, we just can’t stop playing pickleball.
This meme knows exactly how we feel when a new pickleball court opens close by. But, if you don’t have any courts near you, try checking out these pickleball vacay spots or even making your own temporary pickleball court!
This is the kind of Disney+ that we are into.
All your pickleball friends can relate to this Coachella Valley Pickleball meme perfectly.
For everyone who didn’t get a new pickleball paddle this holiday season, don’t worry because we have you covered with some of our favorite paddles like our Cambria or Signature paddles.
This is the type of weather that we’re checking every day.
The moment when a meme speaks to you completely.
If you didn’t get to go to the 2019 Pickleball Nationals, you can relate to this Coachella Valley Pickleball meme. However, we are hoping you can attend the 2020 games!
Last and not least, this meme from Coachella Valley Pickleball speaks to every pickleball player executing a third shot drop.
To see more knee-slapping pickleball memes, head over to our Instagram account or Coachella Valley Pickleball’s Instagram.
Behind any great athlete or team is an amazing coach leading them the way. And, just like any other sport, pickleball has many award-winning and talented coaches that help teach and develop pickleball players’ skills. During any pickleball game, having a solid strategy will help you successfully play and win the game. To help you acquire a great pickleball strategy, we found four top pickleball coaches who shared their best strategy tips. Before we dive in, meet the four top pickleball coaches.
The Coaches
Deb Harrison: Named Florida Senior Games Athlete of the Year in 2018, Deb Harrison teaches pickleball all over the country as an International Pickleball Teaching Professional (IPTP PRO). Want to see her in action? You can watch her play and teach pickleball on her YouTube channel.
Prem Carnot: Many players and other coaches know Prem Carnot as the Pickleball Guru. He is also the author of a best-selling Amazon e-book, Smart Pickleball: The Pickleball Guru’s Guide.
Kenneth Oliver: While teaching at community centers, Kenneth Oliver coaches both individual and group lessons to players of all skill levels. Oliver’s pickleball expertise revolves around the rules of the game, proper hitting techniques, proper court positions, and pickleball strategies.
Patricia Strazzi: Known as a 5.0+ pro pickleball player, Patricia Strazzi is part of the International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association. Since she is multilingual, she can teach pickleball in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian.
Now that we know who the coaches are, let’s dive into their best strategy tips!
Hitting
The best way to get a pickleball game going, besides serving, is by hitting the ball back and forth to each court. But it’s not that simple - there are many types of hits in pickleball. These top coaches broke it down to the best strategy tips on hitting pickleballs.
Deep Hits: Like many other coaches, Prem Carnot advises that players should keep shots slow and deep. The deeper the ball goes to the other side of the court, the more room your opponents will have to make an error.
Dink Hits: When it comes to hitting, coaches Kenneth Oliver and Deb Harrison say that shorter hits (or better known as dink hits) is a very important pickleball hit. Oliver explains that players should learn and develop a soft dink hit, and Harrison explains the best way to properly do a dink shot is to hit them straight ahead and diagonally on the court.
Serving
Serving is very important during a pickleball game. Not only does serving get a game started, but it’s the best way for players to score.
Simple Serves: If you are a new pickleball player, Deb Harrison has some great tips for beginner serves. She says the best strategy tip for beginners is to keep your serves simple and rhythmical — this will lead to consistency and will keep the game going smoothly.
Serve Deep: The best serving strategy tip that Prem Carnot has is to serve deep and aim towards your opponents’ feet. If your opponents are closer to the net, they will have a hard time returning the ball.
Never Miss A Serve: Kenneth Oliver’s best serving strategy tip is to never miss a serve. When you or your team is serving, it is the only time you can get any points. In order to increase your chances of winning a game, hit as many successful serves as you go.
Movement
Even though pickleball is known to be a less vigorous sport, especially when it comes to running, pickleballers can’t forget to move while playing the game. A few of the coaches had some great tips about movement while playing pickleball.
Lateral Footwork: Knowing how to perform a proper dink shot is a very important skill in pickleball. Deb Harrison’s tip on executing a dink shot correctly is all about a player’s movement. She explains that dink shots need to have lateral footwork, so you can be quick and ready to respond.
Move Up to the Net: Coach Prem Carnot says the best movement strategy tip is to advance towards the net. The team or player closest to the net has more advantages like hitting or serving dink shots and third shot drops.
Third Shot Drop
The one tip that many of the coaches touched base on revolved around hitting third shot drops. A third shot drop is a soft drop shot into the non-volley zone, so you can advance towards the net. A few of the coaches had some great pointers to help you achieve a great third shot drop.
Learn & Develop: First and foremost, Kenneth Oliver states that players should learn the purpose and value a third shot drop has in a pickleball game. Once you have learned the importance of a third shot drop, then you can go and learn how to play third shot drops.
How to: If you’re a beginner at pickleball, you may still be learning the ropes of hitting a third shot drop. Coach Harrison has a few pointers for players trying to execute a third shot drop. She explains that a third shot drop should be done by delivering them to the baseline and then follow the shot to the non-volley zone. She also says that if you add a spin to the shot, it will keep your opponents away from the net.
Placement: Your placement is a huge factor if you want to achieve a proper third shot drop. Deb Harrison explains that players need to adapt and respond when players approach a third shot drop. If the opponents are close to the non-volley zone, you will have a hard time executing a successful third shot drop. Watch your opponents and always adjust as needed.
Practice: As a new pickleball player, you may have seen other players do third shot drops. While it may look easy to do, the shot can be difficult to master. Coach Patricia Strazzi believes that before playing third shot drops during a game, pickleball players should always practice hitting third shot drops until the shot is strong enough. Once you develop a strong third shot drop, then you will have the confidence to execute the shot correctly during any match.
Positioning
Just like most other sports, finding the right position plays a huge role in how your pickleball game will go. Here are a couple of tips from coaches about positioning.
Solid Position: During a game of pickleball, you should always have a solid position. Coach Harrison states that players should have a solid foundation and posture with a neutral ready position to easily play the game.
Keep Your Paddle Up: Your body isn’t the only thing that needs to have a position. Placing your paddle in the right position will help you play the game. Prem Carnot says players should always keep their paddles up and in front after every shot in order to be ready to return the ball at any given notice.
Other Great Pickleball Tips
Some of these coaches had other great strategy tips. Keep on reading to gain additional insight on ways to avoid losing points, patience, predictability, and comfort.
Avoid Losing Points: Coach Oliver explains that until you develop a strong serve or cause the opponents a weak return, you should never give away a chance to score. This means that if you are still developing a strong serve, it is up to you to keep up the game and to leave room for them to make an error.
Patience: You know the saying you were always told as a kid “patience is a virtue.” Well, that same phrase works with pickleball. Coach Kenneth Oliver explains that you have to be patient and keep the ball on the court. He continues to explain that with patience, eventually, the opportunity to pull the ball away will arise, and you should seize it while leaving the other team or player some room for error.
Predictability: Pickleball is pretty easy to learn and play after joining in on a few matches. Once you play the game for a long time, it may feel easy to follow the same game strategy or routine. But, Patricia Strazzi says you need to avoid having the same routine. Instead, pickleball players need to try different shots, spins, movements, paces, and positions. The more ways you change up how you play, the easier it will be for you to keep your opponents on their toes and always guessing.
With a bag full of great strategy tips from four top coaches, you are ready to head out to the pickleball courts and play a fun game. For even more tips, check out our ultimate guide of pickleball strategy tips for beginners. Do you know some other great strategy tips? In the comments below, drop down some of your favorite pickleball strategy pointers.
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Grab your list, check it twice, and let’s start gifting!
Setting up a temporary pickleball court during your travels or in your backyard is a breeze thanks to our portable pickleball net. The Amazin’ Aces portable pickleball net is easy to assemble due to its easy-snap metal frame, and a carrying bag is included for easy storing or traveling.
The net meets USAPA regulation size and weighs 22 pounds. To finish your temporary pickleball court, check out ways to set up your court lines.
GAMMA Supreme Pickleball Overgrip
While playing pickleball, comfort plays a huge role. Provide the gift of comfort by gifting a Gamma Supreme Pickleball Overgrip this holiday season.
The overgrip applies easily over any paddle’s original grip. This Gamma grip is used to add color and traction while increasing control and moisture-absorbency.
Each pack comes with three overgrips, and you have a choice between five colors and patterns — there is even a Christmas style grip to keep you festive all season long.
Amazin’ Aces “SIGNATURE” Pickleball Paddle Set
A pickleball paddle gift set is the perfect present for any pickleball player. The Amazin’ Aces paddle set includes two SIGNATURE paddles, two paddle covers, four pickleball balls, a drawstring bag, “The Ultimate Beginners Guide to Pickleball” e-book, and a one-year warranty.
The SIGNATURE paddle is made with a polymer honeycomb core with vibration dampening technology. Due to its graphite face, the paddle has a good blend of power and touch. Plus, an edge guard is attached to each paddle.
All of the paddles and balls are USAPA approved, and you have the option of four paddle color choices.
Gift the joy of supporting all of your family and friends during a USAPA tournament with a USAPA partner’s shirt.
Each shirt has a choice of size, color, and style. Plus, you can stand out from everyone by adding a monogram, name, or saying to any shirt.
Amazin’ Aces Wood Pickleball Set
Are you looking to donate some pickleball gear to a school, community center, athletic club, or even a retirement home? Look no further than this Amazin’ Aces Wood Pickleball Set!
This set comes with four wood pickleball paddles and four pickleball balls — perfect for any singles or doubles match. The pickleball paddles are made from 7-ply maple wood construction and include a cushion grip and wrist strap.
What better way to spread the love of pickleball than by gifting a Pickleball Tutor to help players practice playing pickleball.
The Pickleball Tutor is a machine that shoots out pickleballs for players to practice their hits. Pickleballs can be programmed to fire up to 60 miles per hour at one to ten-second intervals. The machine can hold up to 125 balls at a time, and there’s the option of oscillating or non-oscillating models.
Included with the Pickleball Tutor are a lightweight tow cart and a three-year warranty. The machine is battery or AC operated, and the battery can last up to three hours while being used. You can customize the Pickleball Tutor with different add-ons as well.
Amazin’ Aces “Cambria” Pickleball Paddle
If you know someone ready to start playing in pickleball tournaments, gift them an Amazin’ Aces Cambria pickleball paddle. This paddle is a pro-series paddle that is USAPA approved to make any player tournament ready.
The pickleball paddle has an advanced polymer 2.0 honeycomb core that provides amazing touch and power. The paddle’s face is made from vinyl and polycarbonate, and the paddle has a Gamma grip.
This paddle is perfect for beginners and advanced players. And, if anything happens to the paddle, it has a one-year warranty.
We can’t forget about pickleballs — they make the perfect holiday gift. Onix Fuse Indoor pickleballs come in yellow or orange, and you can either get a three, six, or twelve-count set. These balls retain a soft and smooth touch and are highly visible thanks to its bright color. Plus, these pickleballs are USAPA approved.
Now that you know giftable indoor pickleballs, we can’t forget about outdoor pickleballs. TOP outdoor pickleball balls are durable and seamless — they are made out of hard plastic that was rotationally molded meaning that the balls’ internal surface is smooth and has even wall thickness. Each pickleball ball has 40 holes on the outside.
For someone who participates in many pickleball tournaments, a premium pickleball backpack is just what they need.
This backpack is designed specifically for pickleball players, and it can hold up to four paddles in the inside pocket. On the side of the bag, there is a pickleball holder that can hold up to four pickleballs. The backpack also has multiple pockets for extra storage.
With the help of this ultimate pickleball gift guide, it’s time to get shopping, wrapping, and giving. Enjoy this holiday season by spending time with family and friends — and, of course, playing pickleball.
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Setting up a temporary pickleball court may seem intimidating at first, but with the right tools and guidance, you’ll have a court made in a flash. Here’s a guide to help you with everything you need to set-up a temporary pickleball court and net.
Outdoor Court Lines Marking Options
Creating a temporary outdoor pickleball court is a great option if you’re on vacation or aren’t able to commit to building a permanent court in your backyard. When making an outdoor court, many tools can be used to bring the court to life. When deciding what tool to use to create your court, think about how long you want the court to last.
Supply Quantities
Before marking an outdoor court, you need to know how much you need of everything.
Indoor Court Lines Marking Options
If you don’t have the option of creating a temporary pickleball court outside, you can easily make one indoors. Just like the outdoor court, many tools can be used to mark up an indoor pickleball court. With an indoor court, tape is your best go-to tool, but there are many options to choose from.
Supply Quantities
How to Set-Up a Pickleball Court
You have your court dimensions and all of your supplies, so now it’s time to put the court together. Pickleball is played on a 20 X 40-foot court which is the same size as an official badminton court. Seasoned pickleball players recommend finding an area that is at least 30 X 60 feet in size so that players have enough room to run around.
Before placing any tape down, clean up the area and have three tape measures on hand. After that, follow the steps below.
1. Set Up the Net
Before marking any court lines, set up the pickleball net - the net serves as a point of reference for the rest of the court.
2. Set Up the Sidelines
Pick a side of the net and, with a tape measure, measure out the sidelines at 22 inches and the baselines at 20 inches. Do the same to the other side of the net.
3. Set Up the Non-Volley Zone
Use the tape measure as a guide and draw the sidelines with a marking tool. Mark 7 feet out from the net on each side to indicate the non-volley zone.
4. Set Up the Baselines
While still using the tape measure as a guide, draw the baseline, or halfway point, 10 feet from the edge.
5. Set Up the Service Area
To draw the service area, lay the tape measure between the two 10 foot marks you’ve made on the baseline and the non-volley line. Then, draw a dividing line down the middle of the court to make the service area.
6. Set Up the Other Side
Repeat steps 2-6 to create the opposite side of the court.
If you are painting an outside court, follow the steps mentioned above - but first, mark the court with chalk then paint over the lines. To speed up the process and avoid errors, paint with at least one other person. After you are done painting, be sure to let the pickleball court dry for 24 hours. Once dry, the court is ready to be used.
According to USAPA, a good tip to remember when setting up an outdoor pickleball court is to make sure your court is oriented in a north/south direction. Also, don’t place the court at right angles because one player will be facing directly into the sun in the early morning or late afternoon. If a player faces the sun, playing pickleball can become a safety hazard to both players.
For more information on how to set-up a pickleball court and all its dimensions, check out Pickleball Court Dimension & Construction Guide.
Net Considerations
A pickleball court is not complete without a pickleball net. For a quick game of pickleball, any type of net is fine. All you need are three stands - two ends and one middle. The net lays on the ground like tennis and needs to be 3 X 22 feet long. And if DIY isn’t your style, make things easier with a portable pickleball net kit.
Here at Amazin’ Aces, we have a portable pickleball net that’s perfect to take on every trip you go on. The portable net includes an easy-snap metal frame, tension snap, and carry bag, and it meets all USAPA regulations. The interlocking posts easily snap together for easy setup and teardown.
Traveling will never put you in a pickle anymore now that you know how to set up a temporary pickleball court. Before heading out to make your temporary court, find your perfect paddle with our complete pickleball paddle guide.
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You may have heard a rumor that pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America, and we’re here to investigate just how quickly our favorite sport is growing! Read on to see where pickleball has been in the last 10 years, and where we think the sport is heading.
Even though Pickleball began in 1965, the sport has grown dramatically in the past 5-10 years. Pickleball’s recent popularity is in large part due to its engaged community of players. Pickleballers love talking pickleball to anyone who will listen! It’s no surprise that this enthusiastic tribe has easily converted friends and family into pickleball lovers, too. In addition to its inclusive community, pickleball has also become an attractive sport to those looking for a low-impact way to stay fit and make friends. Since pickleball is so approachable and easy-to-learn, it really is no surprise that more and more people are buying paddles and heading to nearby courts to get started playing! Speaking of courts, back in 1965, pickleball courts were few and far between, but today, most folks can find a pickleball court close to home or they can simply order a portable net online and set up their own, personal pickleball court at home!
Other than the amazin’ community and pickleball’s approachability, what specifically took place over the past 10 years to drive up the interest in our favorite sport?
Around 2008 and 2009, pickleball started to make a big splash in the sporting world.
According to the USAPA history outline, in 2008, the USA Pickleball Association Official Tournament Rulebook – Revision was published. Pickleball was included in the National Senior Games Champion Festival for the first time and there were 420 venues with pickleball courts in North America.
By 2009, about 400 players from 26 different states and Canadian provinces participated in the first USAPA National Tournament for all ages. Also, the USAPA established a grant program to assist players in creating new pickleball sites. Thus, making it easier for new players to join in the fun.
Interest in pickleball didn’t stop in 2009 but instead exploded. Selkirk Sport reports a 385% increase in the number of pickleball players since 2010.
According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), in 2016, there were 1.57 million casual players who played 1-7 times a year and 930,000 frequent players who played 8 or more times a year.
SFIA observed that out of the casual players, 63% were male and 37% were female. And, out of the frequent players, 73% were male and 27% were female. Also, during SFIA’s study, they noticed that 13% of casual participants and 75% of frequent participants were 55 and older.
In 2017, there were approximately 5,000 Pickleball venues and over 15,000 courts covering every U.S. state and Canadian province.
It was estimated that about 3 million people played pickleball in 2018 (a 12% increase from the prior year), according to SFIA.
In USAPA’s 2018 Facts & Highlights, they reported 30,803 memberships at a rate of 720 new members each month. They also reported a total of 20,933 pickleball courts.
As for 2019, USAPA has held many tournaments, including the USAPA Nationals scheduled for early November at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
According to SFIA there are now a total of 3.3 million Pickleball players with about 20% of the participants being 65 or older.
2019 marks the 54th anniversary of pickleball! We see many more anniversaries in the future.
The sport continues to grow thanks to the many ways new players can get involved via community centers, P.E. classes, retirement communities, sports competitions, television, and YMCA facilities.
In 2018, over 2,000 players competed in the U.S. Open Championships, and the event is estimated to grow by 40% each year.
TV stations play a huge impact on pickleball. For the next 5 years and possibly longer, the Pickleball Nationals are currently contracted to be hosted at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, which is broadcasted on channels like ESPN.
Just in 2018 alone, ESPN live broadcasted 17 hours of the Pickleball Nationals tournament and aired a 1-hour special about the sport on ESPNEWS.
We live in an age where social media is huge for maintaining interest in a growing sport. Retired professional tennis players are taking a swing at pickleball and gaining huge followings through social media. You can see players like Tyson McGuffin, Enrique Ruiz, JoAnne Russell, and Kaitlyn Christian playing pickleball on Facebook or Instagram.
Pickleball isn’t just a sport for North Americans, though. The World Pickleball Federation’s main goal is to fuel the growth of the sport globally by providing support, training, and governance. Currently, WPF has 6 different confederations that include countries like China, Australia, Israel, the United Kingdom, and more.
Pickleball is often cited as one of the fastest-growing sports, and while there are a lot of different ways to calculate and measure what makes a sport the “fastest-growing,” we’re pretty confident that pickleball will continue to catch the attention of new players for many years to come!
Now that we can all agree that pickleball’s future looks bright, it’s time to pick up a paddle and head to the court for some much-needed fun.
Looking for beginner tips and guides? Check out a few of our favorite ways to get started playing pickleball below:
The great thing about playing a game of singles is not having to worry about another teammate or better yet two opponents. But instead, the pressure is on you to perform well at every hit.
To get the game going on a high note, you should try to hit your serve as firmly and deeply into your opponent’s court as possible. After the third introductory shot, keep the ball moving because most points are won in error or faults.
All your other hits in the game should vary in direction, so you can keep your opponent on their feet. Plus, it will make it difficult for them to anticipate your next shot.
For successful, more advanced hits, a good paddle is instrumental. Adding spin to the ball, for example, can give you the edge needed to win your next game!
While playing a singles game, position yourself as close to the center as you can. This allows you to move easily between the right side and the left side and saves you time and energy.
Once you are positioned correctly, aim your returns deep and towards corners causing your opponent to keep moving back and forth.
There are many similar strategies between a singles and a doubles match. The main difference between the two is that playing doubles means you have to work with a teammate and find a good rhythm.
A good tip to remember while playing a doubles match is that hitting angles wins you the most points. Make sure your hits are long and deep. You want to keep your opponents at the baseline while you advance towards the net. Generally, the team that dominates the net wins.
When returning the ball, try to return it towards the center, so both opponents move towards it. In addition to causing confusion between your opponents, returning the ball to the center forces right-handed players to use a backhand return.
Also, try to hit the ball at a downward angle towards your opponents’ feet. Returning a ball at your feet is hard to do. Just be sure to avoid hitting your opponent!
In a game of doubles, focus on consistency and precision with your serves. You want to consistently get the ball over the net while aiming for the center of the diagonally opposite service court.
And remember, you want to make your serves as deep as possible to keep your opponents at the baseline.
Positioning in a doubles game is a little bit different compared to a singles match. Each teammate will get a side of the court instead of positioning themselves towards the center.
You’ll want to eliminate any holes in the middle of the court because they become easy targets for your opponents to capitalize on. Eliminating the holes can be done by moving in sync with your partner and being a good communicator.
One of the most important things in a doubles match is communication. Without communication, your team will have a higher chance of errors like faults, running into each other, or assuming the other person has the ball.
Make sure both you and your teammate clearly call out whose ball it is and if you see it heading towards an out-of-bounds area.
The more you communicate, the less confusion your team has and the easier it becomes to win the game.
A great strategy to follow that will help you win any kind of match is following a 3rd shot strategy. The goal is to hit a soft drop shot into the non-volley zone so you can get to the net after your opponent returns your serve.
You can achieve this strategy a few ways — dink, lob, down the line, side drop shot, or drilling the net person. If you need help better understanding these terms, check out the 25 Pickleball Terms You Need to Know Before You Play Your First Game.
You essentially want to drop shot in the kitchen by letting the ball hit at your opponent’s feet. In most cases, your opponent will have a difficult time returning a ball at their feet.
Generally, to have a successful game, you want to have a good serve, a good return, and a good 3rd shot. But, there are a few other strategies you’ll want to keep in mind for every game.
A key advantage while playing any game, especially Pickleball, is to use your opponent's weaknesses against them.
For example, if they have a weak backhand, try to serve as many hits that require them to use a backhand shot. Many right-hand players have a hard time hitting with a backhand because it isn’t a comfortable position for them.
The best way to learn about your opponent’s weaknesses is to watch as they warm-up. If you can’t find any weaknesses during the warm-up, watch and adjust during the match.
Pickleball isn’t necessarily a high mobility sport, but you do need to stay prepared and agile at all times. You need to stay light on your feet by staying on the balls of each foot. This lets you react quickly at all times.
You also need to anticipate your next move as well as your opponent’s next move. You can do this by watching how they hold their paddles. This indicates whether they will have a natural throw or will warn you of a backhand.
Also, keep your paddle up and in front of you, so you are ready at all times.
Now that you’ve got a good strategy at hand, it’s time to hit the court! For more beginner pickleball tips, check out a few of our most popular guides:
The Ultimate Pickleball Rules Guide
How to Play Pickleball - The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide
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Like any other summer day in 1965, congressman Joel Pritchard and businessman Bill Bell gathered together at Pritchard’s home in Bainbridge Island, Washington. They saw that their families didn’t have anything to do and searched their belongings to see if they could find something to remedy the situation. After coming across a set of ping-pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball, they went over to the badminton courts on Pritchard’s property and made a game of their own.
After playing a few games with the net at the typical badminton height of 60 inches, they soon lowered the net to 36 inches above the ground and went from volleying the ball to bouncing it on the asphalt. The next weekend, Pritchard and Bell introduced the game to their friend Barney McCallum, and it was during this game that the rules of pickleball were defined.
Two years later, the first permanent pickleball court was created in the backyard of one of Pritchard’s friends, Bob O’Brian.
Pickleball is quickly becoming a household name, but where did the name ‘pickleball’ originate? Well, the tale is that the name came about from Joel Pritchard’s family dog, Pickles. Back in 1965 when the families would play the game together, Pickles would grab the ball and run around with it.
In order to protect the creation of this new game, a corporation was formed in the early ‘70s. Just a few years later is 1975, The National Observer published an article about pickleball that was soon followed by an article in Tennis magazine in 1976. In the same year, the first-ever pickleball tournament was held in Tukwila, Washington at the South Center Athletic Club.
In 1984, the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) was formed to help the growth of pickleball on a national level. As a result, the first rule book was published in March of that year. In fact, there were many firsts for pickleball in ‘84, including the first Executive Director, President of USAPA, and the construction of the first, official pickleball paddle.
In 1990, 25 years after the start of pickleball, the sport was being played in every state. Seven years later, founder Joel Pritchard passed away at 72-years-old.
The 2000s were a major turning point for pickleball! In 2001, the game was introduced to the Arizona Senior Olympics thanks to Earl Hill. The tournament brought in 100 players and would eventually draw close to 300 players in the years to come.
By 2005, President Mark Friedenberg created the USAPA Board of Directors and USAPA became a non-profit organization. During this time, USAPA launched their website and quickly became a database for Places2Play (a resource for looking up local pickleball courts). Places2Play quickly grew to hold 420 places to play in the United States and Canada.
In 2009, there was the first USAPA National Tournament for players of all ages held in Buckeye, Arizona. This tournament drew the largest turnout of players recorded up this point with 400 players from 26 states and many Canadian provinces.
Since those beginning and crucial years of pickleball, the sport’s popularity has continued to grow and grow! There are now over 4,000 places in USAPA’s Places2Play map and pickleball has become common in community centers, PE classes, YMCA facilities, and retirement communities.
According to USAPA’s 2019 fact sheet, the number of pickleball players has increased to more than 12% over the last year, bringing the total to 3.1 million players in the US alone. If pickleball continues to grow as quickly as it has, it’s only a matter of time until it becomes a household name. Until then, we hope you continue to share the love of pickleball with your family and friends! And to make it easy for all the new pickleballers out there, check out and share our ultimate beginner’s guide to pickleball - you’ll feel like a seasoned pro in no time!
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Drumroll, please…
We’ve collected the nominations, tallied the votes, and now it’s time to reveal your favorite pickleball courts in the country! These courts have it all: exceptional facilities, ample space, modern amenities, on-site trainers, and pro shops stocked with everything you need to get out and play. So, without further ado, here are the top pickleball courts in the U.S.
Seattle is one of the best destinations for pickleball in the country, and Pickleball Station sits at the top of the list of favorite courts! They have dedicated pickleball courts that are available for reservation and open play, plus clinics and lessons led by 5.0-rated teaching professionals. If you’re in the Seattle area and looking for the best place to pop in for a game of pickleball, the staff at Pickleball Station will make you feel right at home!
Located near Mt. Bachelor and other peaks, you can play pickleball with incredible views at Eagle Crest Resort. But don’t let the Northwest weather stop you from having fun! Eagle Crest has indoor and outdoor courts available, so you can enjoy your favorite game no matter if it’s snowing, raining, or a beautiful sunny day.
Nicknamed the “cathedral of pickleball,” Little Valley Pickleball Complex is home to 24 courts in Southern Utah. This outdoor facility has plenty of shaded areas and seats for those watching tournaments, and the park has plans to continue to expand with additional courts!
Sitting on 13 acres of land, the courts of Fort Howard Park are ready for pickleballers to come and play! The indoor courts are available for play during the colder months, while the six outdoor courts are ready for use during the warmer months of the year.
Bringing together what people love most, Chicken N Pickle is an indoor/outdoor pickleball court and restaurant. This entertainment center is a great place for people of all skill levels to come together, play the great game of pickleball, and grab a bite to eat. Sounds pretty awesome, huh? Well you might be in luck! Chicken N Pickle has a couple of new courts coming soon across the US! Check to see if your city is on the list.
The Mentor Pickleball Courts at Civic Center Park has a total of 15 courts complete with lights and fenced-in play areas. The courts are ready and welcoming pickleballers to come and play, but Mentor Pickleball has a schedule to accommodate players: leagues on Tuesday and Thursday nights, classes on Wednesday nights, but there are always courts available for open play.
Close to a children’s park, lake, and nature areas, Briarcliff Woods Park is home to six outdoor pickleball courts for players to enjoy. The pickleball club offers lessons to anyone wanting to learn - just bring your tennis shoes, they’ll provide the rest of the equipment!
Pickleball Island is as magical as it sounds. Being New York’s largest indoor pickleball facility, there’s room for all types of play. From tournaments and lessons to open play and court rentals, Pickleball Island is ready to open its doors to all pickleballers around the year. They even hold three annual tournaments and put on clinics for their attendees!
Whether you’re a local or visiting from out of town, the pickleball courts at Fort Williams Park are a must-see! There are eight painted courts, two of which overlook the Portland Headlight and the Atlantic Ocean. As long as the weather holds up, these courts are available for play!
This master-planned community is home to not only some of the best pickleball courts in the country but one of the most active pickleball clubs around! The great weather in South Carolina definitely adds to the appeal of these courts, and the extensive events and clinics keep pickleballers coming back to Sun City Hilton Head year after year. These courts are reserved for residents, and that exclusivity and privacy makes them even more appealing to their community!
House of Pickleball (HOP) is a privately owned, yet public facility that only holds indoor pickleball courts. Their climate-controlled court area allows for play all year round, and their courts have a rubberized cushioning to make it easy on everyone’s joints. HOP is open daily and welcomes people for open play, lessons, tournaments and more!
Called the “unofficial pickleball capital of the world,” The Villages is a retirement community in Florida that has become one of the most beloved courts for pickleballers. The community boasts 150+ courts that are available to residents and non-residents to enjoy. Yes, you read that correctly: 150+ courts! So, not only are they beautiful, but they are ideal for pickleballers who don’t want to wait for playing time!
These 12 outdoor courts are located behind the Opelika Sportsplex Facility where they are individually fenced and covered to allow players to be in the shade during games and tournaments. Even better, there’s no cost to play and it’s open to pickleballers of all playing levels.
Touted as the best pickleball experience in Southern California, the Bobby Riggs Tennis Club has 12 dedicated pickleball courts that are open to members and non-members. Whether you prefer to play indoors or outdoors, you’ll love the experience at Bobby Riggs. Plus, the club also offers camps, clinics, and beginner lessons so you should feel right at home the moment you arrive!
Green Valley currently has 12 outdoor pickleball courts nestled in the middle of the Arizona desert that are available for members and their guests. As of January 2019, they received approval to expand their pickleball facilities to make them the largest pickleball facility in Southern Arizona. So their already superb courts are going to get even better!
Congratulations to the courts who made the list, and a huge THANK YOU to everyone who sent in nominations via our newsletter, Facebook page, or Instagram!
Is your area not on the list? Find local pickleball courts near you thanks to USAPA’s Places 2 Play network!
And don’t forget - if you’re not receiving our newsletter yet, you can sign up here to get tips, tricks, and coupons delivered right to your inbox.
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Let’s start with the basics: pickleball court terms! Be sure to review and familiarize yourself with these seven pickleball court terms in order to have a better understanding of the court’s playing area, no-play zones, and lines.
Baseline: The baseline runs parallel to the net at the back of the court. The baseline can’t be crossed when you serve.
Centerline: The centerline extends from the kitchen to the baseline and divides the court into two equal halves.
Kitchen: The kitchen is the nickname for the non-volley zone that extends 7 feet on either side of the net.
No-Man’s Land or Transition Zone: The No-Man’s Land (also referred to as the Transition Zone) is the area on the court between the kitchen and the baseline. You should try to avoid this area as much as possible because it opens up angles for your opponent to hit at you.
Non-Volley Zone: The non-volley zone is the area within 7 feet on both sides of the net where volleying is not allowed. One of the best places to position yourself is right behind the non-volley zone. The net will limit the number of angles at which your opponent can hit at you.
Service Courts: The service courts are the areas on either side of the centerline, bounded by the non-volley line, the baseline, and the sideline.
Sideline: The sideline runs perpendicular to the net on either side of the court. The sideline separates in-bounds from out-of-bounds.
Brush up on more pickleball terms here!
Now that you have pickleball court terms down, let’s talk dimensions! A pickleball court measures 20 x 44 feet, the same size as a doubles badminton court. The court is then sectioned into two equal parts (20 x 22 feet) divided by the net in the center of the court.
Each side’s kitchen is 20 x 7 feet, leaving each team’s playing area to be 20 x 15 feet. The playing area is then split into two sections, even and odd. The even and odd sides are used when playing doubles and serving.
The pickleball net is about 22 feet and 4 inches in length, and the height of the net is 36 inches at the sideline and 34 inches at the center.
Shop our portable pickleball net here!
When planning to build outdoor pickleball courts, you need to keep two very important things in mind: the sun and how shadows will fall on the court. Because the sun rises and sets from East to West, it’s best to have your court laying from North to South so players do not look directly into the sun when standing on their side of the court.
If you’re wanting to build your own pickleball court or have courts built for your community, there are a few things to take into consideration before breaking ground. First and foremost, make sure the contractor has experience installing and painting pickleball courts - this is not a DIY project you want to tackle for the first time. With that said, outsourcing the work doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be involved! Communicate with the contractor, especially when it comes to line specifications. Double-check and review any specifications before the installation begins.
Our friends at USAPA Pickleball have a handy pickleball court construction manual that is perfect for this project - check it out!
Speaking of constructing a pickleball court, you can build your own temporary court using a portable net, some tape and/or chalk, and your driveway or basketball court! If hiring a contractor and spending thousands doesn’t sound like a commitment you’re ready to make, creating a makeshift driveway court is a great alternative.
Purchase our easy-to-set-up portable net here!
Now that you know all there is to know about the dimensions of a pickleball court, brush up on the game’s rules with our ultimate pickleball rules guide!
]]>So, you’ve decided to give pickleball a chance...what a great decision! As with any other sport, there are some key pickleball terms you should know before heading out to the court, so you can start getting comfortable using the lingo. As you play more and more, you’ll undoubtedly add on to this basic vocabulary with more technical terms and techniques. But, for now, let’s start at the beginning with the must-know gameplay court terms for your first game.
These are some of the most common terms you’ll hear while you’re playing. These include specific shots you can take, strokes you can use, and a few rules to keep in mind.
Ace: An ace is a serve that is not returned by your opponent.
Backhand: A backhand stroke is made on your non-dominant side. You know it’s a backhand hit when the back of your hand is facing the net as you hit the ball.
Cross-Court: The court diagonally opposite your court. When serving, you must hit the ball cross-court to your opponent.
Dead Ball: A dead ball is called after a fault.
Dink Shot: A dink shot is a soft and controlled shot that is intended to move downward shortly after it clears the net, landing in the no-volley zone (ideally at your opponent's feet).
Double-Bounce Rule: The double-bounce rule dictates that when the ball is served, the receiving team must let it bounce once before returning, and then the serving team must let it bounce once before returning. (Thus, two bounces.)
Double Bounce: A double bounce is when the ball bounces twice on one side of the court. A double bounce is a fault.
Double Hit: A double hit is when the ball hits a player’s paddle twice before going over the net. If a double hit is the result of one continuous motion (meaning, without a second swing or push), it is technically a legal hit.
Drop Shot: A drop shot is a groundstroke shot that falls short of the opponent’s position.
Fault: A fault is any action that stops play because of a rule violation. A fault by the receiving team results in a point for the serving team; a fault by the serving team results in the server’s loss of serve or a side out.
Forehand: A forehand stroke is made with your dominant forearm is facing forward. This is typically the most comfortable and natural stroke.
Groundstroke: A groundstroke is made just after the ball bounces off the ground.
Half Volley: A half volley is a groundstroke shot where the paddle contacts the ball immediately after it bounces from the court and before the ball rises to its potential height.
Let: A let is a serve that hits the net and lands in the proper service court. Let serves are replayed.
Lob: A lob is a shot that returns the ball as high and deep as possible, forcing the opposing side back to the baseline.
Rally: Rally is continuous play that occurs after the serve and before a fault.
Side Out: A side out is declared after one side loses its service and the other side is awarded service.
Volley: A volley is hit in the air, during a rally, before the ball has hit the ground.
These are the terms for the physical areas on a pickleball court. You definitely want to memorize these terms before your first game so you know where to stand, where to serve, and where to avoid.
Lines:
Kitchen: The kitchen is the nickname for the non-volley zone that extends 7 feet on either side of the net.
No-Man’s Land or Transition Zone: The No-Man’s Land (also referred to as the Transition Zone) is the area on the court between the kitchen and the baseline. You should try to avoid this area as much as possible because it opens up angles for your opponent to hit at you.
Non-Volley Zone: The non-volley zone is the area within 7 feet on both sides of the net where volleying is not allowed. One of the best places to position yourself is right behind the non-volley zone. The net will limit the number of angles at which your opponent can hit at you.
Service Courts: The service courts are the areas on either side of the centerline, bounded by the non-volley line, the baseline, and the sideline.
Once you feel comfortable with these beginner terms, you can move on to more advanced terms with our complete guide to pickleball rules and lingo.
If you want to be even more prepared for your first game, spend some time with these guides:
]]>For a game that’s in many ways similar to tennis and other racquet sports, pickleball has its own set of unique rules that set it apart. Lucky for you, we’ve broken down the many rules and guidelines in this easy-to-use pickleball rules guide. After a quick read, you’ll be sure to have a better understanding of service rules, non-volley zone rules, and even when to call a fault. Of course, you can always refer back to this guide for a quick reminder!
Pickleball is played as one player per team (singles) or two players per team (doubles). Whether you’re playing singles or doubles, the same court size and playing area are used in both scenarios.
A pickleball court is 20 feet wide by 44 feet long. When a pickleball net is placed in the center of the court, each team’s playing area is cut down to 20 feet by 22 feet.
When it comes down to playing pickleball for fun, there aren’t any specific rules on which pickleball paddles you can or can’t use to play. However, if you choose to compete, you must follow a set of guidelines created by the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA). If you need help selecting the right paddle for your level of play, we have a handy pickleball paddle guide that can match you to your perfect pickleball paddle!
When serving, the server must stand with at least one foot behind the baseline and cannot step into the playing area until the ball has been struck. However, not any type of serve will do. The serve must be made underhand and the paddle contact with the ball needs to be below the server’s waist. When the ball is struck, the ball must go over the court diagonally and land within the confines of the opposite diagonal court. Only one serve attempt is allowed, except in the event of a let, which is a serve that hits the net cord and lands in the service court.
In a doubles game, both players on the serving team have the opportunity to serve and score until they commit a fault. Then, the serve goes to the opposing team. The first serve of each side is made from the right-hand court, and when a point is made, the server switches sides and initiates a serve from the left side. If points continue to be scored, the server continues switching sides and serving until a fault. Once a fault is made, the serve goes to the other team member and he/she begins serving on the right-hand side. This continues as mentioned above until a fault. Once both team members have served until fault, the serve goes to the opponent. In a singles game, the server serves from the right-hand court when his or her score is even and from the left when the score is odd.
Josh Grubbs from All About Pickleball makes learning about pickleball serving rules a breeze:
No need to overthink which team will start the game. Players can simply use a coin toss to determine who will serve first. The winner of the coin toss will decide which team begins as server or receiver.
Now that you have the rules for pickleball down, get the complete breakdown of all things pickleball with our ultimate beginner’s guide!
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One of the most confusing parts of playing pickleball, especially for beginners, tends to be figuring out the scoring system. Between position changes, knowing who scores when, and calling the score, it can be a lot to keep track of! So, in an attempt to make things a little easier, here is a complete explanation of the pickleball scoring system.
In this post, we’ll discuss:
In a regular game, a team or player must score 11 points and win by 2 points. That means, even if a game is tied 10-10 in a regular game, the next team or player to score a point would not win. They would have to score two additional points to win the game. (In some tournaments, games can be played to 15 or 21 points, but a team must still win by 2 points.)
Points can only be scored by the serving team. So, how does a serving team score a point? Simple. If the serving team hits an Ace or if a fault is committed by the receiving team, the serving team scores a point.
Now, if the serving team commits a fault, no points are awarded but the server does lose their serve. It then moves to the second server (if playing doubles) or it’s called a “side out,” which means the team or player is out of serves and service switches to the other team.
We’re starting with doubles scoring because singles scoring is nearly identical, with just a few differences. If you understand doubles scoring, you’ll be just fine with singles scoring!
The person on the right side of the court always serves first. Always. Whether it’s the first serve of the game or your team has just gotten the ball back after a side out. The person on the right will always be the one to serve first.
If the serving team scores a point, the players on that team switch positions. (The player who served from the right side of the court would move to the left side of the court, and the player on the left would move to the right.) This continues as long as the serving team scores. The players on the receiving side do not switch positions when a point is scored by the serving team.
As strange as it might sound, one of the most confusing parts of doubles pickleball scoring is how the score is called. But we’ve got a few tips to make it less confusing!
When playing doubles, the serving team calls the score as a series of three numbers, such as 5 - 2 - 1
Okay, okay, but what do those numbers mean? Let’s break that down…
The first number is the serving team’s score. Whenever you serve, you will call your score first. Always.
The second number is the receiving team’s score. That should be easy to remember since you already called your score.
The last number is where the confusion tends to set in. The last number signals serving position. So, if you’re the first person to serve, you would call “1”. If you’re the second person to serve, you would call “2”.
Seems simple right? Well, here’s where things can get a little confusing:
The first serve exception. In an attempt to minimize the advantage the first serving team would get to start the game, only one player gets to serve and fault before a “side out” is called and it switches to the other team. All turns after that allow both players to serve before it switches again.
For this reason, the first server of the game will call “2”. Just think of the number “2” as the signal that the serve might switch to the other team. So, rather than labeling yourself as a “1” or a “2,”, think of those last numbers merely as indicators for when the serve needs to switch to the other team.
This is especially important for if/when your serving position changes in the middle of a game. Depending on the score and where you are on the court, you might call “1” for your team’s first service and then “2” when your team gets the serve back.
Why is that? Because you and your partner switch sides every time you score a point, but you don’t switch sides when the other team scores a point.
Let’s look at an example…
Jason and Alex are on the same team and they are up to serve. Jason is on the right side of the court, so he serves first. He calls the score: “5 - 2 - 1”. The receiving team faults, so Jason and Alex score a point and switch positions. Jason now serves from the left side of the court and, after a rally, they fault. The players don’t switch sides, and now it’s Alex’s turn. Alex is on the right side of the court, and he calls the score: “6 - 2 - 2”. They don’t win the point, so the serve moves to the other team and both Jason and Alex stay in their current positions.
After a few rallies, it’s time for Jason and Alex to serve again. But this time, Alex is on the right side of the court, so he serves first. He calls the score: “6 - 4 - 1”. See what happened?
On the previous turn, Alex was on the left side of the court when they got the serve back, so he was the second server. On this turn, Alex was on the right side of the court, so he was the first server.
If that’s still a little confusing, be sure to watch CJ Johnson’s Pickleball Scoring Basics video where she uses a “Me, You, Who?” score calling suggestion.
Okay, let’s review. We know the basics:
We also know the scoring rules for doubles:
So, what are the differences between singles and doubles scoring? In singles scoring:
That’s it! All the other rules are the same for doubles and singles scoring.
Before we wrap up, we have to mention one last tip that is essential for being able to recall the score and everyone’s positions if you should forget while playing.
Start every game by memorizing your and your partner’s starting positions, and who is lined up diagonally across from you.
As long as you know where you start the game, you’ll be able to figure out whether the score should be even or odd based on your position or figure out your positions if you come off a rally and can’t remember which side of the court you began.
If you start the game on the right side of the court, the score will be even every time you’re on the right side of the court. Likewise, if you start the game on the left side of the court, the score will be odd every time you’re on the left side of the court. (It’s important to note that, in pickleball, zero is considered an even number.)
Trust us, that simple tip can make all the difference -- and save a lot of headaches!
Want a couple more secrets for figuring out the score? Check out The Pickleball Guru’s 3 secrets top pickleball players know for figuring out the score.
And don’t forget to save the graphics in this post for easy reference the next time you need to brush up on your pickleball scoring knowledge or when you need to teach a newbie how it’s done!
Need help selecting the perfect paddle? We’ve got just the guide for you. Check it out here!
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Whether you’re a pickleball guru and want to know more about pop tennis or a pop tennis enthusiast curious about the sport with the funny name, we’ve got an amazin’ breakdown of pop tennis and what differentiates this sport from pickleball!
Pop tennis is a scaled-down version of tennis which makes it great for all ages. Played on a traditional tennis court, the game is played on the inner court, minimizing the area played.
While the traditional tennis net size and height is kept the same, pop tennis paddles are small and solid compared to the traditional tennis racquet. Pop tennis balls may look identical to traditional tennis balls but pop tennis balls have 25% less compression than a tennis ball. This allows for people of all skill levels to play this POPular game.
Learn more about pop tennis in this helpful video:
So while pop tennis sounds similar to pickleball, there are a few key factors that differentiate the two games. Let’s jump in!
While pop tennis racquets and pickleball paddles are similar in shape, there are a few noteworthy differences. Pop tennis racquets are made from carbon fiber and have a memory foam core with a hard surface. Being no more than 18.5” long, the pop tennis racquet is free of strings but does have small holes through the surface. Contrastingly, pickleball paddles are made out of a variety of materials - aluminum, Nomex, and polypropylene - and free of any holes in the paddle.
Need help finding the perfect pickleball paddle? Check out our paddle guide here!
The only thing that pop tennis balls and pickleballs have in common is their color, otherwise, they’re as different as it gets! Pop tennis balls look almost the same as regular tennis balls with the soft, fabric finish and white curved lines. However, regulation pop tennis balls have large green dots on them to decipher the correct compression level (25% less than a tennis ball). On the other hand, pickleballs are made of polymer and have holes throughout the ball, similar to a wiffle ball.
Pro tip: don’t have a pop tennis ball around? Grab a standard tennis ball and puncture it to release some of the air. This will result in a similar compression to pop tennis balls. Thanks, POP Tennis!
Pop tennis is played on a regular tennis court, using the inner 60’ x 21’ space. Pickleball nets are 20’ wide and 36” tall, whereas pop tennis nets are typical 31-36”’ tall and 20-27’ wide. Pickleball, however, isn’t played on the same court as tennis. Pickleball courts are unique to pickleball with a court design measuring 20’ x 44’ in dimension.
Shop our portable pickleball net here!
Pickleball scoring is as unique as the game’s name. Scoring is called out as three numbers: 1) serving team score 2) receiving team score, and 3) server number (one or two). Server number one stands on the left, server number two stands on the right. A unique rule about pickleball is that the server on the right starts the game, which is why you call zero-zero-two. To start a pickleball match, the server would call “zero-zero-two.” As each team scores, the score’s count goes up by one. For more detail on scoring and rules, check out our beginner’s guide to pickleball.
Unlike pickleball, pop tennis scoring is identical to regular tennis. The server calls the score before hitting the ball, and each score goes as follows: love (zero points), 15, 30, 40, game point.
The best part about these two sports is that they can be loved and played by people of all ages and all athletic abilities. These social games were made to get everyone involved and playing, family and friends included.
Ready to dive deeper into learning about pickleball? Check out how to play pickleball: the ultimate beginner’s guide!
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Not only are these resorts the definition of relaxation, but they also have incredible pickleball courts and most have on-site pros. So, you can get maximum relaxation off the court and learn something new on the court. It truly is the best of both worlds!
Sundial Beach Resort & Spa in Sanibel, Florida has a 12-court pickleball stadium that’s open to the public and has an IPTPA certified resident pro who offers lessons. This resort has hosted tournaments and was voted best pickleball courts on the island. For fun and sun, Sundial is the place to go!
Tres Palapas Baja Pickleball Resort in Mexico provides clinics throughout the year, as well as weekly workshops for beginning, intermediate, and advanced pickleballers. Their resort is also full of other amenities and activities for equal parts fun and relaxation.
Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina is one of the top pickleball vacation destinations in the country! They offer a special 4-day, 3-night package for pickleballers, but you can also just book a room and hit the courts at your leisure.
Palm Creek Golf & RV Resort in Casa Grande, Arizona, has 32 pickleball courts and nearly every resort amenity/activity you could want. From yoga to golf to bridge to bingo, there’s no chance you’ll be bored when you’re off the court!
If you’re an adventurous spirit who would like to learn about other cultures, experience new cuisines, or try new activities when you’re off the court, then we recommend looking for a pre-planned package through a pickleball club or travel company. These vacation packages are set up to give you ample time on the court and include some amazing excursions you might not otherwise get to do.
For example, Pickleball Getaways has some incredible pickleball vacations lined up for 2020, including a 10-day Portugal trip that includes the perfect blend of sightseeing and pickleball time! Here are a few more upcoming Pickleball Getaways trips:
Pickleball Trips has a great selection of pickleball vacations all around the world. They integrate cultural experiences with pickleball playing and training time so you get to make the most of your vacation. Our favorites for this year are:
Pura Vida House in Costa Rica also offers an amazing inclusive pickleball vacation package that provides small group play and luxury accommodations at one of the best villa resorts in the world!
If you’d rather skip the resorts and aren’t keen on vacation packages, there are plenty of tourist destinations all around the world that are ideal for pickleball lovers! These destinations offer easy access to pickleball courts with the freedom to stay wherever you’d like.
In the U.S., the most popular states for pickleball vacations are Florida, Arizona, and California. But you can also find some great rental properties with pickleball courts in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Michigan, Colorado, North Carolina, Tennessee, and even Hawaii. Below are some of our favorites around the U.S.
Vero Beach, Florida
Vero Beach is one of the most popular places in Florida for pickleballers. This vacation spot is home to Pickleball U, which offers memberships to locals and a $3 per day fee for non-locals. There are also 3 parks within the city limits with pickleball facilities that are open to the public:
The Villages, Florida
Called the “unofficial pickleball capital of the world,” The Villages is a retirement community in Florida that has become one of the most popular spots for pickleballers. If you want to be a part of one of the largest communities of pickleball players, here’s a rental property nearby that offers access to the 150+ courts within the community.
Tucson, Arizona
Tucson, Arizona is a great place for pickleball lovers and desert lovers alike! This Western Bunkhouse rental property has two private pickleball courts and all the equipment you need to play. It also has sweeping views of the mountains you can enjoy from the private pool.
Encinitas, California
If the Golden Coast is calling your name this year, look no further than the quaint community of Encinitas, California, which is home to the famous Bobby Riggs Tennis Club. This facility has 12 courts and is open to members and non-members alike. Non-members can play during weekday morning and evening open play hours for $5, weekend open play hours for $10, or reserve a court for $10.
Maui, Hawaii
There are few things that sound better than playing pickleball in paradise and, lucky for you, that is an option! The Polo Beach Club is a beach-front condo rental that has four pools, two hot tubs, and pickleball courts on the grounds. Plus, it’s just steps away from the beach! Imagine waking up to play pickleball and then hopping into the ocean for a cool-down. Sounds like the ideal vacation to us!
Want to find other places to play pickleball around the states? Check out the USAPA’s Places 2 Play website to find even more facilities.
Outside the U.S., there are tons of popular tourist destinations that would be ideal for a pickleball vacation. As the sport grows in popularity, more and more pickleball facilities and clubs are opening up all around the world. Below are our picks for the perfect pickleball vacation abroad.
British Columbia, Canada
There are hundreds of places to play pickleball all over Canada, but British Columbia has been on our radar for quite a while because of its sheer beauty. From Vancouver Island to Okanagan to Cariboo, there are so many pickleball facilities that are ready and waiting for visitors! Pickleball B.C. has a great site that lists all the facilities in each region, so you can easily find one that works for you.
London, England
London is a must-see city on its own but there are also dozens of pickleball facilities in and around the bustling metropolis that make it a great destination choice. Because there are so many active facilities -- and new ones opening up frequently -- the Pickleball Portal is the best resource to find all of them listed in one place! If you’re planning a trip to London, we highly recommend you bookmark that link and check back often because they update the list frequently.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
According to the Pickleball Holland official site, pickleball is a relatively new sport in The Netherlands, with the first game being played in 2013. It has since grown in popularity and there is a Pickleball Amsterdam facility in the heart of the city that is open to the public.
Madrid, Spain
La Chopera Municipal Sports Center is located in one of the most beloved parks, in the heart of the city, and is open for public use. If you’re looking to play with other pickleball enthusiasts, there’s a Retiro Pickleball Club that plays on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. You can follow the group on Facebook to find events or contact them directly to find out exact meet-up times.
Bangkok, Thailand
If the wonders of Thailand are calling your name, the Santisuk English School is the place to go to play pickleball! This unexpected location is within the city, with easy access to hotels and just a 20-minute drive from the Suvarnabhumi Airport. The courts, which are in the school parking lot, are open Saturdays and Sundays. Your first day is free, then the fee is 200 baht per person per day after that.
Anyone else ready to take the year off to travel to all these places now? Us, too! The good news is, wherever you decide to take your pickleball vacation this year, you’re going to have an incredible time. As long as the focus is fun, fitness, and friends, you’ll be golden!
If you’re looking for an easy way to bring your own paddles along without adding too much bulk to your luggage, pick up one of our Signature Pickleball Paddle Sets today.
]]>Pickleball could be described as a cross between tennis, badminton, and ping pong. Players play on a badminton-size court with a tennis net and use a paddle similar to ping pong. Confused yet? Don’t worry - it’s easy and FUN!
Pickleball is a low-impact sport that is enjoyed by people of all ages and all athletic abilities. The game is structured for limited movement on the court so there’s no worrying about sprinting from one side of the court to the next. Because of this game’s unique structure and rules, it’s no wonder pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the country. People of all ages can not only play pickleball easily, but they can play someone of any age. It’s not out of the ordinary to see seniors and kids on the same court! Because of its growing popularity, this sport is commonly played in local gyms, community centers, parks, and backyard courts.
If you’re on the lookout to try a quirky new sport that anyone can play, look no further! Keep on reading to learn how the sport was created, how to play, the rules and lingo, and the best pickleball equipment for you!
Pickleball was created in the summer of 1965 when Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell saw their families bored with nothing to do. Determined to create a game that the entire family could enjoy, these two headed into Pritchard’s garage to see what they could find. After rummaging around, they found ping pong paddles, a perforated plastic ball, and headed to the badminton court.
With some help from their friend Barney McCallum, they soon realized that you could easily bounce the plastic balls off the ground. Soon, the inventors decided to move the badminton net from its 96” height to 36” tall. A few games later, the sport we have all come to love was created: pickleball.
You may have noticed there’s no mention or use of pickles anywhere. Whether you're a fan of pickles or not, this aspect of the sport often leaves newcomers confused. So, where did the name of the game come from? The Pritchard family’s dog, Pickles! According to McCallum, Pickles would run up and steal the ball when everyone was playing.
Read more about the history of Pickleball here!
For more helpful tips on how to keep score, take a look at this Pickleball Scoring Basics video by CJ Johnson!
After deciding which team serves first, follow these serving rules:
Looking for help when it comes to your serve? Check out these 9 video tutorials to help improve your serve!
For more helpful tips on how to play pickleball, take a look at this helpful video.
Like any sport, there are a few terms to learn and get acquainted with. Don’t worry about memorizing the list before heading to the court! You’re sure to pick up these pickleball terms as you play. Here are six important terms to get you started:
Ready to learn more? Download our free e-book that contains a full list of pickleball terms and lingo!
A little competition can be good, but this game is all about community and having fun. Keep these few things in mind when you play and you’ll be sure to have a great time and make lasting friendships along the way!
Want to know all of the unofficial rules when it comes to etiquette? Read up on Pickleball Max’s 10 Unwritten Pickleball Rules!
Ball: The pickleball is similar to a wiffle ball but more durable. There are no rules as to what color the pickleball must be, but there is a slight difference in the ball whether the game is played indoors or outdoors. Outdoor balls typically have 40 small holes and indoor balls have 26 larger holes - this is mostly due to wind interference on the courts.
Paddle: Pickleball paddles are a small, solid paddle that is easily maneuvered by the wrist. Paddles are lightweight and typically made out of wood, graphite, or fiberglass with a special polymer core - you can shop our favorites here.
Need help on finding the right paddle? Take a look at our helpful pickleball paddle guide!
Net: Pickleball nets are 36 inches tall at each end and split the court in half. You can shop our portable and regulation size net here!
Needing all three? We got you covered. Shop all of your pickleball equipment now! But don’t just take our word for it, read PickleballPOP’s review of our pickleball graphite paddle set here!
We're excited that you're joining the pickleball community! Be sure to join our beginner's Facebook group to connect with other new players from around the world!
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Click here to check out it out!
Our Wood Set was named top budget pick as well.
Thank you again GeekWrapped for this honor!
]]>A: Pickleball has a lot of layers to it but, in our opinion, here are the most important basics:
#1: Do your best to not make mistakes. This seems obvious but how many times do you try to hit a little too close to the line or with a bit more power than is comfortable? Limit those mistakes as much as possible and let your opponent make them.
#2: Next, (and this relates to the first point), be patient and play within yourself. By this we mean play under control and don't feel like you need to "over-hit" or hit a winner to end the point. Be a consistent "Steady Eddie" out there. Again, let your opponent make the unforced error versus you going for a hero shot.
#3: Lastly, take time to learn proper court positioning and do your best to ensure you are in that right place at all times. The first rule of court positioning that we see new players make is not getting to the kitchen line as soon as possible. Doing that alone will help your game immensely.
Most importantly, don't worry if you have mishaps on anything from keeping score, forgetting to come to the net, faulting on your serve, etc. We've all been there. The important thing is to keep persisting; soon enough what seemed difficult at first will become second nature.
Want to learn more? Check out our free ebook for lots more info about how to improve your game. Pickle on friends!
]]>Implement Spin Being able to manipulate your service returns with different types of spin will keep your opponents unsure and give you a huge advantage. The first kind of spin that is common is topspin. Often used in tennis, this technique is much easier on your forehand side and requires changing your swing from a flat one to one that is a low-to-high arc with your paddle face angled slightly forward. The advantage of topspin is that it travels lower and faster off the bounce which can keep your opponents stuck at the baseline while you move up. Below is a slow-motion video of the correct technique.
The opposite of topspin is backspin and similar concepts apply for creating backspin. Angle the top of your paddle slightly back and make the arc of your swing more high-to-low. This backspin shot, also known as the slice, makes the ball move unexpectedly slow and could be compared to a changeup pitch in baseball. It is a good change of pace shot that can force your opponent into a poor position and allow for more time to move up to the net. Here is a similar video on how to slice.
Advanced Doubles Strategies In more competitive environments, players often plan to use poaching and stacking techniques to gain an advantage. Poaching is when the stronger player may come across the court and hit a ball that was originally going to their partner. If your opponents are hitting predictable shots often, you should be able to anticipate it and step across to poach the ball. Make sure to communicate with your partner about this and ensure that they are ready to cover the empty space you leave behind you as you poach.
Stacking is a simple strategy and means that one player is right-handed and the other is a lefty. The advantage in this that both players will be able to take shots down the middle with their forehand, which is a higher percentage shot for most players. Once again it is important to communicate about who will be taking shots hit over the middle to avoid collisions or missed returns.
Get To The Non-Volley Line If you have been able to consistently hit crosscourt forehand and backhand groundstrokes, start moving up to the non-volley zone line more frequently. Oftentimes, players that have the most skill near this zone enjoy the most success. When serving, the easiest way to get to the line is by utilizing the drop shot, a slow-moving third shot that lands in the kitchen of your opponent. For more on how to effectively hit a drop shot, check out Pickleball Channel's helpful video here. Once you're up at the line, don't forget to stay in a ready position and pay close attention to the angle of your paddle face as you hit. Try to keep your shots low and look for weaknesses in your opponent’s game to exploit.
Mix In New Shots Besides just groundstrokes and volleys, there are some additional shots that you should work on. A pivotal shot to for anyone progressing with the game to learn is the dink shot. The dink shot is a low and soft shot that bounces in the opponent’s non-volley zone. Being able to hit and return this shot is key to competing against more skilled opponents. Although it is similar to the drop shot, the difference is that the drop shot is hit from deep in the court, while the dink shot is for short range rallies. Read more about the dink shot here. Another useful shot to add to your arsenal is the lob. The lob is helpful in defensive situations and as a change of pace shot to keep your opponents guessing. When lobbing, pay very close attention to the setting. When outside, carefully adjust your paddle angle and strength depending on the wind. If you are inside, be aware of the ceiling.
Focus On Accuracy Having established the correct form and mechanics, it is now important to begin focusing on aiming your shots. Improving shot placement is both a mental and physical challenge. Be thinking about where your opponents are placed on the court and consider which parts of their game are weaker. For example, if your opponent is near the middle of the court and has a weak forehand, try to hit your shot low to exploit their poor placement and on their weaker forehand side. Hitting to your opponents feet can be very effective.
1) Power Is Overrated When starting out, there can be a false sense of control and many players are tempted to try and hit the ball as hard as they can. This usually leads to many shots in the net or out of bounds. Remember, control is key in pickleball. Get a feel for your paddle, the court, and the ball and work on your accuracy without worrying about smashing it as hard as you can. Ex-tennis players, in particular, have a tendency to rely on the power game when starting out. Placement trumps power in pickleball. Focus on your placement and control when starting out.
2) Be Ready & In Proper Court Position It’s easy to overlook how important staying in a ready position is. When waiting for the next shot to come, keep your knees bent and shoulders squared so you are ready to position your body for your return shot. Once you follow through on your shot, get back to a central position on the court and return to a ready stance. This is especially important when you're at the no volley zone line (kitchen). Here you have to be ready to react quickly so staying in the ready position is very important.
Further, your court positioning is also very important... you want to get to no volley zone line (kitchen) as soon as possible. This gives you the best chance of winning the point. There are really only two spots you want to be positioned on the pickleball court: 1) at the baseline and 2) at the no volley zone line. You don't want to get caught in "no man's land". Make your way to the no volley zone line as soon as you can as this is the optimal court position to win points. And once there, be in "ready position" so you are prepared for anything that comes your way!
3) Focus On Error Prevention Pickleball is a game of consistency, and the player with the least errors generally wins. When you are serving, focus on getting consistently deep serves with no faults before anything else. A well-placed serve will always set you up for success in the rest of the rally. On other strokes, focus on returning the ball without errors before you try to smash powerful winners or incorporate spin. Don't go for low probability winners when starting out. Work on getting the ball in bounds and continue the point. When in doubt, aim down the middle of the court. You have more margin for error when placing shots down the middle and it often causes confusion between your opponents on who's ball it is.
Although some of these tips may seem like common sense, it is easy to get caught up in the game and forget about the fundamentals when starting out. Be sure you are constantly thinking about these three elements while playing and before long they will become second nature. Have you found any other tips to be helpful for beginners? Share them with us!
]]>Be Polite If you’re playing with or against someone you don’t know, don’t forget to introduce yourself before playing. Along with that, don’t hesitate to compliment other players if they hit a nice shot. A positive and communicative environment will always make the game more enjoyable. ALWAYS avoid trash-talking your foes or using curse words, and be sure to dress appropriately as well.
Play With Integrity Pickleball is unique in that players are allowed to call shots in or out. If you are unsure about a call, always be a good sport and give other players the benefit of the doubt. If you are honest about your calls, your opponent will appreciate it and will be likely to return the favor. This can be even more difficult if the match is close, but it is extremely important to preserve the integrity of the game.
Don't Single Out "The Weaker Player" In competitive tournament situations, a very common doubles strategy to is to hit almost exclusively to the player that is perceived as being less skilled. This is of course allowed in the rules and a sound strategy for winning pickleball. However, in a casual situation where players are trying to improve, it can be viewed as poor form to hit primarily to one player. It's not a good feeling to be singled out and face shot after shot. Many players quickly get flustered and the game loses some of its enjoyment. And the partner who is perceived as more skilled doesn't get a chance to work on their game. Further, the offending party isn't growing and developing as they are just picking on a less skilled player. We encourage players to think about the purpose of the game and what you and your court mates are hoping to get out of it. Let your style of play follow suit.
Remember, It’s Just A Game If things aren’t going your way and you’re getting frustrated, don’t take it out on your partner, opponents, or anyone else around. Keep your frustrations to yourself and work to improve your errors. Keep in mind that pickleball is just a game and that you are out there to have fun!