PICKLEBALL SPOTLIGHT

DAVID NGUYEN

GAINEY TENNIS & PICKLEBALL MANAGER

Pickleball is a Sport for Everyone: Top Tips on Getting Started

Pickleball is a fast-growing paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. With this rise in popularity, many people wonder how to start playing Pickleball. A Pickleball court is about a third of the size of a tennis court and measures 20 feet wide by 44 feet long. Additionally, the game uses a lower net, a lightweight paddle, and a plastic ball with holes similar to a wiffle ball. The game is typically played as a doubles game with friends, but it can be played as a singles game as well. Pickleball is played indoors and outdoors, and we are excited to offer outdoor Pickleball at our Gainey Village location.

Anyone can play Pickleball! From children to seniors, people of all ages and skill levels can play and enjoy this fun and easy-to-learn sport. Pickleball is low impact, so it is easier on the joints than other racquet sports. One of the great things about pickleball is that it is adaptable to different levels of play. You can play it at a leisurely pace for a fun and social activity, or you can play it at a higher intensity for a more competitive and physically demanding experience. Overall, if you are looking for a fun, easy-to-learn, and inclusive sport, pickleball is a great option!

If you want to know how to start playing Pickleball, here are 5 tips to help:

5 Tips for Starting Pickleball:

Learn the basic rules – Before you start playing, you need to learn the rules of the game. Pickleball is a cross between tennis, badminton, and table tennis. You should familiarize yourself with some of the unique rules of Pickleball. Start by taking one of the free basic rules classes that the Village offers.

Get the proper equipment – You’ll need a pickleball paddle and a pickleball ball to play. The paddle is like a tennis racket, but smaller, and the ball is similar to a wiffle ball.

Develop good pickleball habits – It’s important to start by working on proper technique and footwork in order to build a strong foundation for your game. Start by taking some lessons, signing up for clinics, and watching instructional videos online.

Practice, practice, and practice – Practice doesn’t make perfect. Good practice makes progress. Practice allows you to work on the good pickleball habits you learned in your lessons and apply them in a point situation.

Have fun! – Remember that pickleball is a fun and social game, so enjoy yourself! Play with friends, meet new people in open play and clinics, have fun competing in round robins and leagues.