Although pickleball has been in existence for many years, it has just recently grown in popularity here in Auburn.

The initial questions about pickleball that arise in everyone’s minds are, “What is it?,” “Do I play with a pickle?,” and “Is it like whiffle ball?” Well no, it is not like whiffle ball, but the ball is similar, and there are no pickles involved.

The History of Pickleball

Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle, Washington. Three dads – Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum — whose kids were bored with their usual summertime activities — are credited for creating games. Pickleball has evolved from original handmade equipment and simple rules into a popular sport throughout the US and Canada. The game is growing internationally as well, with many European and Asian countries adding courts.

What is pickleball?

Pickleball is a fun sport that combines many elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong.

It is played indoors or outdoors on a small, tennis-like court and the player uses a big paddle. Learn the basics here.

The Rules of Pickleball

Now, for the rules of pickleball. Pickleball is played either as doubles or singles. Doubles are most common. The same size playing area and rules are used for both singles and doubles. The server must be behind the line and serve to make contact with the ball below the waist. They serve diagonally to the player across from them and must land within the confines of the opposite diagonal court. When the ball is served, the receiving team must let it bounce before returning, and then the serving team must let it bounce before returning. After the ball has bounced once in each team’s court, both teams may either volley the ball (hit the ball before it bounces) or play it off a bounce (ground stroke). Points are scored only by the serving team. Games are normally played to 11 points, and teams have to win by 2.

Pickleball is a lot of fun. It is less physically taxing than tennis, but also more active than ping-pong. The best part about it is that anyone can play and it is easy to play. Access has never been better here in Auburn. Not only are there nearly 15 courts at the Opelika Sportsplex, but along with the new tennis courts, there are pickleball courts for everyone to enjoy at the intersection of Thach Ave. and Hemlock Dr.

Be well, Auburn.

Source: https://usapickleball.org/what-is-pickleball/