Pickleball has exploded onto the mainstream radar in a big way after a global superstar played pickleball on the court. Pickleball has long been the unsung hero of the recreational sports world – a quirky blend of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong that’s gained a devoted following among active youths, adults, and retirees.
What is Pickleball? Why is it so popular?
Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington by a group of dads looking for a game their families could play together. It is played on a badminton-sized court with a lightweight perforated plastic ball and solid paddles. The net is set at a lower height than tennis. The game emphasizes short-distance dinks, volleys, and strategic placement rather than powerful shots.
Pickleball has become popular since it is relatively easy to learn and play, making it accessible to people of all ages and skill levels. The smaller court size and slower-paced gameplay are suitable for older adults and those with limited mobility. Equipment is relatively inexpensive compared to other racket sports.
Besides, pickleball has developed a competitive scene, with tournaments and professional leagues emerging. This has helped attract more avid players and increase the sport’s visibility and popularity.
How to play pickleball?
Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court with a net that is 34 inches high at the center. Players use solid paddles to hit a perforated plastic ball, similar to a whiffle ball over the net.
The game can be played for singles (one-on-one) or doubles (two-on-two). In the beginning, the player serving must serve the ball diagonally to the opposing team’s court. After the serve, players can only hit the ball after it bounces once on each side.
The main shots in pickleball are:
- Serve – An underhand serve that must land in the opposing team’s service court.
- Volley – Hitting the ball before it bounces on your side.
- Groundstroke – Hitting the ball after it bounces on your side.
- Dink – A soft shot that lands just over the net in the non-volley zone.
Pickleball Rules:
- Double Bounce Rule – Players must let the ball bounce once on each side before volleys are allowed.
- Non-Volley Zone – There is a 7-foot zone on each side of the net where players cannot volley the ball. This encourages more dinks and fewer power shots.
- Serving – The serve must be made underhand, with the paddle below the server’s waist. The serve must land diagonally in the opponent’s service court.
- Scoring – Players or teams score points only when serving. Games are typically played to 11 points, win by 2.
- Faults – Faults occur when the ball:
- Doesn’t land in the proper service court
- Bounce twice on a side before being hit
- Touches a player’s body or clothing
- Lands outside the court boundaries
Common knee pain in pickleball
Pickleball is a popular and growing sport, but it can also lead to some common knee-related issues due to the repetitive movements and the sudden stops and starts. Here are some of the most common types of knee pain that can arise from playing pickleball:
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee)
- Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper’s Knee)
- Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Sprains
- Meniscus Tears
- Osteoarthritis Flare-ups
