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Preparing to Play Pickleball

Pickleball is a combination of badminton, tennis and table tennis. You play on a small court with a low net. The ball is volleyed back and forth over the net. You can play one-on-one or in teams of two. Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in America. Over 3.3 million people are playing. Here is what you need if you want to be one of them.

Paddle and Ball

The pickleball paddle looks like an oversized table tennis paddle. There are a wide variety of paddles made with different materials. A mid-weight, composite material paddle is good for a beginner. A pickleball ball is similar to a Wiffle ball. It is made of polymer, with between 26 and 40 round holes and is just under three inches in diameter. 

Shoes

You can buy shoes specific to pickleball. These shoes are designed for the movements you make when playing on a court. Tennis shoes are another option. You want to avoid running shoes because they are not sturdy enough and are likely to cause injury. Should you damage your feet or ankles, there are doctors of sports medicine New Braunfels TX who can help you heal.

Court

The 20′ by 40′ court size is the same as for badminton. There is a centerline that runs the length of the court and a no-volley zone that extends seven feet from the net on either side. The net is three feet high. You can play on any hard surface, including your driveway. You can’t play on grass, so you may not be able to play at home. Because of its growing popularity, you can find pickleball courts almost anywhere. You could even join a league. 

Pickleball rules are easy to learn, especially if you have played badminton, tennis or table tennis. Now that you know what you need for this sport, get out there and enjoy.