If you’ve been to Saluda School Field lately, you might have noticed a growing crowd gathering around the newly installed pickleball court. This vibrant spot is quickly becoming a favorite for both locals and visitors. But what exactly is pickleball, and why has it captured the hearts of so many? To appreciate this unique and engaging sport, let’s dive into its history, widespread appeal, and understand the rules that make it so accessible and fun.
Hours of Operation
The pickleball court is available during non school hours until 9:00pm.
The Rise of Pickleball: A Game with Humble Beginnings and Widespread Appeal
Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by three friends—Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum—who were looking for a way to entertain their families. Using makeshift equipment, they combined elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, creating a game that quickly became a hit. The name “pickleball” comes from a playful reference to a “pickle boat,” a term from crew racing, rather than a pet as some might believe.
What began as a backyard pastime has since grown into one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, thanks to its accessibility and social nature. Pickleball is easy to learn, less physically demanding than tennis, and suitable for all ages, which explains its appeal to a diverse range of players. The sport’s friendly and inclusive atmosphere, often played in doubles, encourages interaction and builds community, making it a favorite in places like Saluda, where the new court at Saluda School Field is bringing locals and visitors together.
Understanding the Basics: Pickleball Court and Equipment
Before diving into the rules, let’s get familiar with the court and equipment. A pickleball court is smaller than a tennis court, measuring 20 feet by 44 feet. The net is 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches high in the middle. This smaller size makes the game more accessible and less physically taxing.
The paddles used in pickleball are larger than ping-pong paddles but smaller than tennis rackets, typically made from lightweight composite materials like graphite or aluminum. The ball is a perforated plastic ball, similar to a wiffle ball, which allows for slower, more controlled play.
Pickleball Rules: A Quick Guide to Get You Started
To fully enjoy pickleball at Saluda School Field, it’s important to understand the basic rules that make the game both fun and fair. Here’s a concise overview of the key rules to help you get started:
- The Serve:
- Starting the Game: The game begins with an underhand serve, hit diagonally across the net into the opponent’s service court.
- Positioning: The server must keep both feet behind the baseline and serve underhand, making contact with the ball below the waist. The serve must clear the non-volley zone (the area 7 feet from the net, also known as “the kitchen”) and land within the opposite service court.
- Service Sequence: In doubles, both players on a team will serve before the serve passes to the opponents, except at the start of the game, where only one player serves.
- Double Bounce Rule:
- Bounce Requirement: After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce once before returning it. The serving team must then let the return bounce before playing the ball. After these two bounces, the ball can be volleyed or played off the bounce.
- The Non-Volley Zone (“The Kitchen”):
- No Volleying: Players cannot volley the ball while standing inside or touching the non-volley zone. This area extends 7 feet from the net on both sides. A volley is any shot hit before the ball bounces.
- Avoiding Faults: It’s a fault if a player steps into the kitchen or on the line while volleying the ball.
- Scoring:
- Points: Points can only be scored by the serving team. A game is typically played to 11 points, and a team must win by at least 2 points.
- Winning the Serve: The server continues to serve until the team commits a fault. When the serving team loses a point, the serve passes to the next player.
- Faults:
- Types of Faults: Common faults include:
- Hitting the ball out of bounds.
- Not clearing the net.
- Volleying from within the kitchen.
- Committing a foot fault on the serve (stepping on or across the baseline or centerline).
- Serving into the wrong service court.
- Types of Faults: Common faults include:
- Doubles Play:
- Serving Sequence in Doubles: Both players on a team will serve until they commit a fault. After both teammates have served, the serve switches to the opposing team.
- Positioning: Players should remain aware of their positioning, especially after the serve, to avoid faults and maintain control of the rally.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, the pickleball court at Saluda School Field offers a fantastic place to enjoy this sport. With its rich history, simple rules, and inclusive nature, pickleball is more than just a passing trend. The new court at Saluda School Field is a testament to the sport’s growing popularity and its ability to bring people together. So grab a paddle, head over to the court, and see for yourself why pickleball has become America’s favorite new sport.