The U.S. Open Pickleball Championships are taking place this week in Naples, Florida. Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the country with over 2.5 million players playing this “sweet sport with a sour name”.
Here are 5 things to know about Pickleball:
1) Paddles – the game is played with solid paddles made of wood or composite material.
2) Ball – the ball is very similar to a whiffle ball.
3) Courts – the court resembles the size of a badminton court 20x44 ft and striped like a tennis court. The net is approximately 3 ft high.
4) Serve – the serving team must use an underhand stroke and connect with the ball below the waist (no power slams on the serve in this sport). The serve is sent diagonally to the opponent’s service zone.
5) Zones – no double alley in pickleball, no-volley zone called “the kitchen” (I don’t know why) and ball can be hit in the kitchen area only after it bounces.
This new sport is great for all ages and abilities. Here in Naples, the senior citizen population has taken to it and the courts are full during our winter season. Try it! It is a fun and social way to exercise and enjoy the outdoors!
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