Pickleball rules & suitable clothing
Pickleball is a racket sport that combines elements from tennis, badminton and table tennis, and has become a favorite among many, both young and old.
The sport has been around for a long time, but in recent years has grown and gained enormous popularity around the world. We teach you the rules of Pickleball and inspire you with the best sports clothes for the game.
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a racket sport that has its roots in the United States. The sport was created in the 1960s by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum, and the name "Pickleball" is said to be derived from the Pritchards' family dog, Pickles, who loved to pick up the ball and run away with it.
Pickleball combines elements from tennis, badminton and table tennis and can be played both indoors and outdoors on a court with a net. They use a perforated plastic ball and rackets that resemble enlarged ping-pong rackets.
Pickleball rules
Pickleball is played on a rectangular court that is 20 feet (6.1 meters) wide and 44 feet (13.4 meters) long. The net is lower than that of a tennis court and perforated plastic balls are used, as opposed to the heavier rubber tennis balls. Here are some tips and some of the most important rules of pickleball:
Pickleball can be played both one on one and double, i.e. two on two. In doubles, only one player starts serving, and then the serve alternates between the team members. In singles, each player on each side serves at each change of point.
The serve is made underhand with the ball below waist height and must land in the receiving team's service area diagonally across the net.
Only the serving team can score points and each successful serve scores one point. The server continues to serve until the team loses the ball. If you then fail with the serve, the serve goes to the other team. However, if you play doubles, the server then first passes within the own team and only when the other server has lost his serve does the serve pass to the opponents. However, the rule has an important exception, and that is that the team that starts the match only gets one serve in the first round.
Neither the serve nor the return may be volleyed. This means that the receiving team must let the ball bounce before returning the ball and the serving team must let the return bounce before hitting the ball over the net. After the return, the players may hit the ball both on the volley and after a bounce on the ground.
On both sides of the net there is what is called "the kitchen". Here the players are not allowed to enter unless the ball has bounced in the kitchen first. The kitchen is thus what is called a "no-volley zone". In Pickleball, the player therefore does not go closer to the net than this limit unless it is necessary to hit over a ball that has already bounced there.
The hit called "the dink" is one of the most effective in pickleball. It's a soft shot that just barely makes it over the net and lands in "The Kitchen" on the opponent's side of the net. Here, you want the ball to stay low after bouncing, making it harder for the opponent to hit the ball over the net.
You usually play to 11 points and the winning team must win by at least 2 points.
Clothes for Pickleball
As Pickleball is a sport with fast movements, sportswear that is both comfortable and functional is required. Here are 3 tips for finding the right outfit for your next Pickleball game:
Breathable Materials: Choose clothing made from breathable materials to keep you cool during intense matches.
Shoes with good grip: Invest in a pair of training shoes with good grip to avoid slipping and injuries on the court.
Lightweight and flexible: Since Pickleball involves quick movements and reactions, it is important that the clothes are light and allow you full freedom of movement.
Here at Björn Borg, you will of course find a wide range of sportswear for men and women, which is suitable for Pickleball as well as for tennis and padel. Choose from stylishly designed garments with carefully thought-out details, high functionality and full freedom of movement.
Among our clothes for men you will find, among other things, stylish t-shirts and polos, airy sports shorts, and sneakers with good grip.
In our selection of women's sportswear, you will find perfect garments for a Pickleball match. Choose from stylish sports dresses and skirts, or why not a set with sports top and shorts?
Pickleball paddles
The pickleball racquet is smaller and lighter than a tennis racquet. They are usually made of wood, composite materials or a combination of both to provide a balance between control and power. There are several different sizes, weights, models and styles of pickleball paddles. Here you can learn more about different paddles:
The weight of a pickleball racket varies, and it is important to find the right balance for your playing style and physical strength. They are usually divided into two main categories, which are light paddles and heavyweight paddles.
Lightweight paddles: These typically weigh around 213 grams or less and are beneficial for players who want faster reaction speed and control.
Heavyweight paddles: These rackets weigh over 213 grams and are more powerful. They are ideal for players who rely on power shots and smashes.
The grip size of the rackets is crucial for the comfort and control during the game. There are different grip sizes, and it's important to choose one that fits your hand size. Measure the circumference of your hand and use that information to choose the right size.
The surface of the paddle can be smooth or textured. A textured surface can provide extra spin and control of the ball, while a smooth surface tends to offer more power.
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