Interested in pickleball? Yes, we do. Luckily, courts are popping up all over the country, and there’s never been a better time to get into the game. Anyone can try pickleball once they learn the basic pickleball rules and a few other basics. America’s fastest growing sport And experience what the hype is all about.
One of the attractions of pickleball is that it is fairly beginner-friendly. Landon Wetts, PT, DPT, Physiotherapist and certified pickleball coach from Chandler, Arizona tells SELF. And other racket he doesn’t need experience to try sports (such as badminton or table tennis), he says.
In fact, the lower intensity makes it more suitable for beginners. Compared to tennis, pickleball courts are smaller, the ball travels less quickly, and the paddles are easier to control. As a result, you need to move around less, have less hand-eye coordination, and are typically able to sustain longer rallies and time to keep hitting the ball back and forth.Jenny Merrin, Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Pickleball Coach lifetime In Eden Prairie, Minnesota, SELF speaks.
Another perk? “It’s a really engaging community,” Merrin says. Most people play doubles. That means there are four of her on the court at once, giving the sport a more social feel. Additionally, pickleball is relatively affordable and does not require expensive equipment. Many community parks also have free outdoor courts.
Melin says pickleball is a great workout because it allows you to move your body in all directions, challenges your coordination and often gets your heart rate up. Perhaps most importantly? “It’s a lot of fun,” she says. And perhaps the more you enjoy working out, the more likely you are to stick with it. That means pickleball could become a staple in her fitness routine.
Here’s everything you need to know to get started, including how to play pickleball, basic rules and etiquette tips to remember, equipment and supplies you’ll need, and ways to reduce your risk of injury. Consider this as a pickleball guide for beginners.
1. Collect certain supplies.
Paddle first. To make sure it’s legal, you might want to choose a racquet specifically for pickleball that’s smaller and more rectangular than the one you use in tennis. (Basically, its length should not exceed 17 inches, and the total length plus width should not exceed 24 inches.) Pickleball paddles can be found online or at sporting goods stores. says Wetz. They can also be rented at some fitness facilities, Merrin said.
Then there are the pickleball balls. It is made of non-textured material and has holes, unlike tennis balls. There are many variations between indoor and outdoor games, with indoor balls having larger holes than outdoor balls, Melin said. These can be purchased at the same retailers that sell paddles.
2. Dress up the parts.
No special clothing is required for pickleball. “Any type of workout clothing is fine as long as it’s easy to move in and comfortable,” Merrin says. As for footwear, consider buying court shoes specifically for pickleball or tennis, says Merrin. Compared to running his shoes and walking his shoes, which are primarily intended for forward movement, court shoes support movement in all directions, especially lateral (left and right). This is especially important in pickleball because you have to do all kinds of moves.
