Presentation about the fast-growing sport of Pickleball -- its history, rules, and basic instructions regarding how to play.

1. A World of Pickleball
Gale Leach

2. Why Is It Called Pickleball?
Legend has it that the founders had a cocker spaniel
named Pickles, who used to run away with the ball.
Consequently, the game became known as
“Pickles’ Ball.”

3. What Is Pickleball??
A paddle sport that combines elements of tennis,
badminton, and ping pong.
Played both indoors and outdoors on a
badminton-sized court with a slightly
modified tennis net.
Played with a hard paddle and a
perforated plastic ball.

4. A Game for Everyone
The USAPA estimates over 100,000 players actively play
pickleball.
Pickleball facilities are located in all 50 states and in many
other countries around the world.
Children, teenagers, and young adults play it in middle
schools, high schools, and colleges.
Seniors enjoy the social aspects and the ability to stay
active in towns and retirement communities.
Tennis, racquetball and ping pong players love the
competitive nature of the sport and regularly participate
in tournaments.

5. A Brief History
Pickleball began in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle, WA.
Three dads – Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum –
whose kids were bored with their usual summertime activities
are credited for creating the game.
Pickleball has evolved from
original handmade
equipment and simple rules
into a popular sport
throughout the US and
Canada. The game is growing
internationally as well, with
many European and Asian
countries adding courts.

6. The Court
A pickleball court is the same size as a
doubles badminton court and measures
20×44 feet.
The same court is used for both singles
and doubles play. The court is striped like
a tennis court, with right and left service
courts; in addition, there is a 7-foot
non-volley zone in front of the net
(referred to as the “kitchen”).
The net height is 36 inches at the
sidelines and 34 inches in the middle.
Courts can be constructed specifically
for pickleball or converted from
existing tennis or badminton courts.

7. Equipment
Each player needs a paddle, which is
smaller than a tennis racquet but larger
than a ping pong paddle.
Paddles have evolved dramatically and
are primarily made of lightweight
composite materials, including
aluminum and graphite.
The ball is unique, with holes like a Wiffle ball.
Different balls are used for indoor and
outdoor play.
The ball travels at 1/3 the speed of a tennis ball and is
usually white or yellow in color. New, brightly colored
balls are also gaining popularity.

8. Apparel
Players wear anything comfortable: athletic shorts,
sweatpants, polo shirts, t-shirts, etc.
Tennis-style dresses and skirts for females are also common.
Comfortable tennis shoes are very important.
Players also wear hats, visors, safety glasses, sweatbands,
and light jackets or sweatshirts for cold, outdoor play.

9. The Basic Rules
Server starts in the right court
and serves to the court diagonally
opposite. The ball must travel past
the non-volley zone line.
Receiver must let the ball bounce
once before hitting it. Can return the ball anywhere.
On the first return of service, server
(or partner) must also let the
ball bounce once before hitting it.
After that, players may also volley,
unless they are standing in the non-
volley zone.

10. The Basic Rules: Doubles
Server 1 (A) starts in the right court
and serves diagonally opposite. 
Let’s assume Team C/D returns the
ball into the net (a fault).
Because they served, Team A/B
wins a point and they switch courts
before serving again. 
Except for the first service, both players on a team serve
until their team makes faults. Then service changes to the
opponents, who also both serve.

11. The Basic Rules
In tournaments, a match consists of the best 2 out 3
games played to 11 points.
Players/Teams only score points when serving.
The ball can only bounce once per side.
Typical faults:
Hitting the ball out of bounds or into the net
Volleying while in the non-volley zone
Missing the ball while trying to hit it (unless it goes out)
Serving incorrectly
Being touched or hit by the ball
Stepping on service line or non-volley zone line while
hitting the ball.

12. Keeping Score
Before serving, the serving player must call the score.
The server announces his score followed by his opponent’s score.
If playing doubles, the server announces his team’s score followed
by his opponents’ score – and then states his “server number”
(either 1 or 2).
1 2
3 4
Player A says: “4-3-1”
Player A serves and wins a point.
Player A says: “5-3-1”
A serves again. Team A&B make a fault.
Player B says: “5-3-2” and serves.
Team A/B faults again.
Team C&D gets the serve.
Player C says: “3-5-1” and serves.
Score: A&B = 4 C&D = 3 Score: A&B = 5 C&D = 3

13. Huntsman World Games Pickleball 2013 - (WD 50-54)

14. Now in 4th edition
Winner of the 2007
Arizona Book Award for
Recreation/Sports
Step-by-step instructions
Numerous photos,
illustrations, and diagrams
Easy to read and
understand
Contains the complete
rules of the game