Open Pickleball

Pickleball reservations are required to play. You can find the link to make your reservations by following this link.

What is Pickleball?

Fun, social and friendly. The rules are simple and the game is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players.

The Basics

1. A fun sport that combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong.
2. Played both indoors or outdoors on a badminton-sized court and a slightly modified tennis net.
3. Played with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes.
4. Played as doubles or singles.
5. Can be enjoyed by all ages and skill levels

Brief History

Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle, Washington. Three dads – Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum — whose kids were bored with their usual summertime activities — are credited for creating 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.

Pickleball Court Layout

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

Equipment

A couple of paddles, a ball and a net, and you’re ready to get started..

What to wear when playing

Tennis shoes with grip and athletic wear. A couple of paddles, a ball and a net, and you’re ready to get started.

Information courtesy of Pickleball USA

Questions? Reach out to our Healthy Living Director, Isabelle Reuter. You can reach her by calling the Y at 507.433.1804 ext. 122 or by email at ireuter@ymcaatacrc.org.