Have you seen our new line-up of pickleball sessions? With an array of sessions running throughout the week for all ages and abilities, there is a session to suit everyone.
Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the UK and organisers are even trying to get it included in the 2028 Olympics.
But what is pickleball?
Pickleball is a mash-up of tennis, badminton and ping-pong and can be played by singles or in pairs, either indoors or outside.
It is suitable for everyone and is a great way to get fit, and meet new people.
The aim of the game is to get the ball over the net and prevent your opponent from hitting it back.
Players use hard paddles a little bigger than ping-pong bats, and a light plastic ball (called a wiffle ball) to play.
How is it played?
Whilst pickleball is a simple and fun game that was created for all ages and skill levels to enjoy, the full rules can be somewhat overwhelming.
So, to get you started playing and enjoying the game, here are some simplified pickleball rules that you should know before heading to the court:
Your serve must be hit underhand and be started from the baseline.
The serve must land beyond the Kitchen area.
(The Kitchen is the space right next to the net, extending 7m out from the net on both sides of the court and spanning from side line to side line. It is also known as the No-Volley Zone).
Your serve must go cross court to the square diagonally across from you.
You continue to serve until you lose a point.
All shots must land in bounds.
The ball must bounce once on each side at the start of a rally. The serve must bounce before being hit by the receiving team and the return of serve must bounce before being returned.
You can’t hit the ball out of the air while standing in the Kitchen or No-Volley Zone.
If you are standing on the Kitchen line, you are in the Kitchen.
No part of the player can land in the Kitchen after a volley, even if it is just your momentum that takes you there.
Only the serving team can earn points.
Games are played to 11 points, and you must win by 2 points.
So why is it called 'Pickleball'?
The game of pickleball was invented in 1965 by US Congressman Joel Pritchard and his friend Bill Bell during a summer holiday with their families in Washington. But the stories about exactly why the name 'Pickleball' was chosen differ somewhat.
One popular (but debunked) tale claims that the game was named after the family dog, Pickles.
Another theory asserts that it was actually named by Mrs Pritchard who was inspired by 'pickle boats' in rowing. The pickle boat in a race would often be made up of a crew that was thrown together at random. Which is quite apt since the game uses an assortment of equipment and rules from other sports.
Whatever the true origin of the name, it isn't actually anything to do with pickles, and we aren't going to make you eat any.
Why not come and give it a go?
Have a look at the timetable below to choose the most suitable session for you.
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