Filed under: Activities & Attractions, Campgrounds & RV Parks

What is PickleBall?

November 3, 2012 by Good Sam Team · Leave a Comment

Print This Post ·

What is Pickle-ball you ask? It has been around ever since 1965 when it was invented out of necessity because someone’s kids were bored. The game is a cross between tennis, badminton and ping pong as it has elements of each. The court size is less than one-half that of a tennis court. It is played with a plastic wiffle ball and a paddle similar to a ping pong paddle but larger and a bit square. The net is slightly lower than that of a tennis court.

What is the rage? What started out as a back yard pastime has grown into an organized sport represented by national and international governing bodies. Why? Because it is fun! It can be played by people of all ages. The ball moves much slower than a tennis ball, therefore making it easier to strike and volley. It is a game that parents and grandparents can play with the kids and everyone has fun.

Pickle-ball is very popular among active Baby Boomers, many of whom are entering retirement. This is how it is explained by one of Parkview’s players: “There are several reasons I like to play this game. I like all racket sports, especially tennis. But when one gets a bit older, tennis becomes rough on the body. Knees and ankles take quite a beating. So here is where Pickle-ball comes in. The court is smaller and the ball travels at a much slower speed, giving you more time to get to the ball. Also making the game better, different level players can still have a good game together. Scoring for the game goes to 11 which makes for shorter game times. If many people play and someone is sitting out, the wait time is not that long.”

How is Pickle-ball is played? The ball is served underhand starting from the right-hand side of the court and is served diagonally to the opponent’s service zone. After the first serve, the server switches to the left-hand side, alternating sides after each serve. Points are scored by the serving side only and occur when the opponent faults (fails to return the ball, hits ball out of bounds, etc.). The server continues to serve, alternating service courts, until the server faults. The first side scoring eleven points and leading by at least two points wins.

So that is Pickle-ball! And Parkview Riverside RV Park, in Concan Texas, has two brand new Pickle-ball courts. We welcome everyone out to Parkview Riverside RV Park to try your hand on our courts. Get your game on!

Find Parkview Riverside RV Park on Woodalls.com!