Let The Game Begin
PICKLE-BALL
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Ball
Net
Paddle
Court
A SHORT HISTORY OF THE GAME
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The Pickle-Ball game was invented in 1965 in Seattle, Washington USA by Mr Joel
Pritchard, the ex-congressman, and Mr Bill Bell, a successful businessman. The original
purpose was to provide a game that the whole family might enjoy regardless of level of
athletic ability and strength. However, it can also be and has been played competitively.
Pickle-Ball has enjoyed widespread growth throughout the United States, Canada, Japan,
Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong and now in Singapore and Malaysia. There
are some 75,000 people playing Pickle-Ball in United States alone and the number is
increasing rapidly as it is an inexpensive and easy game to play. Although originally the
game was meant for family to have an active, healthy and meaningful life, it is now also
well accepted by the youth and all walks of life. It is a fun court game for all.
• The Game
• Pickleball is a simple paddle game, a hybrid of
Badminton, Tennis and Table-Tennis, playing with a
whiffleball over a net, on a badminton-sized
court. The ball is served underhand, without
bouncing it from the court, and is served
diagonally to the opponent's service zone.
• Points are scored by the serving side only and
occur when the opponent faults (fails to return
the ball, hits the ball out of bounds, etc.). The
server continues to serve, altering service
courts, until the server faults.
• A game is won by the first side to reach eleven
(11) points but will continue until won by a two
point margin.
Fault-Side Out
• Hitting the ball out of
bounds
• Not clearing the net
• Stepping into the nonvolley zone and volleying
the ball
• Volleying the ball before it
has bounced once on each
side of the net.
Court Size
• Court: 20’ x 44’
• The net is hung 36” in
the middle.
• Whiffle balls are used
for the ball
Unique Pickleball Features
· Serve Position: Server can
have one foot inside the
baseline, as long as the other
foot is outside at moment of
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serve.
· Service Bounce Rule
(Double Bounce): Following
serve, each side must make at
least one ground-stroke, prior
to volleying the ball (hitting it
before it has bounced).
· Non-volley Zone: A player
cannot volley a ball while
standing within the non-volley
zone.
Volley
• Hit it the air without
first letting it bounce.
• All volleying must be
done with player’s feet
behind the non-volley
zone line.
• Stepping over the line
on the follow through
is a fault.
Double Bounce
Rule
• Each team must play their
first shot off the bounce.
• The receiving team must
let the serve bounce, and
the serving team must let
the return of the serve
bounce before playing it.
• After two bounces—one
on each side—then the
ball can be either volleyed
or played off the bounce.
Serve
• Toss coin or rally the ball until a
fault is made—Winner has the
option of serving first or not serving first.
• Must keep one foot behind the back line when serving.
• Must be underhand.
• Paddle must pass below the waist.
• Must hit the ball in the air on the serve—No bouncing the ball then
serving.
• Only One serve attempt, unless the ball touches the net on the serve
and lands in the correct service court.
• The first serving team at the beginning of the match--is allowed
only one fault before giving up the ball to the opponents. After
that both members of each team will serve and fault before the ball is
given to the other team.
• The player in the right hand court will always start play.
Scoring
• A team can only score a point when serving.
• A player who is serving will continue to serve
until a fault is made by his team.
• The game is played to 11 points, a team must win
by 2 points.
General Scoring
• The player who starts the
game in the right hand
court—score 0—will
always be in the right
hand court when his
team’s score is 2, 4, 6, 8,
10.
• The hand below the wrist
is part of the paddle and
shots off any part of it are
good.
Rubric—Skills, Strategy and
Rules, Attitude
Pickleball Grading Rubric
A =100-95%
Skills: In ready position most of the time. Tries to use a variety of strokes
Strategy & Rules: Attempts to move opponent around the court. Plays by the rules.
Attitude: Participates with all classmates, provides occasional positive feedback (no negative).
B = 85%
Skills: Sporadically uses ready position. Uses only underhand and forehand strokes most of the
time.
Strategy & Rules: Unable to consistently keep ball in play. Not sure of the rules.
Attitude: Interactions limited or lean toward being more negative.
C = 75%
Skills: Seldom use ready position. Rarely able to maintain a volley.
Strategy & Rules: Unable to demonstrate.
Attitude: Many negative interactions.
D/F = 65%-0%
Skills: Does not attempt to improve.
Strategy & Rules: Unable to demonstrate.
Attitude: Mostly negative interactions with other students.
Review
• Court size?
• On the serve, what are 3 things the server
must remember to do in order to score a
point?
• On the serve, what must the receiving team
remember to do in order to get a side out?
• What is a volley?
• What is the Double Bounce Rule?
• Name at least 3 faults.
• How many points do you play to?
• Who begins the serve? Right or
Left Player
• After a point is scored, what does the
serving team do?
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PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT
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Friday & Saturday September 27-28, 2002
The Everett 24Hour Fitness Club (10110 Evergreen Way - 425-347-1077) is hosting a Pickleball Tournament “The
Emerald City Open” - Open to all players in the United States. Players from WA and OR will be there, including
several 2002 National Pickleball Champions.
Tournament sponsors are:
· 24Hour Fitness Club
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· Food and Drinks will be provided by 24hr Fitness Club!
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·Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd
Divisions of play: Events:Start Times (Approx):1. Open (the best players)
1. Men's Open Singles
Fri. 5:30pm - 11:00pm
2. "A"
2. Men’s & Women’s Open Singles
Fri. 6:30pm - 11:00pm
3. Mixed Doubles – Open
Sat. 9:00am - 12:00pm
4. Men’s & Women's Open Doubles
Sat. 12:00pm - 3:00pm
5. Men’s A Doubles
Sat. 3:00:pm - 6:00:pm
Entry fees:
Fee is $25 - you can enter Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles
You can only play in one division per event. For example, you cannot enter "Open" and "A" in Singles
Double Elimination. Matches will be 1 game to 21 points (switch sides at 11). You must win by 2 points. Referees
will be provided for every match. All games/matches will be played under the USAPA rules. Consolation round play
will be 1 game to 11 points (switch sides at 6). The winner of the consolation round will play for 1st and 2nd place.
You may call 3 time-outs per match. All players will play at least 2 matches (forfeits are uncontrollable).
Space is limited. Space is limited. Don’t wait! RSVP Mark Friedenberg at 1-800-525-5440 ext. 6507 (D) or 360-3314913 (N). Or send email to apbmaster@aol.com. All fees will be collected before you start play. Registration on the
day of tournament will be used to fill remaining vacancies
Another Tournament?
• *Sat Jan. 18 2003
Phoenix All-City Pickleball Tourney
Venture Out RV Resort,
5001 E. Main St.
Mesa AZ (SE Phoenix)
Men's Dbls/Women's Doubles
Drop Flite Tournament. Contact Earl Hill
for info/registration 1-800-618-1480 Ext.
8158 or gladearl@tx3.
What is the United States of America Pickleball
Association?
The United States of America Pickleball Association {USAPA} was organized to perpetuate the growth and
advancement of pickleball to a national level. Our plans also include goals for worldwide play and recognition.
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The USAPA published it’s first rulebook in March, 1984, followed by a revised edition in January, 1985 The
purpose of the rule book is to provide the pickleball player with the expanded rules necessary for organized
league and tournament play. These official rules are critical to the advancement of the game. As players
continue to appear nation wide the USAPA rulebook and web site insures the consistency and
integrity of picklball. Imagine trying to organize local, state, and national tournaments with players
using different rules, equipment, and court dimensions!
The USAPA is the only long lasting governing body of pickleball. Providing tournaments, detailed rulebooks, a
ranking system, and promotions since 1984!
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The USAPA is a non-profit organization and is chartered to promote pickleball for the enjoyment of its
members. With the rapid growth of pickleball and this strong organization to lead, we encourage sponsors to
contribute goods, services, advertisements and money so our sport can grow.
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If you are a fan of this wonderful activity the most important thing you can do to grow this sport is to
become a member. Membership fees enable us support the programs that are consistent with USAPA goals.
They are; expose the self-esteem qualities of Pickleball to youth, provide quality tournaments for top level
players, and introduce the "Fountain of Youth" qualities to seniors!
We believe the world is a happier healthier place with pickleball in it!
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Why should I join the United States of America Pickleball Association?
You probably love the game of pickleball as much as we do here at USAPA. Like you, we want see the game grow! We believe pickleball will
become a national sport if it has a strong organization behind it. That is why your membership is so important. It is the foundation on which this
organization grows. Strong membership = strong association = strong promotion, organization and tournaments = corporation sponsorship and the
cycle continues.
The President’s challenge is to increase membership by 2000 members before the end of the year. Reaching that goal provides us with the
computer equipment, office supplies, liability insurance, printing costs, tournament costs, etc. We need to take Pickleball from its present status to
national sport. Also, upon reaching that goal of 2000 new members the USAPA will set a date for the first grand prize national championship. This
will be a the most promoted event ever with a minimum $1,000 to the winners of selected divisions!
As a member you will receive these benefits:
1} USAPA membership numbers valid for one year.
2} Use that number to order official USAPA equipment at a 10% discount! Paddles, balls, shirts and other cool stuff! {See our web store}
3} Receive the 22 page Official Pickleball Tournament Rulebook!
4} Receive 2 official tournament balls!
5} Gain entry to the "members only" section of the web site. This will contain huge discounts on slight blemished pickleball products. ie. Paint flaws
on paddles, slight flawed USAPA hats and shirts. Though only available when we have them, it is worth your while to check often and find Pro-Lite
paddles as low as $8, Shirts for $5 and more! The "members only" will also have access to special articles, photo’s, and video of Pickleball action!
6} You will be entered in a drawing to receive 4 USAPA color-matching hats, paddles and shirts!
7} For those without internet access or who request it, receive 4 newsletter publications per year!
As a member you will feel a sense of community interacting with players from around the country. By joining we are confident that you will get more
enjoyment from your game and help spread pickleball! Our usapa.org web site will be #1 source for Pickleball information. If the site does not have
the information your looking for e-mail us direct or call 1-888-775-9615.
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USAPA Membership Application
Name__________________________ Age ______________________
Street__________________________ City_______________________
State___________________________ Zip_______________________
Phone#_________________________ e-mail: ______________________
{in addition to the membership fee please include an additional contribution so we can bring pickleball to youth and seniors……If you can
afford it.
1 year membership $25 ____________ For Visa or MasterCard payments please e-mail or fax 1-888-775-9615
additional contribution $25 _____________ credit card #_______________________ expiration date_____
Additional contribution $50 _____________ to usapa.org or 1-888-775-9615
additional contribution $100 _____________
or send check to:
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USAPA3504 Fox Spit RDLangley, WA 98260Total _________
Doubles Play
• Player in the right hand court serves diagonally across court to
receiver in opposite right hand court.
• The ball must clear the non-volley zone and land in the right hand
court.
• The receiver must let the ball bounce—serving team must also let
the return bounce before playing it—DOUBLE BOUNCE RULE.
• If the fault is made by the receiving team, a point is scored by the
serving team.
• When the serving team wins a point, they switch courts (on their
side) and the same player will continue to serve.
• When the serving team makes a fault, players will stay in the same
court and the second partner will then serve.
• When they make their second fault they will stay in the same
courts and turn the ball over to the other team.
• Players switch courts only after scoring.
General Play
• Both members of the
serving team should
be back near the
baseline at the time of
the serve so that
neither will forget to
let the first returned
ball bounce before
they return it.
General
• After the ball is in play,
lobbing it over the
opponent’s head can be an
effective strategy.
• A ball landing on the line is
good.
• If a player sees that the ball
is going to land in the nonvolley zone, move back and
let it bounce before
returning it.—Non-volley
zone.
Court
• Service Line
• Non Volley Zone
• Service Area
MORE RULES OF PICKLE-BALL
It can be played in singles, doubles or mixed doubles.
The scoring system is identical to badminton: only the side with the service can score points.
Each match is decided over 3 games with each game played to 11 or 15 points.
Deuce is set at 10 points in a 11 points game; 14 points in a 15 points game.
In a rubber set, players change sides at 6 points in an 11 points game or 8 points in a 15 points game.
All services must be below the waist.
The receiving player must let the ball bounce once before returning the serve.
The serving side has to let the return of the serve bounce once before returning the shot.
The ball can be volleyed during rally only after the above two bounces.
Winning Pickle-Ball will be the result of putting the ball where you want, controlling the tempo of the game, and keeping
the ball in play. Size and strength are not major factors in who will win the game, because strategy and tatics tend to be
just as important in the final outcome.
Pickle-Ball is an ideal family sport as it is very easy to learn. Mixed doubles are great fun with father and daughter trying
their skills against mother and son. Father versus daughter and mother versus son games will provide outstanding
family entertainment and fitness.
The small court size (only 20ft. x 44ft.) provides for long rallies and a variety of play by players determined to win over
their opponents. The fast volley exchanges increase the fun for players and spectators.
Pickle-Ball is played by 2 or 4 players on a court identical to a badminton doubles court in size. Easilylowering the net to 3 feet on
the badminton doubles court will convert it to a Pickle-Ball court. Lightweightpaddles (slightly larger than a Ping-Pong Ball
paddle) and a plastic perforated ball are the keys to producing long, exciting rallies consisting of volleys at the net and ground
strikes similar to tennis. The game involves strategies that includes the lob, overhead, smash, passing shots by the opponent at the
net and the fast volley exchanges.