PRE-REQUISITE ONLINE SELF STUDY: Beginner's Introduction To Pickleball 101

*** NOTE:
You complete this course at home on the computer/phone at your own pace.
Due to the overwhelming demand for court and organizer's time, if you have never played Pickleball, it is a prerequisite requirement that you complete this online self study course to introduce yourself to the basics of the game.
***

WHAT IS PICKLEBALL?

• Cross between ping pong, badminton and tennis
• Paddles and ball are similar to ping pong
• Courts are similar to badminton
• Net and play similar to tennis

ETIQUETTE

• Wait until play is finished before crossing into another court. Cross behind the court.
• The team that is in the court where the ball last bounces will have final say on whether or not it’s in/out
• If your ball travels onto another court, don’t chase after it. Instead say “Ball” and let the other court stop its play to get the ball. Running onto the other court could cause a collision
• When serving, announce the score clearly and only when the opposing team is ready

SAFETY

• EYE PROTECTION and court shoes should be worn.
• Do not run backwards on the court
• Do not put balls in your back pocket (if you fall – it may damage your hip
• If a ball comes or goes into another court call ball and stop play.
• Drink water to stay hydrated.
• If you fall, do not jump back up – take 5 seconds and get your bearings
• Do warm up exercises

WARM-UP EXERCISES

• Side-Shuffling on balls of feet
• Squat, torso rotation and reaching to tap paddle in front
• Leg swings leaning against a wall
• Full arm rotations on each arm (forward/backward)
• Yoga cat/cow and cobra postures

HOW TO PLAY

• Watch the video | The Definitive Beginner's Resource to How to Play Pickleball: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTvPYdKZqO0

HOW TO SERVE

• The serve must be hit with an upward arc underhand stroke
• Contact with the ball must be below the belly button
• Serve to the diagonally opposite service court from behind the baseline - and on or within the imaginary extension of the sidelines and center line.
• Placement should be in the diagonally opposite service court
• Remain back until the receiver has returned the ball so that you let the return bounce. This is called the Two Bounce Rule!

HOW TO KEEP TRACK OF SCORE

• Watch Video | How To Play Pickleball: Serving and Scoring: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ox3YlsvewMA

• Watch Video | How To Play Pickleball: Basic Rules and Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVFB97Hvlxs

OPENING STRATEGY (Refer to Image 1 in Photo Section)

1. Serving Side has both players behind baseline
2. On the Receiving Side, the player receiving serve is behind baseline while partner is just behind non-volley line
3. After returning the ball, the Receiver will quickly run up and join his/her partner at the non-volley line