Learn How to Play Pickleball

Florida is known for its long stretches of sandy beaches, its year-round sun, its incredible wildlife, and its family-friendly amusement parks. If you’re planning a trip to Florida and want to try something a little unusual, why not try playing Pickleball? Pickleball is a little-known sport that has rapidly grown in popularity in South Florida over the past few years. While checking out our Captiva vacation rentals, learn about the Pickleball phenomenon that is sweeping the state.

seniors playing pickleball

What is Pickleball?

Pickleball is often described as being a cross between tennis and ping pong. It closely follows the rules of tennis; however, in Pickleball, a small paddle and a plastic ball are used. The court is 20 by 44 feet. 

The sport was invented in 1965 in Washington at the home of Joel Pritchard. Rumor has it, the name “Pickleball” was inspired by Pritchard’s dog, Pickles, although others claim the dog was named after the game. It was originally played primarily by children and seniors, as it afforded them the chance to exercise without putting too much strain on the body. Since then, it has grown in popularity.

There are now thousands of Pickleball players around the world.

The Florida Pickleball Phenomenon

In recent years, Pickleball has become one of the most popular recreational activities in Florida. Because of the year-round warm weather, it’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon playing the game. People of all ages love the game. It’s suitable for people of all fitness and skill levels.

In recent years, the sport has become one of the best things to do on Sanibel. Sundial Beach Resort and Spa has a 12 court Pickleball stadium. Here, you can take lessons with a pro or knock around the ball with your friends and family while enjoying the spectacular ocean views. There are several other places to try the sport in Sanibel, Florida and its surrounding area. 

How to Play Pickleball

Whether you’re a seasoned tennis player or a complete novice, Pickleball is a fun, relaxed game. Here are the rules if you’re interested in playing the game correctly. 

Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court with two people or with two teams of two people each. The ball is served underhand diagonally from the right-hand service square. Points can only be scored by the serving side. There is a seven-foot non-volley zone on each side of the net. The serve must clear this area to be counted. 

Serving Rules

  • Always serve underhand from below the waist
  • Clear the non-volley zone
  • The server must keep both feet behind the back line when serving
  • One serve attempt is allowed
  • The serving side continues to serve until there is a fault in the service

Other Rules 

  • Volley shots (or shots with no bounce) can only be made if the player has both feet behind the non-volley zone line
  • Each team must play their first shot off the bounce, so two bounces must occur before any volley shots are made 
  • Faults occur when the ball is hit out of bounds, does not clear the net or is volleyed from the non-volley zone

Scoring

Teams can only score when they are serving. A team keeps serving until a fault is made when the service switches to the other team. Games are played up to 11 points, but the winning side must win by at least 2 points.

Finding the Best Condo Rentals in Captiva

If you’re still looking for your ideal home away from home for your trip to Sanibel and Captiva, our condo rentals have everything you could wish for. With bright, spacious rooms, modern appliances and fittings, chic design and gorgeous views, our properties boast some of the best condo rentals in Captiva.

Gopher Enterprises specializes in tracking down the very best condominium units on the island. We look through both the rental agencies and the private listings to ensure you find exactly what you’re looking for. If you have a specific query, feel free to email us your request. 

So, take the stress out of your vacation and let Gopher do the hard work for you. Our team is highly experienced and will quickly find you your dream vacation rental.