 Grab a paddle: We've got the hottest new game for you to add to your list of sporting activities.
The sport—a mash-up between tennis and ping pong—has been on the rise lately and it's easy to see why: Not only is it a great way to get in some exercise, but it's low-impact enough that anyone can do it. You don't have to be a pro athlete to have fun playing pickleball. It really is accessible for people of all ages.
If you're not already playing pickleball, now is a great time to start. It's easy to learn, but it can get competitive quickly, so you're going to want to get your game-face on!
What is pickleball?
 Pickleball is a sport that combines elements of tennis, ping pong, and badminton into one family-friendly game. It can be played singles or doubles on a court that looks like a tennis court but is much smaller. Instead of tennis rackets, you use paddles and a plastic ball.
What are the rules of pickleball?
Once set up, you'll hit the ball back and forth (similar to tennis) until one player misses. Here are the rules:
- To serve, the ball must be hit underhand and below waist level. The serve is made diagonally across the court, and it must bounce before the opposite player can hit it back.
- A point is scored only if you're serving, and the game goes to 11 points (but take note: you must win by two points!).
- If a point is scored, the serving team will switch sides—meaning the server will move from right to left.
- There's also something known as a no-volley zone, also called "the kitchen," which is within 7 feet of the net. You're not allowed to volley the ball in this zone.
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