Are you someone who loves to stay active or is looking for a new sport to improve your daily fitness? In this article, Olaben will introduce you to pickleball – a sport that has been booming in the United States with rapid growth, attracting more than 5 million players nationwide.
If this is the first time you’ve heard of pickleball and you’re still unsure what it is, let’s explore with Olaben below. You’ll surely be surprised by how exciting and unique this sport is.
What is Pickleball?
Before diving into how to play, let’s first understand what pickleball actually is.
Pickleball is a unique blend of table tennis, badminton, and tennis, with its own special adjustments:
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The court is smaller,
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The paddle is larger than a table tennis paddle but smaller than a tennis racket,
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The ball is a lightweight plastic ball with holes.
Pickleball can be played both indoors and outdoors, in singles (2 players) or doubles (4 players).
Players use paddles to serve and return the ball over a 0.86m-high net, with the goal of making the opponent miss or commit a fault. The rules are simple and easy to grasp, making it suitable for all ages and skill levels.
Despite its simple appearance, pickleball has a unique charm: beginners can quickly get the hang of it and enjoy the fun, while advanced players experience fast-paced, intense, and highly engaging matches.
The Origins of Pickleball
Before becoming a global phenomenon, many people wondered when pickleball was first created.
In fact, the sport originated in 1965 in Washington State, USA. At first, it was just a casual family game, but thanks to its strong spread—especially when billionaire Bill Gates and former world-class tennis players embraced it—pickleball quickly gained prominence.
In the past three years, it has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.
In Vietnam, pickleball only appeared a few months ago but has already gained special attention. From children to adults, seniors, and even those with joint problems or disabilities, anyone can easily participate. Its simplicity and appeal make pickleball an experience that you can only fully appreciate once you pick up a paddle and play.
Health Benefits of Playing Pickleball
Beyond being a trendy sport, pickleball offers many physical and mental health benefits. Here are some of the key advantages:
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Improves cardiovascular health: According to Cleveland Clinic, engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week enhances heart health. Playing pickleball raises your heart rate, burns calories, strengthens lung function, and helps maintain a healthy weight.
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Strengthens muscles, bones, and joints: The full-body movement helps build muscle strength, improve flexibility, prevent osteoporosis, and keep joints strong.
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Enhances coordination and balance: Quick movements across the court train coordination between your hands, eyes, and feet. This is especially important for older adults, as better balance reduces the risk of falls.
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Boosts brain health: Playing pickleball not only benefits your body but also your mind. It improves sleep, memory, and focus, while reducing the risk of depression and promoting a more positive outlook.
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Contributes to longevity: Studies show that regular physical activity extends lifespan. Like tennis, pickleball helps players maintain a healthy, energetic lifestyle over the long term.
Basic Rules of Pickleball You Need to Know
Once you understand what pickleball is, the next step is to learn the fundamental rules and techniques to play a proper match.
1. Court and Equipment
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Standard court: 6m x 13.5m, similar to a badminton doubles court.
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Paddle: made of composite or polymer materials, lightweight and easy to handle.
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Net height: about 0.86m (86 cm) in the center.
2. Serving Rules
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Serve from the baseline, hitting upward underhand, below the waist.
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The ball must cross the net without touching it.
- Service alternates between teams.
3. Hitting and Returning the Ball
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The ball must clear the net and land in the opponent’s court.
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A ball can only bounce once on your side before being returned.
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Shots landing out of bounds or failing to clear the net result in a fault.
4. Non-Volley Zone (“The Kitchen”)
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This is the area near the net.
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Players cannot step inside to hit volleys (balls before they bounce).
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If the ball lands here, you must wait for it to bounce before hitting.
5. Scoring and Winning
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Practice games: usually played to 11 points, win by at least 2 points.
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Official matches: often to 15 or 21 points, still requiring a 2-point lead.
6. Basic Techniques
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Serve: underhand serve from baseline into opponent’s court.
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Dink: a soft shot near the net to control play and challenge opponents.
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Lob: a high, deep shot to push opponents back.
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Smash: a powerful, downward shot to finish rallies.
With simple rules but plenty of strategy, pickleball is perfect for both beginners and players seeking a fast-paced, competitive sport.
FAQ – Pickleball Rules
1. What is the size of a pickleball court?
A standard pickleball court is 6m wide and 13.5m long, similar to a badminton doubles court.
2. How high is the net in pickleball?
The net is about 0.86m high at the center.
3. How is the ball served in pickleball?
The ball is served from the baseline with an underhand stroke below the waist. It must cross the net and land in the opponent’s court.
4. What formats of pickleball are there?
Pickleball can be played in singles (2 players) or doubles (4 players).
5. What is the “kitchen” in pickleball?
The “kitchen” or non-volley zone is the area near the net where players cannot step in to hit volleys. Balls landing here can only be hit after bouncing.
6. How is scoring done in pickleball?
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Practice: games to 11 points, win by 2.
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Tournaments: games to 15 or 21 points, also win by at least 2.
Play Pickleball with Olaben
Pickleball is not only fun and engaging but also more enjoyable when you have the right gear. To maximize your experience, choosing the right activewear is just as important as mastering the rules.
At Olaben, you’ll find a wide range of products designed for modern athletes:
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Women’s Sportswear: supportive sports bras, and women's long-sleeve tops, and women's tank tops for full comfort and sweat control.
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Sports Bottoms: leggings, women's shorts, women's joggers, and even sporty skirts for both performance and style.
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Multi-functional apparel: jumpsuits, women's hoodies, and women's lightweight jackets for warm-ups and cool-downs.
- Pickleball Essentials: high-quality pickleball paddles crafted for precision and durability, perfect for both casual play and competitive matches.
With a blend of modern design, premium materials, and high functionality, Olaben supports every movement, making pickleball not just a workout but also a stylish and inspiring lifestyle experience.
Visit Olaben Store to explore our latest collections and receive dedicated advice from our team:
Ho Chi Minh City
- Flagship Store: 1M, Street 10, Thao Dien, District 2 (Thu Duc) – Hotline: 092.828.2088
- Nguyen Trai: 35 Nguyen Trai, Ben Thanh, District 1 – Hotline: 036.428.2088
Hanoi
- Vincom Times City: 458 Minh Khai, Vinh Tuy, Hai Ba Trung – Hotline: 037.928.2088
- 263 Pho Hue, Hai Ba Trung
