What is pickleball?!!
Pickleball, the "fun game with a funny name" is America's fastest growing sport! It is a game that borrows rules from tennis, badminton and ping-pong (table tennis) and also has some unique rules of its own. In particular, there are three unique rules:
1) the non-volley zone (aka "the kitchen"),
2) the underhand serve or new drop serve, and
3) the double bounce rule.
More on each of those unique rules in the HOW TO PLAY section.
The game got its start in 1965 on badminton court near Seattle, Washington. For more information on how it all got started, check out the History of Pickleball page. For how Pickleball got started in the La Crosse area, check out the About La Crosse Pickleball Club page.
Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court (20 x 44 feet) with a net that is 2 inches lower than a tennis net (36 inches on end and 34 inches in the center). It is played with a perforated plastic ball, similar to a wiffle ball, and a paddle that can be made of composite, graphite, wood or other materials. The paddle is like an oversized ping-pong paddle.
A great visual look at the game of pickleball!
The popularity of this game is in part because it is easy for beginners to learn. However, it can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players.
Many players, of all ages, play this sport for the recreational enjoyment. However, for those wanting the competitive edge, you can be rated at skill levels from 1.0 to 5.0.
Check out these competitive points!
Quick Facts
Over 3 million players are in the US according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA).
In La Crosse, the sport has grown to almost 300 players in a span of 6 years.
The sport is governed by the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA.org), which maintains the rules, promotes the sport, sanctions tournaments, and provides player rankings. For more information, please visit: www.usapa.org
Equipment
Most pickleball paddles cost between $30 - $250.
Outside balls and inside balls are around $3 a piece and generally last a month or so of play depending on how aggressive the play is.
Our area uses the Franklin X-40 yellow ball for outdoor play and the Onix Fuse orange ball for indoor play.
For more information on equipment, see our page on it for paddle reviews and get a discount code for online store called Pickleball Central!
Can I play?
You are WELCOME to come to any of the times listed. Pickleball is a unique sport is that it is a "drop in play" sport. People show up during the hours listed and wait their turn to play a game on the courts.
Don't have a paddle? No problem! Our club has paddles you can borrow. Everyone has balls to use for play. So just come on out and give it a try! We are a friendly bunch who want to share our love of the game with you!
Or check our list of clinics available if you would like a formal setting.
Contact us!!!
We would love to help you learn this sport and get connected to the large group of people playing in the area. Be sure to check out the clinics page for times when we will put on learn to play clinics and have skill sessions.
- An email loaded with pickleball information is free and available to receive (your personal email is never revealed) - Contact Gary at laxpickleball@gmail.com to get it.
- Click on the facebook links below to get into the local community postings!