Pickleball is a sport that combines elements of ping pong, tennis and badminton. Played on a badminton-sized court, players use wooden paddles to volley a wiffleball over a small net.

Pickleball was invented outside Seattle in the 1960's. After casually being played in backyards and driveways, proper courts were constructed, similar in size to badminton courts. Matches, which can be played by singles or doubles, consist of the players or teams volleying a small plastic ball with paddles. Matches last to 21 points, with serving teams scoring only by winning volleys.

Use a small paddle to volley a plastic ball around a rectangular court.

Matches are played on a rectangular court, similar in size to a badminton court. A net separates the court and stands 36 inches off the ground. Matches can be played by singles or doubles. Play begins with a player serving from the right side of the court. The ball must contact the paddle below the waist, using an underhand motion, and must land in the diagonally opposite court, past the non-volley line. The receiving player or team must let the ball bounce before returning the serve. The serving player or team must do the same. Players cannot hit the ball in the air while standing in the non-volley zone. Points are scored when a serving player or team wins a rally. Players switch sides after each point is scored. The first player or team to reach 11 points and win by 2 points, wins the match.

Pickleball was created near Seattle in 1965, as a sport meant for families. Games were originally played in backyards or driveways, but were later moved to specialized courts as the game evolved. The USA Pickleball Association was created in 1984 to serve as the sport's governing body. Today pickleball is popular in parts of the United States, particularly with senior citizens.

Ball (similar to a whiffle ball)
Paddles

Pickleball is a relatively safe sport due to low-speed gameplay and a lack of intentional contact between players. Injuries are usually limited to minor muscle pulls and strains.

Pickleball players must have good reflexes and hand-eye coordination. These skills can be attained through yoga and exercises that emphasize aim and direction. Experience with racquet sports like tennis and badminton can be helpful.

Baseline - the line at the back of the court

Centerline - the line bisecting the service courts that extends from the non-volley zone line to the baseline

Dink - a soft, low shot, initiated from within or just behind the non-volley zone that lands in the opponent's non-volley zone

Double Bounce Rule - after a serve, each team must play their first shot off the bounce, after which the ball can be played off the bounce or volleyed

Let - a serve that touches the top of the net and lands in the proper service court; the serve is replayed without penalty

Non-Volley Zone - a seven-foot area adjacent to the net within which players may not volley the ball

http://www.usapa.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pickleball