Curious about why everyone is talking about Pickleball? Located just down the hill from the car park on Sunlight Boulevard, The Cape’s sports precinct offers more than just an ordinary sports facility. With two state-of-the-art pickleball courts, a half-size basketball court, lawn bowls, and bocce, it’s the perfect place to stay active and have fun. Pickleball, the latest craze in paddle sports, combines the best of badminton, tennis, and ping pong into one exhilarating game. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the sport, Pickleball provides a fun and inclusive environment for all skill levels and ages.

What is Pickleball?

So, what is Pickleball? It is an action-packed paddle sport that’s easy to learn but offers plenty of depth for competitive play. Using a solid paddle (similar to a table tennis bat) and a plastic wiffle ball (perforated hollow plastic ball), the game is played on a court similar in size to a doubles badminton court. With its mix of tactical shots, patience, and strategic play, pickleball is both fun and challenging. It encourages inclusivity, requiring no modifications for age, gender, or ability differences. If you have ever played tennis, then you will be able to walk straight in and pick it up easily.

How to Play Pickleball

The Serve

• Stand with both feet behind the baseline and use an underhand stroke to hit the ball below your waist.
• The serve must land in the diagonal opponent’s court beyond the kitchen line.
• Only one serve attempt is allowed, and points are awarded only to the serving team.
• At the start of a doubles game, only one player serves. After a fault, the serve passes to the opposing team.

Return of Serve

• The serve must land in the diagonal opponent’s court beyond the kitchen line.
• The return of serve must bounce before the serving team can hit it, adhering to the double bounce rule.

Photo credit: Pickballsuperstore

The Volley 

• A volley is when the ball is hit in the air without bouncing, which can be done after the initial double bounce. 
• Players can reach into the kitchen to volley but cannot step into or on the kitchen line while doing so. 

Kitchen/Non-Volley Zone 

• The kitchen is the area between the net and the 2.13-meter line. 
• Players can step into the kitchen to hit a ball that has bounced but must step back out before hitting the next shot.

Photo credit: Pickballsuperstore

Faults

Faults occur when:

• The serve doesn’t land in the opponent’s diagonal service zone.
• The ball is hit out of bounds.
• A player volleys the ball in the kitchen.
• The ball hits any part of the body other than the paddle hand below the wrist.

Scoring

• Games are played to 11 points, with players needing to win by 2 points. Tournament play may go to 15 or 21 points.
• The server’s score is announced first, followed by the opponent’s score, and then the server number.

Check out this video to learn more about pickleball: Pickleball Basics

Pickleball is not just a sport; it’s a socially engaging, and physically beneficial activity. It promotes a sense of community and overall well-being, which is why it’s gaining popularity both in Australia and worldwide. The sport’s inclusive nature makes it accessible to everyone, fostering a welcoming and diverse environment.

Experience the thrill of pickleball at The Cape’s sports precinct. Our two dedicated courts provide the perfect setting for this enjoyable sport within our beautiful, sustainable community. Discover why pickleball is rapidly becoming Australia’s favourite new sport!

For more information about living at The Cape and our sports facilities, visit Community facilities.