The name pickleball might be a strange one, but it is a sport that is growing at a very rapid rate all over the globe and India is not trailing behind. Incorporating aspects of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, pickleball in India is no longer a mere game in leisure time; it is turning out to be a competitive game with more and more participation in schools, clubs, and housing communities.

In this blog, we shall discuss pickleball, the fundamental rules and equipment, and how pickleball is establishing presence in the Indian sporting ecosystem.

What is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a paddle game that is played on a court the size of about a badminton court, with a tennis-height net.  

The sport is available in both singles and doubles and therefore, it can be played by anybody of any age. Its lesser size of the court and slow speed of balls as compared to tennis makes it less physically exerting and this is one of the reasons why pickleball is gaining momentum among the younger generation as well as among the elderly.

Rules of Pickleball

Pickleball rules are easy to learn and it is no wonder that beginners find it simple to learn:

• Serve: Diagonal overhand serve.

• Double Bounce Rule: All the sides should allow the ball to bounce on one side after serving before striking the ball again.

• No-Volley Zone (Kitchen): No-Volley Zone players are not allowed to volley (hit the ball without a bounce) in the 7-foot zone on either side of the net.

Such simple rules are easy to follow and ensure that the sport is appealing to beginners as well as giving the experienced players sufficient strategy.

Equipment Needed for Pickleball

Here is what you need to play pickleball:

• Pickleball Paddle: Sweeter than a tennis racquet, typically wood, graphite or composite.

• Pickleball Ball: This is a plastic ball perforated and available in indoor and outdoor versions.

• Court: The conventional pickleball court measures 20 feet in width and 44 feet in length (the size of a doubles badminton court). Pickleball can also be played on many tennis and badminton courts as well.

• Shoes: Shoes are advisable as court shoes or non-marking shoes to enhance a better grip and safety.

As a school or housing community, or sports facility owner, a pickleball court is relatively inexpensive to install, when compared to tennis or other bigger sporting infrastructures.

Growth of Pickleball in India

Despite pickleball as a sport being invented in the 1960s in the United States, in India it has had the capacity to acquire momentum over the past decade. Pickleball associations, leagues and tournaments are currently trending and being played in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Delhi and Gujarat.

Why people are choosing Pickleball

• Easy and Affordable: Pickleball can be appealing to schools, community and senior citizens because of its easy rules and smaller size.

• Increasing Competition: India already hosts national as well as international pickleball tournaments which is an indication of the popularity of the sport.

• Fitness and Recreation: Pickleball is becoming a common recreational court in many housing societies and sports clubs.

Gallant Sports has been benefiting by this increased demand, and this is why they collaborate with institutions and communities to design courts that are in line with international standards. Fully equipped with multi-use courts, it becomes convenient to set up the pickleball with badminton, futsal and tennis.

Why Pickleball Matters for India’s Sports Culture

Pickleball is on the increase in India because of the shifting recreational patterns. As cities become smaller in size, individuals are now seeking the sports that do not demand large courts and demand less in terms of infrastructure investment. Pickleball is an ideal fit in this story- it is cheap, simple to learn and enjoyable to everyone.

India can make more individuals adopt an active lifestyle by installing pickleball courts in schools, universities, and residential societies. This exactly fits well within the Fit India Movement and the aim of creating a superior sports culture within the country.

Final Thoughts

Pickleball may be new in India but its potential cannot be underestimated. It is not only a sport, it is also a community builder, a recreational activity as well as a competitive opportunity in a nutshell.

When you are thinking about constructing a pickleball court in India, Gallant Sports will assist you in planning, designing, and installing the court at international standards.

 Turf consultation booking: Transform your community or institution by bringing pickleball to it.