Pickleball is a fast-growing sport gaining popularity. This exciting paddle sport combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, offering a fun and engaging experience for people of all ages and fitness levels. Here's a guide to help you get started:

New to Pickleball? Let's Master the Rules!

Pickleball, a lively blend of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton, is rapidly gaining popularity. And there's no better place to experience the excitement of this sport than at BYC Pickleball Club in Chiang Mai. With three indoor courts ready for action, we're your premier destination for pickleball fun.

Why Pickleball?

Pickleball's appeal lies in its simplicity and accessibility. The rules are straightforward, making it enjoyable for players of all ages and skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just looking for a fun way to stay active, pickleball offers a fantastic experience.

The Basics of Pickleball

Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court with a slightly lower net. Players use paddles (like ping pong paddles) and a perforated plastic ball. The game can be played in singles or doubles, but doubles are the preferred format at BYC, fostering a social and engaging atmosphere.

Serving Up the Fun

The game begins with an underhand serve, and scoring is unique in that only the serving team can earn points. The double-bounce rule, a distinctive feature of pickleball, requires the receiving team to let the ball bounce before returning it, and the serving team must do the same. Once these initial bounces occur, players can volley the ball or execute groundstrokes.

Here’s what to know about serving:

• The server must be standing behind the baseline and between the sideline and center line of the court.

• The server should always call the score before making contact with the ball.

• Serve must be underhand. It must be hit below the waist.

• The ball must be hit in the air without bouncing first.

• The ball must land in the diagonal box from where you serve (or it’s a fault).

• The serve must clear the seven-foot non-volley zone in front of the net.

• There’s no second serve in pickleball (unless in the case of a let). A fault goes to the next server.

• The serving player will continue to do so until their team makes a fault.

What is the non-volley zone in the 6th bullet point about? This seven-foot area is located on both sides of the net to prevent spiking. It’s also known as “the kitchen.” Players can begin to volley once the serve clears this area until a fault is committed. However, if the ball drops into the kitchen on the serve, you lose the serve.

Scoring and Winning

The first team to reach 11 points with a two-point lead wins. If the score is tied at 10-10, play continues until one team gains a two-point advantage. At BYC, we typically play best-of-three matches, but you're welcome to customize the format.

Double-bounce rule

The double-bounce rule (also known as the two-bounce rule) is unique to pickleball. The team receiving the serve must let the ball bounce before returning it. Then, the serving team must also let it bounce before returning.

Once the two bounces are achieved, its time to volley or hit your best groundstroke! This rule is in effect at the start of every point.

Pickleball faults

A fault is an action that stops play and gives the ball to the opposing team. There are various ways for a fault to happen.

Faults occur when the ball is hit out of bounds, doesn’t clear the net or is volleyed before a bounce has occurred on each side. Another common fault is when a player (or their clothing, paddle, etc.) touches the net when the ball is in play.

Winning a pickleball game

So, how does one win a pickleball match? The first side to score 11 points wins. They must have a two-point lead to win. If the game is closer, you’ll continue to play until the two-point difference happens.

Some players prefer to play to 15 or 21 points. The only difference here is when you switch sides. If playing to 11, you’ll switch at six points; if playing to 15 or 21, switch whenever the first team hits eight points.

Typically, matches are played two out of three games…though it’s totally up to you and your friends how to enjoy pickleball!

Join the Fun at BYC Pickleball Club

Ready to experience the thrill of pickleball or take lessons? BYC Pickleball Club in Chiang Mai is waiting for you. Our indoor courts provide a comfortable and convenient setting to play, rain or shine. If you want to reserve your spot at one of our Open Play sessions, please call or WhatsApp us at +6696-906-1725.

Connect with us on Facebook for updates and news and to stay connected with the BYC Pickleball community. We can't wait to see you on the court!