If you’ve been to a local park recently and thought, “Why are the tennis courts so loud?” and, “Those are weird balls?” you’re not alone. My family and I wondered the same thing! The answer? Pickleball! It is the fastest-growing sport in America and is sweeping the Monterey Bay area. Just like the other sports, Bocce Ball and Disc Golf, the previous month’s Park Series highlighted, it’s accessible, active, and wildly fun for all ages.
Our family finally decided to try it after having many friends swear by it and passing courts full of people laughing, cheering, and paddle-smacking. And just like our adventures with bocce and disc golf, this one ended with many smiles, friendly competition, and some unexpected lessons in physics and geometry!
WHY PICKLEBALL?
If you have seen any of my previous articles, you know that I search out ways to engage my family that are fun (maybe slightly competitive), good for different ages (since my kids have a wide gap and my husband and I are older parents), easy to learn and play (we all might have short attention spans), and affordable (who doesn’t like a relatively free option?)! Pickleball combines the best of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong into one easy-to-learn game.
WHAT IS PICKLEBALL?
Pickleball is played on a court similar in size to a badminton court: 20 feet wide by 44 feet long using a paddle and a plastic ball with holes (like a wiffle ball). There’s a 7-foot non-volley zone (also known as the kitchen) on each side of the net. If you are like me and shy away from any sport with running, you will like the smaller courts. It makes the short bursts of activity so much better! The game can be played one-on-one or in doubles. Our kids like to team up on us, so the option of doubles adds a dynamic essential for teenagers. Plus, it’s fast-paced but lower impact, making it easier on the joints and perfect for mixed-age families like mine.
A GAME FOR ALL AGES AND ABILITIES
Another beauty of pickleball is that it’s incredibly inclusive. This sport builds agility, sharpens reflexes, and boosts cardiovascular health at all ages, and you don’t need to be a trained athlete, just willing to learn and move. It’s also one of the few sports where grandparents can genuinely challenge grandkids, and beginners can rally with pros. I have found the pickleball community to be very open and welcoming to beginners.
HOW TO PLAY
This game is relatively easy to learn.
1. THE SERVE: The serve must be made underhand, with the paddle below the waist. The ball must be hit diagonally across the court and land beyond the kitchen (non-volley zone). Only one serve attempt is allowed (except in doubles when the first team gets one fault before switching servers).
2. DOUBLE BOUNCE RULE: After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce once before returning it. Then, the serving team must also let it bounce once before hitting it back. After these two bounces, players can volley (hit the ball in the air) or let it bounce.
3. NON-VOLLEY ZONE (The Kitchen): Players cannot volley (hit the ball in the air) while standing in or touching the kitchen. You can enter the kitchen to hit a ball after it bounces, but must exit before volleying again.
4. SCORING: Points can only be scored by the serving team. Games are typically played to 11 points, win by 2. If the serving team wins a rally, they score a point and switch sides (in doubles). In doubles, both players serve before the serve moves to the other team, except at the start of the game.
5. FAULTS: Hitting the ball out of bounds, volleying from within the kitchen, not following the double bounce rule, not clearing the net.
STEM IN ACTION
For parents like me who are always on the lookout for activities that sneak in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), this game helps kids explore:
- Angles and trajectories as they learn where to place shots. (Geometry)
- Force and momentum when adjusting swings for distance or control. (Physics)
- Reaction time and speed—a mini-lesson in neuroscience and coordination. (More Physics)
- Track win-loss ratios, serve success rates, or reaction time. (Basic Math)
- Plus, scoring involves counting and strategy, engaging math and logic skills. (More Math)
GAME, SET, STEM
Pickleball has quickly become a top choice in our house—not just because it’s ridiculously fun, but because, like Bocce and Disc Golf, it brings us together to build outdoor memories close to home. As you rally for the win while figuring out how to hold the paddle, every hit is a chance to laugh, learn, and move.
So grab a paddle, head to your local park, and jump in. You might just find yourself addicted to the satisfying pop of a perfect shot—while learning a little science and math along the way.
See you on the court!
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