What Is Pickleball?
You’ve probably heard of pickleball, the latest sports craze, but you might not know a whole lot about it. This sport combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is easy to learn, which makes it accessible regardless of your age or athletic ability. Plus, it can be played both indoors and outdoors, making it available year-round no matter where you live.
Pickleball has become very popular in recent years due to its ease as well as its social and competitive nature. It can be played casually, recreationally, or even professionally. The widespread appeal has made it a global phenomenon, attracting all kinds of people.
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How to Play Pickleball?
At first glance, pickleball resembles tennis on a smaller court with smaller rackets. But the similarities end there. Much like tennis, pickleball is played in either doubles or singles. However, doubles is more common. The court size stays the same regardless of whether the match is doubles or singles.
To serve, the player’s arm must move in an upward arc and make contact below waist level. The server should direct the ball to the quadrant diagonally across the court. One serve attempt is allowed before service switches to the other team. Only the serving team can score. Additionally, service switches from the right to the left side of the court after each serve.
On both the serve and the return, the ball must bounce once before being hit. After that, both teams may volley (hit the ball prior to a bounce) or hit on a bounce (also known as a ground stroke). The purpose of this rule is to extend rallies.
Once a player faults for any reason, service switches to the other side.
Players may not volley within 7 feet of the net on either side. If the serving team volleys in the non-volley zone, it counts as a fault and service switches to the opposing side. If the receiving team volleys in the non-volley zone, it gives a point to the serving team.
Most games are played until one side reaches 11 points, and they must win by 2. Tournament games last until 15 or 21, win by 2.
For a more detailed account of how to play pickleball, read the official rules in full.
Where to Play Atlanta Pickleball
The city of Atlanta is a proud promoter of pickleball and has committed to creating 16 dedicated pickleball courts and 33 combined pickleball/tennis courts throughout the city. This is an ongoing project that will be completed in phases throughout early 2024. City parks are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but you can make a reservation through the iParcs app.
Additionally, five City of Atlanta tennis centers offer free use of pickleball courts, paddles, and nets. These courts must be reserved in advance through the PlayBy Point app for a modest fee.
If you want to play indoors, try reserving one of 10 courts at The Atlanta Pickleball Center. The Center, open seven days a week, offers tennis clinics for beginners and intermediate players as well as both children and adults looking to improve their abilities. You can also book private, semi-private, and small group lessons.
For the more serious pickleball enthusiast, you should check out Sandy Springs Tennis Center. This state-of-the-art facility has 8 lighted pickleball courts, plus weekly clinics, drill sessions, and pros available for more intense instruction, so you can develop your skills in a variety of ways. Sandy Springs also hosts a number of social events where you can meet other pickleball players in the area.
Finally, for anyone looking to combine pickleball with food and drink, try Painted Pickle. This recreational restaurant venture opened in December 2023 and offers 8 indoor pickleball courts and 1 outdoor court, and serves up a variety of snacks (like fried pickles), salads, bowls, and sandwiches, in addition to an assortment of cocktails, wine, and beer. Courts rent for two hours and can accommodate parties up to 12. Equipment is provided. And, there are instructors on-site for the true novice. The venue also offers darts, shuffleboard, and a small putting green, so you can try a variety of activities.
Where to Watch Atlanta Pickleball
There are three professional pickleball entities in the United States: the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP), the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), and Major League Pickleball (MLP). The APP and the PPA organize tours that travel around the country, playing in such cities as Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, and Sacramento, among others.
The PPA tour will play a tournament in the Atlanta area at LifeTime, the luxury tennis and country club, in May 2024. Both professional and amateur pickleball players can register to participate, or spectators can purchase tickets for this event. At this time, the APP does not have any upcoming events in Atlanta.
The MLP is composed of 24 teams that compete in 6 events across the country. This league has two levels of play: the Premier Level and the Challenger Level. Atlanta has a Premier team, the Atlanta Bouncers. In 2023, one of the six events took place in Atlanta. Stay tuned for future schedules.
With pickleball growing in popularity, many popular sports bars dedicate a TV to the matches. A number of streaming services, such as ESPN+, Amazon Prime Video, and CBSSN, also show pickleball. Additionally, there is the Pickleball Channel, which streams matches on YouTube.
Move Near Your Favorite Atlanta Pickleball Spot
Whether you’re an experienced pickleball player or completely new to the sport, let AptAmigo help you find a luxury apartment near your new pickleball spot in Atlanta. If you’re still searching for an area that is right for you, read up on the best Atlanta neighborhoods.
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