Community Center Introduces the Paddle Sport to Locals - TribPapers
Sports

Community Center Introduces the Paddle Sport to Locals

Residents wait to hear the details on pickleball coming to Weaverville. Photo by Paul King

Weaverville – Pickleball is coming to Weaverville, and the town initiated the process with an orientation session at the Community Center at Dottie Sherrill Knoll last week. Around 50 people attended the event to learn more about the game, its rules, and the schedule for the new pickleball courts at the community center.

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements from tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is typically played on a rectangular court with a net dividing it in the middle. Here’s a basic overview of how pickleball is played.

First, the court measures 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, the same size as a doubles badminton court. The court is divided into two halves by a net, which is set at 36 inches on the ends and 34 inches at the center. The service area, known as the “kitchen” or “non-volley zone,” is a seven-foot zone on each side of the net. Within this zone, players are prohibited from volleying the ball (hitting it in the air without letting it bounce).

Next, players utilize solid paddles made of wood or other materials to hit a perforated plastic ball, similar to a wiffle ball but slightly smaller. The pickleball has 26-40 round holes and must weigh between 0.78 and 0.935 ounces, with a diameter of 2.874 to 2.972 inches.

Pickleball can be played in singles or doubles. In doubles, each team consists of two players. The game is typically played to 11 points, and a team must win by a minimum of two points. Only the serving team can score points.

The game commences with one team serving the ball diagonally to the opponent’s service box. The serve should be underhand and executed with the paddle below the waist. Before players can start volleying, the ball must bounce once on each side of the net.

After the serve, both teams volley the ball back and forth until one team commits a fault, such as failing to return the ball within bounds, hitting the ball into the net, or violating other rules. Players in the non-volley zone must let the ball bounce once on each side before volleying.

Faults can include stepping into the non-volley zone and volleying the ball, hitting the ball out of bounds, double bouncing the ball, or failing to return the ball before it bounces twice.

Pickleball is well-regarded for its sociable and amicable nature, making it a popular sport for individuals of all ages and skill levels. However, rules can slightly vary, so it’s advisable to acquaint yourself with the specific rules of the venue where you’re playing.

Pickleball clinics will take place on the last Saturday of each month from March to October. These clinics will be limited to 12 people, and sign-ups will be posted prior to each clinic. Notifications regarding the clinics will be shared on the town website, in e-newsletters, and through social media. For more information, you can email smyers@weavervillenc.org.