Have you caught the pickleball fever? This wildly popular sport is making waves across Canada, drawing in players of all ages. A unique blend of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, pickleball is easy to learn, exciting to play, and a fantastic way to stay active. Whether you’re looking for a casual game with friends or some serious competition, pickleball has something for everyone.

Why Pickleball?

• Easy to Learn, Fun to Master – With simple rules and a small court, you can jump in and start playing in minutes.

• Social & Inclusive – Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a first-time player, pickleball is for everyone. It’s a great way to stay connected and make new friends.

• Low Impact, High Energy – The game is easier on the joints than tennis, making it a fantastic lifelong sport.

• Affordable & Accessible – Public courts are popping up everywhere, and all you need is a paddle and a ball to get started.

Pickleball in Canada: A Sport for Every Season

One of the best things about pickleball? You can play it year-round! In the warmer months, public courts and parks across Canada are filled with players enjoying the sunshine. But when the seasons change, the game moves indoors, with gyms and community centers offering dedicated pickleball times. No need to wait for spring—pickleball keeps the action going no matter the weather!

Essential Pickleball Gear: What You Need to Get Started

Getting into pickleball is easy, and you don’t need a ton of expensive gear. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pickleball Paddle – Smaller than a tennis racket but larger than a ping-pong paddle, pickleball paddles come in different materials (wood, composite, graphite). Lightweight paddles offer more control, while heavier ones provide extra power.

• Pickleballs – These are unique plastic balls with holes, similar to a wiffle ball. Outdoor balls are slightly heavier and have smaller holes to handle wind, while indoor balls are lighter and softer.

• Proper Court Attire – Comfortable, moisture-wicking athletic wear is ideal. For outdoor play, consider sun protection like a hat or visor.

• Footwear – Supportive court shoes are a must! Running shoes don’t provide the lateral stability needed for quick movements, so opt for tennis or court shoes designed for grip and support.

• Extras – A water bottle to stay hydrated, a towel for sweat, and a bag to carry your gear are all great additions.

Getting Started is Easy

✔ Find a Local Court – Many communities now have dedicated pickleball courts, both indoors and outdoors.
✔ Take a Lesson – Pickleball clinics and beginner sessions are a great way to learn the basics.
✔ Join a Group – Local clubs and leagues make it easy to find playing partners and improve your skills.
✔ Watch and Learn – There are plenty of online tutorials to help you master your game.

The Future of Pickleball in Canada

Pickleball’s rapid rise shows no signs of slowing down. As more courts, leagues, and tournaments emerge, it’s clear this isn’t just a passing fad—it’s a movement. Could pickleball become Canada’s next great national pastime? With its mix of fun, fitness, and community, it just might be.

Pickleball Rules: The Basics You Need to Know

Pickleball is easy to learn, but like any great game, it has some key rules to keep things fair and fun. Whether you're a beginner or looking to sharpen your competitive edge, here’s a quick breakdown of the essential rules.

1. The Court & Equipment

• Court Size: 20 x 44 feet (same as a badminton court).

• Net Height: 36 inches at the sidelines, 34 inches in the center.

• Equipment: A pickleball paddle (larger than a ping-pong paddle but smaller than a tennis racket) and a perforated plastic ball.

2. Serving Rules

• Underhand Serve Only – The ball must be struck below the waist and hit diagonally across the court.

• Feet Behind the Baseline – The server must have at least one foot behind the baseline when serving.

• One Serve Attempt – Unlike tennis, there’s no second serve if you fault (except in cases of a "let" when the ball touches the net but lands in the correct service box).

3. The Double Bounce Rule

• After the serve, both the receiving and serving teams must let the ball bounce once before hitting it.

• This means volleys (hitting the ball before it bounces) are not allowed on the first two shots.

4. The Kitchen Rule (Non-Volley Zone)

• The kitchen is the 7-foot area on both sides of the net, also called the non-volley zone.

• Players cannot volley (hit the ball in the air) while standing in the kitchen.

• You can step into the kitchen to hit a ball after it has bounced.

5. Scoring Rules

• Points are Only Scored by the Serving Team – If the receiving team wins a rally, they don’t score; instead, they earn the serve.

• Games are Played to 11 Points – A team must win by at least 2 points (e.g., 11-9 or 12-10).

• Singles vs. Doubles – The scoring format remains the same in both versions.

6. Faults & Violations

A fault results in a lost point (for the serving team) or loss of serve. Common faults include:

• Hitting the ball out of bounds.

• Not clearing the net.

• Volleying (hitting the ball in the air) while standing in the kitchen.

• Stepping on the baseline while serving.

7. Doubles Play: The "Side-Out" Rule

• Both players on the serving team get a chance to serve before the serve switches to the other team.

• The first serve of the game is an exception—only one player serves before the other team takes over.

Bonus: Advanced Rules for Competitive Play

• Let Serves – In recreational play, a serve that touches the net and lands in the correct service box is replayed, but some competitive formats have removed this rule.

• Stacking – In doubles, teams may adjust positions strategically after serving to optimize court coverage.