Pickleball

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Pickleball at the YMCA

EXPERIENCE THE FASTEST GROWING SPORT IN AMERICA!

Pickleball is a racquet sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis. It is played with a perforated plastic baseball (similar to a whiffle ball) and wood or composite paddles. It is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players. See how much fun Pickle ball can be for you and your friends!

Play for fun, exercise, challenge and friendship.

THOMAS E. HANNAH FAMILY YMCA

Gymnasium: Left Side

Monday-Friday 5:00am-1:00pm
Sunday 1:00pm-3:30pm

MIDDLE TYGER YMCA

September 5th– December 2nd 2021 in the Gymnasium

For Members Ages 18 & older
Monday 9am-11am (Right & Left Court)
Wednesday 9am-11am (Left & Right Court)
Friday 9am-11am (Left & Right Court)

WILLIS ROAD YMCA

Pickleball Hours:

  • Tuesday-Friday: 8:30am-11:30am

ORGANIZED OPEN PLAY

Pick your pace! We offer opportunities for members to drop in and learn or improve their game in our beginning levels or play in a more competitive environment in our advance levels. Browse the levels below for complete details, registration information and rates.

Don’t know which level to play in? Review the skill level definitions on the IFP website and determine your 2-digit skill level.

Rules Summary

The following is an abbreviated form of the rules to give a quick overview of how the game is played. A complete copy of the official rules can be found on the USAPA website at usapa.org. If there is a conflict between this summary and the official rules, the official rules prevail.

Basic Rules Overview

  • Pickleball is played either as doubles (two players per team) or singles; doubles is most common
  • The same size playing area and rules are used for both singles and doubles

The Serve

  • The serve must be made underhand
  • Paddle contact with the ball must be below the server’s waist (navel level)
  • The serve is initiated with at least one foot behind the baseline; neither foot may contact the baseline or court until after the ball is struck
  • The serve is made diagonally crosscourt and must land within the confines of the opposite diagonal court
  • Only one serve attempt is allowed, except in the event of a let (the ball touches the net on the serve and lands on the proper service court; let serves are replayed)

Service Sequence

  • Both players on the serving doubles team have the opportunity to serve and score points until they commit a fault *(except for the first service sequence of each new game)
  • The first serve of each side-out is made from the right-hand court
  • If a point is scored, the server switches sides and the server initiates the next serve from the left-hand court
  • As subsequent points are scored, the server continues switching back and forth until a fault is committed and the first server loses the serve
  • When the first server loses the serve the partner then serves from their correct side of the court (except for the first service sequence of the game*)
  • The second server continues serving until his team commits a fault and loses the serve to the opposing team
  • Once the service goes to the opposition (at side out), the first serve is from the right-hand court and both players on that team have the opportunity to serve and score points until their team commits two faults
  • In singles the server serves from the right-hand court when his or her score is even and from the left when the score is odd

*At the beginning of each new game only one partner on the serving team has the opportunity to serve before faulting, after which the service passes to the receiving team.

Scoring

  • Points are scored only by the serving team
  • Games are normally played to 11 points, win by 2
  • Tournament games may be to 15 or 21, win by 2
  • When the serving team’s score is even (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10) the player who was the first server in the game for that team will be in the right-side court when serving or receiving; when odd (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) that player will be in the left-side court when serving or receiving

Double-Bounce Rule

  • When the ball is served, the receiving team must let it bounce before returning, and then the serving team must let it bounce before returning, thus two bounces
  • After the ball has bounced once in each team’s court, both teams may either volley the ball (hit the ball before it bounces) or play it off a bounce (ground stroke)
  • The double bounce rule eliminates the serve and volley advantage and extends rallies

Non-Volley Zone

  • The non-volley zone is the court area within 7 feet on both sides of the net
  • Volleying is prohibited within the non-volley zone. This rule prevents players from executing smashes from a position within the zone
  • It is a fault if, when volleying a ball, the player steps on the non-volley zone, including the line and/or when the player’s momentum causes them or anything they are wearing or carrying to touch the non-volley zone including the associated lines
  • It is a fault if, after volleying, a player is carried by momentum into or touches the non-volley zone, even if the volleyed ball is declared dead before this happens
  • A player may legally be in the non-volley zone any time other than when volleying a ball
  • The non-volley zone is commonly referred to as “the kitchen.”

Line Calls

  • A ball contacting any line, except the non-volley zone line on a serve, is considered “in.”
  • A serve contacting the non-volley zone line is short and a fault

Faults

  • A fault is any action that stops play because of a rule violation
  • A fault by the receiving team results in a point for the serving team
  • A fault by the serving team results in the server’s loss of serve or side out
  • A fault occurs when:
  1. A serve does not land within the confines of the receiving court
  2. The ball is hit into the net on the serve or any return
  3. The ball is volleyed before a bounce has occurred on each side
  4. The ball is hit out of bounds
  5. A ball is volleyed from the non-volley zone
  6. A ball bounces twice before being struck by the receiver
  7. A player, player’s clothing, or any part of a player’s paddle touches the net or the net post when the ball is in play
  8. There is a violation of a service rule
  9. A ball in play strikes a player or anything the player is wearing or carrying
  10. A ball in play strikes any permanent object before bouncing on the court

Determining Serving Team

  • Players use a coin toss to determine who will serve first
  • The winner of the coin toss will have the option to choose side or to serve or receive

This is our beginning to beginning intermediate level. Ready to rally and know how to score? Come join us!

  • Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 9:30am – 11:30am
  • Saturdays: 9:00am – 11:30am
  • YMCA Members: Free! Included in your membership.

Pickleball is by reservations only: Reservations are on a first come, first serve basis. Please do not sign up for both levels as we would like for as many members to enjoy playing.

Reservations can be made on our website at Reserve My Court Member Login. You may also call and someone at the front desk can assist in signing you up, if space is available.

How to make a reservation:

  • Reserve your spot a maximum of 48 hours in advance and end 15 minutes prior to the class start time.
  • If you need help, please contact 864.310.6400.
  • Reservations are on a first come, first serve basis.

Checking in: 

  • Please check in at the front desk before heading to the court.
  • YMCA members can scan the key card or phone and head to the court.

Extra Notes:

  • No sharing paddles. Unfortunately, YMCA paddles will be unavailable. If you sign up, please ensure you have a paddle.
  • Bring your water bottles, we encourage you not to use the water fountains.
  • Temperature checks will be taken at the main entrance.
  • Masks are required upon entry and while on the hallways. Not required during play.

This is our intermediate to advanced level for our more competitive players.

  • Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 9:30am – 11:30am
  • Saturdays: 9:00am – 11:30am
  • YMCA Members: Free! Included in your membership.

Pickleball is by reservations only: Reservations are on a first come, first serve basis. Please do not sign up for both levels as we would like for as many members to enjoy playing.

Reservations can be made on our website at Reserve My Court Member Login. You may also call and someone at the front desk can assist in signing you up, if space is available.

How to make a reservation:

  • Reserve your spot a maximum of 48 hours in advance and end 15 minutes prior to the class start time.
  • If you need help, please contact 864.310.6400.
  • Reservations are on a first come, first serve basis.

Checking in: 

  • Please check in at the front desk before heading to the court.
  • YMCA members can scan the key card or phone and head to the court.

Extra Notes:

  • No sharing paddles. Unfortunately, YMCA paddles will be unavailable. If you sign up, please ensure you have a paddle.
  • Bring your water bottles, we encourage you not to use the water fountains.
  • Temperature checks will be taken at the main entrance.
  • Masks are required upon entry and while on the hallways. Not required during play.

QUESTIONS?

For more information contact: 

THOMAS E. HANNAH FAMILY YMCA (864) 585-0306

MIDDLE TYGER  FAMILY YMCA (864) 433-9623

WILLIS ROAD FAMILY YMCA (864) 310-6400