A staff reportPickleball, a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, is gaining popularity across the United States, and Bladen County residents are now in for a treat. Charlene Lesane-Rogers with Bladen County Parks & Recreation Gym is excited to introduce pickleball courts and equipment, providing an excellent opportunity for residents to engage in this fun and social sport. In this article, we’ll explore what pickleball is all about and how you can enjoy it at the gym.What is Pickleball?Pickleball is a paddle sport that can be played both indoors and outdoors on a badminton-sized court with a low net. It is known for its accessibility, making it suitable for people of all ages and skill levels. The game involves hitting a perforated plastic ball, similar to a wiffle ball, over the net with a paddle. The objective is to score points by successfully getting the ball over the net and into your opponent’s side of the court.How to Play PickleballPlaying pickleball is relatively simple and can be learned quickly. Here are the basic rules and gameplay:1. Court Setup: Pickleball is played on a rectangular court that is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. It is divided into two halves by a net that stands at 34 inches high at the center.2. Equipment: Players use a solid paddle, typically made of wood or composite materials, to hit the ball. The ball used in pickleball is plastic and has small holes, similar to a whiffle ball.3. Serving: The game starts with an underhand serve diagonally across the net. The server must stand behind the baseline and serve diagonally to the opponent’s service court.4. Scoring: Pickleball uses a rally scoring system, meaning that a point is scored on every serve, regardless of the serving team. A game is usually played to 11 points, and a team must win by at least two points.5. Play: After the serve, the game continues with volleys, where the ball must bounce once on each side of the net before players can volley it in the air. The non-volley zone, also known as the “kitchen,” is a seven-foot area on each side of the net where volleys are not allowed.6. Winning: The first team to reach 11 points (or more) with a two-point lead wins the game. A match is typically the best of three games.Pickleball at Bladen County Parks & Recreation GymBladen County residents now have the opportunity to enjoy pickleball at the gym. Here are the details:– Days and Times: Pickleball is available at the gym on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am until 2 pm.– Location: The gym is conveniently located at 803 W King Street in Elizabethtown, NC.Pickleball is an exciting and accessible sport that is gaining popularity across the country. With the introduction of pickleball courts and equipment at Bladen County Parks & Recreation Gym, residents can now join in on the fun and get active. Whether you’re a seasoned player or completely new to the sport, pickleball offers a great opportunity for physical activity and social interaction. So, grab a paddle, head to the gym, and experience the thrill of pickleball for yourself!
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