Pickleball is taking the world by storm, so if you’re here that means you’re at least a little bit curious to learn about the sport. We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about pickleball in general and about our programs here at Elite Sports Clubs.
General Pickleball FAQ
What is pickleball?
Pickleball is a racquet sport that combines elements from ping pong, badminton, and tennis. The court and net look similar to that of tennis, however much smaller. Matches can be played in singles and doubles formats. The ball used is a wiffle ball, but a true pickleball is slightly heavier than your standard wiffle ball.
What kind of paddle is used?
The paddles in pickleball look like modified ping pong paddles. They are larger than a ping pong paddle but smaller than a tennis racquet. You can actually choose from a variety of lengths and widths for your paddle, as long as the combined measurement of the two does not exceed 24 inches (including edge guard and butt cap). The most common pickleball paddle dimensions are about 8 inches wide by 15¾ inches long. Currently there is no restriction on paddle thickness.
What size is a pickleball court?
A pickleball court is 20 feet wide by 44 feet long for both singles and doubles matches, which is also the same size as a doubles badminton court. Understanding the different components of the pickleball court is a good place to start when learning the rules.
How high is a pickleball net?
A standard pickleball net is 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches in the center. The net posts should be at least one foot outside of the sidelines.
Is pickleball good exercise?
Absolutely! An average adult could burn up to 350 calories during 30 minutes of casual play, and the same person could burn up to 475 calories during 30 minutes of more intense, competitive play. The amount of calories you burn depends on your weight, body type, and how much you move during the match.
One of our pickleball pros tested the amount of steps taken in a couple hours of play and he recorded 8,000 steps. Again, it depends on the level of competitiveness and whether you are playing singles or doubles, but pickleball certainly can be a great workout!
Where can I learn more about pickleball?
We also have these other blogs on various pickleball topics, which are a great resource to expand your knowledge about the sport:
- How is Pickleball Different Than Tennis?
- Pickleball Scoring – How is Pickleball Scored?
- Glossary of Pickleball Terms
- Dimensions of a Pickleball Court (and Terms)
- Pickleball Positioning 101: Use the Kitchen to Your Advantage
Elite Sports Clubs Pickleball FAQ
Where can I play pickleball in Milwaukee?
Pickleball open play, leagues, and lessons are available at Elite Sports Clubs in three locations: Mequon, Glendale, and Brookfield. We have nets, paddles, and pickleballs readily available for use, as well as marked courts.
How can I get started in pickleball?
Getting started is very easy and learning the sport comes quickly to most players. We regularly offer introductory clinics as well as private lessons taught by our on-staff pickleball professionals to help new players get started. You’ll learn the rules, develop comfortability holding and swinging the paddle, serving, rallying, and more. You’ll also get introduced to other players so you can expand your pickleball network.
Are there pickleball leagues near me?
Elite Sports Clubs offers competitive pickleball leagues for players of all ability levels. You must be a member of Elite to play in these leagues.
Can I play pickleball at Elite if I am not a member?
There are some opportunities to play pickleball at our clubs if you are not a member. We allow members to bring non-member guests to select pickleball events, such as pickleball socials & mixers.
Can my kids play pickleball at Elite?
Yes! We are growing our pickleball programming to offer more opportunities for kids to play as well.
Is your question not on our pickleball FAQ? Post it in the comments section below!
Still want to learn more about pickleball? You can contact one of our pickleball pros. If you think you’re ready to give pickleball a try, register for a wide variety of ongoing pickleball programs here at Elite Sports Clubs!