This post wraps up my free inquiry research project on pickleball. Exploring pickleball as my free inquiry project has been so much fun. I’ve enjoyed learning more about the rules, different strategies, how technology can be incorporated in pickleball, why pickleball is getting so popular, how to incorporate pickleball into the classroom, and even where pickleball gets its name from. This project has made me think critically of how I can bring pickleball into the classroom and how it can be used as more than just a game in Physical Education. I hope everyone enjoyed my free inquiry project just as much as I did!
Pickleball is great for younger students and all students because the paddle is light weight and the courts are small allowing students to cover the court easily. The rules are also simple to follow making it easier for younger grades to participate. There are many ways that you could incorporate pickleball into an elementary classroom but you could even incorporate it into outside curricular’s like intramural’s or school teams.
To incorporate pickleball in school you could…
Use it in Physical Education by teaching skills like coordination, teamwork, and agility through drills like relay races, target practice, or even as simple as practicing hitting a ball with a paddle. You could incorporate these skills through stations. After the stations, you could walk the class down to pickleball courts to play pickleball. In Grade 4, the BC Curriculum for gym content, it says “proper technique for fundamental movement skills, including non-locomotor, locomotor, and manipulative,” which pickleball includes all of the non-locomotor, locomotor, and manipulative skills. Pickleball, includes balancing, bending, twisting, running, jumping, bouncing, catching, striking and throwing. This video can give you ideas on what activities or drills you can do with younger students.
You could incorporate pickleball in Math by exploring geometry and angles by watching the trajectories of the pickleball shots. For younger grades, you could use pickleball to practice counting, or counting by twos. Or you could create word problems like: Sarah and Sam were counting how many times they were able to pass the pickleball back and forth and they both counted 42 times. If Sarah started with the pickleball and passed it to Sam, who ended with the pickleball? Additionally, at the Grade 4 level, you could incorporate pickleball into the classroom by working on perimeter or line symmetry.
Incorporating pickleball in Science by exploring the principles of physics. Or you could talk about the positive benefits that pickleball has on your body. At the Grade 4 level, to include pickleball into your science class, you could talk about energy and how there are many forms of energy, but mainly focus on kinetic energy.
For English Language Arts, depending on the age, you could create writing assignments about the rules, history, or famous pickleball players. You could also create an assignment where younger students write 1-3 sentences or words of why they liked or did not like pickleball. Depending on the age, you could also get the students to write how they played pickleball and describe some of the rally’s that they had using the correct terminology. In any grade, you can work on metacognitive strategies (which is reflecting, questioning, goal setting, and self evaluating).
For Social Studies, you could incorporate pickleball by exploring the origins of pickleball and its growth around the world. In a Grade 4 level, students can do research on a computer and create a timeline about major events that have happened in pickleball.
You could incorporate Art by making the students design their own pickleball paddle or create posters around the school to promote future pickleball clubs. Here is a website that I have found that gives you an idea on how you could create your own paddle with wood but you could also do this with cardboard! Here are some templates that I got from Alamy.com! At a Grade 4 level, the students would work on visual arts and the element of designs. Some examples of these customized pickleball paddles look like this:
I just quickly created an example of what this template could look like for a student. If it was younger students creating their own pickleball paddle, I would allow them to draw on their own or do something with a prompt like “everyone write down three feelings you felt after pickleball” and then I would hand out the template and they would draw these three feelings. For older students you could get them to do the same but write a paragraph on how they felt before giving them the template.
Pickleball could also be used as a brain break for the students and that could tie into a conversation about how sports and getting physical activity can give us a learning break which is super beneficial.
I created this poster through Canva, and the information is from Why Edify!
For this weeks’ inquiry post, I am going to be talking about different apps that you can download for pickleball. The categories of apps I will be talking about will be training apps, community engagement apps, and performance tracking apps.
Training App:
Pickleball Drill app features multiple drills for many different skill levels. There are drills for people who want to practice by themselves or with a partner. The app includes video demonstrations that can be done at home or at a pickleball court. The Pickleball Drill app is free and it has so much information. You can also check out their TikTok page to see what they are all about or if you want to do any drills without downloading the app! Also check out the screen recording I did of the app!
Community Engagement Apps:
Pickleball Play is an app designed to connect players to courts, events, and even clubs. It is a free app which gives you options to purchase more features. You have an option to allow the app, Pickleball Pay, to use your location so that it can use that information to find the closest pickleball courts, players, and clubs near you.
Pickle Heads is an app that is the official USA court and game finder. Therefore, if you are going on a trip in the USA and want to get some exercise, I recommend having this app to go find yourself a court or even a game to join! The Features of Pickle Heads is that you can discover local games and recruit players nearby, and you can organize playtimes and communicate with others on the app. The app also has information about courts and games in Canada! Pickle Heads also includes performance tracking features which generates matchups, and collects the scores.
Both of these apps are awesome platforms to create new friends and to get to know your community around you. I screen recorded what these apps look like but, I am not getting into depth with them due to privacy reasons! Remember, they are both free so definitely check them out!
Pickleball Play App Recording:
Pickle Heads recording is above!
Performance Tracking Apps:
Unforced Pickleball App provides data designed for pickleball players. It records and uploads games, tracks various stats such as the winner of the match, errors, serve depth, dinks, and it offers insight tailored to different skill levels. This app is free with optional in-app purchases for additional features and more analyses. Check out the screen recording video to see all of the apps features!
Pickleball Stat App focuses more on accuracy percentages and it analyzes your game. This app is free and it is for more of a serious type of pickleball player. On this app, you can create a game and keep score all in the same app. Check out the screen recording to get a better visual of the app!
Unforced Pickleball App Recording:
Pickleball stats App:
There are so many other pickleball apps, but these are ones that I have found that are free and that I think would benefit your pickleball game. Using apps for pickleball allows you to connect to your community, have organized games, makes it easier to find someone that is at the same level as you, gives you so many resources on how you can improve your game, and it enhances enjoyment and your competitiveness.
Pickleball has been around since the 1960s, so why is there a huge increase in growth throughout the last couple of years? In this post, we will explore how pickleballs inclusive nature, adaptability, and sense of community have made it such a popular sport for all ages.
Sport for Everyone:
Mostly everyone can play pickleball. When I go and play pickleball, I see people on the courts of all ages. I see some kids who are around the age of 5 years old and I have also seen and met people who are around 65 years old on the courts. I have also seen many generations in families play together!
Adaptable for All Abilities:
Pickleball is very adaptable and it is for all people with different abilities. For instance, there is wheel chair pickleball. This allows people with different physical abilities to play the game. The rules of wheel chair pickleball are similar, but there are a few changes like:
The ball is allowed to bounce twice before you returning the ball to the other side of the court.
The court size is recommended to be smaller than the standard pickleball court, although, in a wheel chair you can play on a regular sized court or a smaller court.
There are more rules of pickleball for those in wheelchairs, if you want to check it out watch this video!
Low-Impact, Community, and Room for Growth in Pickleball:
Compared to any other sport, pickleball is very low compact and a low chance of injury. As a player, you get to choose the pace of the game and you get to decide how hard you want to push yourself. It is also a great way for all ages to get out and meet new people while getting some exercise. In this game, there is always space for growth and improvement which is why I personally think that pickleball has increased in popularity over the years because its easy to be good at it but its hard to become an expert.
Affordable and Accessible:
Pickleball is very easy to get into! All you need is a racket and a pickleball. A pickleball is the same as a whiffle ball but it has more holes and it bounces better. The average cost of a paddle is around $65 CAD and normally that includes a pickleball. Buying a two pack of paddles is more economical, rather than just buying a single paddle. Buying a two pack of paddles also makes it easier for your friends and family members to join in on a game.
Since the rise of pickleball, many cities have created pickleball courts in each community. Therefore, they are easy to find and it is an easy way to keep up with your exercise.
Simple Rules, Easy to Learn:
Pickleball rules are very straightforward, making it easier for beginners and younger children to learn the basics. If you need a reminder of the rules or would like to learn the rules, check out my blog post Pickleball Rules!
BuildingCommunity:
Just like every other sport, pickleball is a social and it brings so many people together in a community. It is a fantastic way for people, especially seniors, to make new friends in and around their community. Pickleball is also a fun sport where there are many indoor and outdoor leagues depending on the weather so it can be all year round!
Welcome back to my free inquiry post! Today I am going to be talking about different strategies to use when you play pickleball! There are different strategies you want to use when you are either playing singles or doubles, so let’s start with the strategies you would want to use when you are playing doubles.
When playing doubles, you would want to stick with these strategies:
Move as a team with your partner, staying parallel to each other.
Communicate constantly with your partner about shot selection and court coverage.
Dink strategically, especially down the middle between opponents. This can create confusion and expose weaknesses.
When playing singles, you would want to stick with these strategies:
Serve near the centreline so that you can get most returns easier.
Generally you are wanting to stay on the back third of the court.
Generally want to move the in the same direction that your opponent does but stay close to the centreline.
If your opponent has managed to get to “kitchen” line or known as non-volley line, you have three options on what you can do:
lob the ball over your opponent
pass a hard passing shot over the net
a drop shot that will hit the ground close to your opponents feet
When you are playing doubles or singles you also want to keep these strategies in mind:
Get to the non-volley zone (kitchen) line quickly after serving or returning serve. This puts you in the most advantageous position to attack.
When caught in “no man’s land” (mid-court), stop and get ready rather than continuing to move forward.
Serve deep into your opponent’s court with good pace. This pushes them back and makes their return more difficult.
On the return of a serve, hit deep shots to the corners. This prevents your opponents from easily attacking.
Aim serves and returns to your opponent’s backhand, which is often weaker.
Use the “third shot drop” to neutralize your opponents’ advantage at the net. This soft shot lands in their kitchen, making it difficult to attack.
Vary your shots to keep opponents guessing. Mix up power, spin, and placement.
Aim for your opponent’s feet when possible. This forces them into awkward positions and can lead to errors.
Play to your strengths and exploit your opponents’ weaknesses. Identify and target their weaker shots or less mobile player.
Stay patient in rallies. Don’t force aggressive shots if they’re not available.
Use both driving shots and soft drops as third shot tactics. Don’t rely solely on power hits.
Add depth to your shots to keep opponents back from the kitchen line.
Focus on placement rather than power in most situations.
By implementing these strategies and practicing them consistently, you can improve your pickleball game and become a more effective player on the court. For more information on pickleball strategies on singles and doubles click the links to watch some videos!
There are seven different shots that you can make while playing pickleball. I found this video that you should check out that explains the seven shots and a tip that goes with each of the shots that you can make while playing pickleball.
Pickleball is a rapidly growing sport that combines elements of badminton, ping-pong, and tennis. There are two popular stories about how the sport got its name: one story claims it’s named after “pickle boats” in rowing, which are made up of leftover rowers, while the other story attributes the name to a dog named Pickles who would chase after the ball during games.
Whether you’re new to the game or just need a refresher, understanding the basic rules of pickleball will help you enjoy the game and play smoothly.
Starting the Game
To begin, players decide who serves first by doing a coin flip or playing rock-paper-scissors. The winner gets to choose either the side of the court they want to play on or if they want to serve or receive. If you’re playing doubles, each player is responsible for covering their rectangle on the court.
Serving
The player on the right-hand side of the court always serves first. The server announces the score before each serve, and during the first round of serves, the starting team only gets one serve to ensure fairness. The score is called out in three parts: your team’s score, the opposing team’s score, and your serving number (either 1 or 2). For example, the first serve of the match will be “0-0-2.”
Here are the key rules for serving:
The serve must be underhand, with the paddle contacting the ball below the waist.
The server must stand behind the service line.
The ball must be served diagonally and land in the opposite service area.
If the ball hits the kitchen line or lands in the kitchen on a serve, it’s a fault.
If the ball hits the net and lands in the correct service area, it is considered a “let” and the serve is replayed.
The Two-Bounce Rule
After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side of the court before players can begin volleying (hitting the ball before it bounces). This is known as the two-bounce rule.
The Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone)
The kitchen, or non-volley zone (NVZ), is a 7-foot area on both sides of the net. Players cannot step into or touch the kitchen line while making a volley (a shot hit before the ball bounces). If a player’s paddle or any part of their body enters the kitchen while volleying, it’s considered a fault.
However, after the ball has bounced, players may step into the kitchen to make a shot. They can also enter the kitchen to retrieve a ball that has landed there, but only after the ball has bounced.
Scoring
Pickleball is typically played to 11 points, and a team must win by 2 points. In tournaments, games may go to 15 or 21 points. A team can only score points while serving, and the game continues until one team wins by a 2-point margin.
Faults
Faults in pickleball occur when:
The ball lands out of bounds.
The serve does not land in the correct service box.
A player volleys the ball from within or on the kitchen line.
The ball is hit into the net or hits the net post.
A player touches the net or the ball touches a player.
The ball bounces twice before being returned.
Line Calls
Players are responsible for making their line calls. If a player cannot decide whether the ball is in or out, it should go to their opponents. Players should avoid calling the lines on the opponent’s side.
Wrapping Up
By following these rules, you can enjoy the game of pickleball to its fullest. It’s a fast-paced, strategic game with simple rules that make it easy to pick up but challenging to master. Remember, sportsmanship is key, so always respect your opponents and have fun!
I created this diagram using my iPad with the lines of the court to make it easier to follow!
For more information on the pickleball rules or pickleball in general I highly suggest taking a look at the Canada pickleball website! Or if you are a visual learner, I recommend watching this short video on the basic rules!
Hello! Welcome to my blog. I’m currently in my second year of the East Kootenay Education Program through the University of Victoria. This blog is part of a free inquiry project designed to help me become more comfortable with using technology, and, as part of the assignment, I’m exploring how to create a blog post for the first time—so bear with me as I figure things out!
For this project, I’ve chosen to focus on pickleball. Sports have always been a big part of my life, from house league soccer and school teams to playing on club teams, and I just finished playing on a collegiate volleyball team. Recently, I started playing pickleball and found it to be a fun, accessible sport for all people to enjoy.
Through this blog, I want to explore how I can incorporate pickleball into the classroom, as well as deepen my understanding of the rules and strategies involved. Some topics I plan to cover include:
The rules of pickleball and court layout
Different strategies for playing pickleball
Why pickleball is growing in popularity
The role of technology in pickleball
How to incorporate pickleball in the classroom and the benefits
