Pickleball Articles
Pickleball Articles
Pickleball has grown in popularity because it's easy to learn, fun for all ages, and can be played just about anywhere. While regular pickleball games are exciting, you can also try some creative game variations to add more fun when playing with friends and family. Here are some of the top pickleball games to try for a good time together!
In this game, players form a line on each side of the net, and one person hits the ball over the net to the other side. After hitting the ball, the player runs to the back of the line on the opposite side of the court. The next person in line takes their turn, and this continues back and forth. If a player misses or hits the ball out, they're out of the game. The last two players left will face off in a final showdown. This game is fast-paced and great for working on teamwork, quick reactions, and getting a workout in!
In "King or Queen of the Court," one player is designated as the “King” or “Queen” and stands on one side of the net, while challengers line up on the other side. The challengers each take turns trying to win a rally against the “King” or “Queen.” If a challenger wins a point, they become the new ruler of the court. If the King or Queen wins, they stay on their side and wait for the next challenger. This game is perfect for working on competitive skills and is a lot of fun for groups of three or more.
This is a pickleball twist on the classic relay race! Divide into teams and set up a course on the court. Each player must hit the ball across the net, run around a designated area (like cones or lines), and return to their team. Once they return, the next person goes. The team that finishes first wins. This game emphasizes teamwork, coordination, and fitness, and it’s also great for kids who love running around.
A dink in pickleball is a soft shot meant to land just over the net in the “kitchen” area, which is the section closest to the net on each side. In the Dinking Game, players can only hit the ball with dinks; no hard hits or smashes are allowed. This game is especially useful for beginners who want to practice control and for players who want to improve their short game skills. It’s also a fun, slower-paced game for family members of all ages.
Round Robin Doubles is a great way to involve a larger group of friends and family in a mini-tournament. Create teams of two, and then rotate so that each team gets a chance to play against every other team. At the end, the team with the most wins can be declared the winner. This game allows everyone to play multiple times and get to know each other's playing styles, making it a great social game for family gatherings or friendly competitions.
Serving is one of the most important skills in pickleball, and a Serving Challenge is a fun way to practice it. Set up targets on the opposite side of the court, such as cones or small hula hoops, and assign point values to each target. Players take turns serving and trying to hit the targets. The player with the most points after a certain number of serves wins. This game is great for developing serving accuracy while adding a competitive twist.
For this game, you’ll need a volleyball net instead of a pickleball net (or raise the pickleball net if possible). Players use their pickleball paddles to keep the ball in the air, playing by the same rules as volleyball but using a pickleball and paddles instead. This game is fun for larger groups and varies by combining volleyball and pickleball skills.
Pickleball is already a great way to enjoy a fun time with friends and family. These games can help make your pickleball play more enjoyable. So grab your paddles, set up the court, and enjoy the thrill of pickleball with these fun variations!