Title: 10 Fun Pickleball Games to Spice Up Your Play
Pickleball has taken the world by storm, becoming one of the fastest-growing sports in recent years. It combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, creating a unique and engaging game that’s easy to learn but hard to master. If you’re looking to add some variety and excitement to your regular pickleball routine, here are 10 fun pickleball games that will spice up your play.
Traditional Singles and Doubles
Of course, starting with the basics is always a good idea. Traditional singles and doubles games are the cornerstone of pickleball. Playing a few rounds of these ensures you have a strong foundation before diving into more specialized games.
King of the Court
This game is perfect for larger groups. One player or team stays on the court as the “King,” while challengers rotate in. If a challenger wins, they take over as the new King. This quick-paced game promotes competitive play and helps improve your game under pressure.
Around the World
Players form a line on each side of the court. The first player serves, then runs to the opposite line. The next player returns the shot and runs to the other line, continuing the pattern. If a player misses, they are out. The game continues until one player remains.
21
In this scoring variant, the first player or team to reach exactly 21 points wins. However, scoring must occur in increments determined beforehand (e.g., multiples of 3 or 5). If you go over the target number, your score resets to a predetermined lower number such as 15.
Dinks Only
This game is perfect for working on your precision shots. Players may only hit the ball in the non-volley zone. First to 11 points wins, but each side has to use only dinks. This encourages delicate, controlled shots and improves your dink game.
Simon Says Pickleball
Much like the children’s game Simon Says, a designated “Simon” calls out different types of shots or strategies (e.g., “drop shot” or “backhand”). Players must incorporate these into their gameplay. Failing to do so results in a penalty point for the opposing player or team.
Target Practice
Set up cones or other markers around the court as targets. Players earn points by hitting these targets during regular play. This game helps you work on accuracy while still enjoying a competitive match.
The Four Square Pickleball
Divide the court into four quadrants, each with a player or team. The ball must land in a different quadrant with each hit. This game encourages strategic placement and quick thinking, and it can easily be adapted for more advanced players by shrinking the quadrants’ size.
Two-Touch Pickleball
In this game, each player or team is allowed two touches (much like in volleyball) before returning the ball over the net. This adds an extra layer of strategy and teamwork and can lead to some incredibly creative volleys.
Random Serve Pickleball
Instead of standard serves, create a list of different types of serves (underhand, overhand, lob, etc.) and assign each a number. Players roll a die or pick a number from a hat to determine which serve they must use. This adds variety to the game and helps improve your versatility.
Adding variety to your pickleball routine is a great way to improve your skills while keeping the game fresh and exciting. Try incorporating some of these fun games into your regular practice sessions or casual playdates. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just picking up a paddle for the first time, these inventive twists on traditional pickleball will undoubtedly enhance your love for the game. So grab your paddle, rally some friends, and get ready to spice up your play!