The International Federation of Pickleball, with 60 member countries and counties, is working to make sure pickleball will be part of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
"Pickleball comes from tennis, badminton and table tennis," says Hope Tolley, managing director of USA Pickleball. And it uses square paddles (球拍) and a small plastic ball that's similar in size to a tennis ball, but much lighter.
Unlike tennis, you can score only when it's your turn to serve. What you should do is keep the ball in the air, and if your opponent(called the receiver)fails to return the ball over the net, you get the point. If not, you'll end up with a shot that fails to reach the net. Matches can be played in doubles or singles, and games are played to 11 points.
Because the game can vary the intensity-going all out or taking a slower pace-pickleball suits professional athletes and beginners alike. It's a great workout and it's a low-influence sport, so it's easy on players' joints (关节).
People who are really into the sport can join tournaments at various levels. The first World Pickleball Games will be held next summer in Austin, Texas.
A. Here's how the game is played.
B. So be sure to hit with enough force.
C. Make sure you can't stand in wrong position.
D. Playing pickleball can't have any negative impact on players.
E. It's played on a badminton-sized court with a slightly lowered tennis net.
F. If you haven't played it yourself, you've probably at least heard of pickleball.
G. By 2030, pickleball is expected to have as many as 40 million players worldwide.
