401-789-6659There are many things to do in Narragansett, RI; however, pickleball is one of the most popular pastimes. When the weather in Narragansett is ideal, pickleball is the perfect activity to enjoy with friends and family.
In this article, you’ll learn how to play the game, where to play pickleball in Narragansett, RI, and the best place to stay while enjoying your pickleball experience.
What is Pickleball and How Do You Play?
Pickleball is a fun and family-friendly game that is simple and easy to learn for those who have never played. For those who are more experienced, the game can be incredibly competitive. It can also become very quick-paced.
For those who do not know how to play, this is for you! Pickleball is a fun activity that has three sports combined into one game. The game elements come from ping-pong, badminton, and tennis. The court is the size of a badminton court. You will use a paddle with a wiffleball, playing solo or with teams. Anyone can play the game, so both young and old can enjoy this favorite pastime.
It is not too hard to learn the rules of pickleball. Once you master the basics, you will become quicker and develop a natural strategy. Once this happens, the game can become highly competitive and fast. The more you play, the better you will get!
The History of Pickleball
Pickleball was created by accident in 1965 by a congressman who had finished his week at work and gone home. Bill Bell was a successful businessman who had gone to Joel Pritchard’s home with his family. The men looked around and noticed that there was nothing for the family to do. They noticed a badminton court on the land, so the two looked for badminton equipment, but they could not find complete sets. They improvised the game with ping-pong paddles and found a plastic ball to use. They played this game over the weekend with the net at the height for badminton. However, they soon noticed that the ball would bounce on the asphalt, so they lowered the net.
The following weekend, the two men would show their new game to a man named Barney McCallum. These three men would work together to create the rules of pickleball as we know them today. They only had one thing they kept in their minds: this is a family game. It was something that everyone and anyone could play, no matter their age or skill level.
In 1967, the first permanent court for pickleball was created. It was in 1972 that a corporation would form to protect the integrity of the up-and-coming sport. It wasn’t until 1975 that the sport gained publicity when an article was published in Tennis magazine, stating that pickleball was the newest racquet sport.
By 2021, USA Pickleball membership had hit 53,000 members. This growth was over a 40% increase from 2020! The 2021 Margaritaville National Championships was the largest pickleball tournament to take place to date in the world. This tournament had over 2,300 people registered to play.
Staff members have also been increasing with the sport becoming more popular. USAP (United States Association of Pickleball) now has 20 staff members employed. It is also helpful that many social media outlets are mentioning the sport, which helps people become more interested and possibly want to play.
Currently, there are many tournaments and places to play pickleball. The sport is exploding and becoming immensely popular among many families. It is a great game that can be played almost anywhere there is a court and net. Many YMCA and local facilities are now including pickleball courts.
Pickleball Courts Near Narragansett
Narragansett Parks & Recreation Courts – Clarke Road
If you are staying in any vacation rentals in Narragansett, RI, you must check out the 4 local pickleball courts at 179 Clarke Rd. Located just 1.5 miles from the Durkin Cottage Realty office, these courts are located nearest to many of our homes and provide a great playing surface for your game. Also, two additional locations in the area offer some excellent pickleball courts: the South Kingstown Rec Center and the Ocean State Pickleball building.
South Kingstown Recreation Center
The South Kingston Recreation Center has a pickleball court, but you must check their gym schedule online before heading to the rec center. Pickleball is only offered on certain days of the week. The schedule is available on their website.
They do have a specific set of rules to follow to ensure a fair playing environment. The paddles will be placed in a single line, left to right, on the court. These paddles are to indicate who is next to play.
Each game that is played will be until 11 points. Once 11 points are reached, the team with the 11 points will be declared the winner, and the other team must leave the court. A new team will now enter the court. A team cannot play more than two games in a row. If a team wins two games in a row, they must retire from the court.
Two-on-two games are permitted if fewer than six people are waiting to play. If more than six people are waiting, then four-on-four games are encouraged. This allows people to get the best pickleball experience.
Ocean State Pickleball
At Ocean State Pickleball, you can learn to play pickleball for the first time with helpful lessons. If you are more experienced, you can join a league. When you are feeling lucky, you can even enter tournaments. If you enter a tournament, it may be a clever idea to check out our Rhode Island vacation rentals to ensure you have a place to rest between games. Some of the rentals are even pet-friendly!
For those who are just starting, lessons are available. These lessons can be conducted in a group setting. However, if you would prefer, private lessons are available. Junior options are also available, including leagues, lessons, and games.
Plan Your Visit!
If you’re looking for a vacation destination filled with family-friendly fun and incredible vacation rentals, Narragansett, RI, is the place to be! View our rental cottages and book your unforgettable getaway today!
Where to Stay in Narragansett
Some of the best places to stay in Narragansett are the Narragansett beach rentals offered by Durkin. Nothing is better than renting in a village on the beachfront! Narragansett has an authentic Northeastern vibe that many people enjoy.
If you stay with family or friends, you can rent large homes. These homes have up to six bedrooms and can sleep 12 people or more. If you are here enjoying a relaxing vacation for yourself or as a couple, you can rent a one-bedroom. No matter which rental you pick, you’ll have all the convenient amenities of a home.
If you stay in these beachfront rentals, you may want to check out local activities like kayaking trips, museums, and nearby shops and restaurants. Your only worry will be deciding what to do next! Make the most of your vacation by booking a rental with Durkin Realty. We will ensure you have the best experience while enjoying your stay in Narragansett.
