New Zealanders, get ready to experience the exhilaration of a sport that's taking the nation by storm – Pickleball! At queenb, we're thrilled to introduce the latest addition to our sports collection: the Pickleball Set by Easy Days. But what exactly is Pickleball, and why should you give it a try? In this blog, we'll dive into the history of Pickleball, explain how to play, and even connect you with local clubs where you can join in on the fun.

The History of Pickleball: Pickleball, often described as a blend of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, has a fascinating origin story. It was created in the mid-1960s by three friends on Bainbridge Island, Washington, USA. Legend has it that the sport was named after the family dog, Pickles, who enjoyed chasing the ball during games. Since then, Pickleball has grown in popularity, and now it's making waves in New Zealand!

How to Play Pickleball: Playing Pickleball is easy to learn, making it a fantastic choice for players of all ages and skill levels. Here's a quick overview of the basic rules and gameplay:

1. Court Setup: Pickleball is played on a court similar to a badminton court but with a few modifications. You can play singles or doubles.
    
2. Serve: The game starts with an underhand serve diagonally across the net. The ball must bounce once before being volleyed.
    
3. Volley and Rally: Once the ball is in play, the objective is to volley it back and forth over the net. The catch is that you must let it bounce once before volleying if you're standing within the "kitchen" area (a designated zone near the net).
    
4. Scoring: Points are scored only by the serving side. Games are typically played to 11 or 21 points, and you must win by at least two points.
    
5. Winning: The first side to reach the agreed-upon number of points wins the game.
    
6. Local Clubs: Ready to try Pickleball in New Zealand? Joining a local club is a fantastic way to get started. Here are some clubs you can check out:
    
   • Pickleball New Zealand: The official organization for Pickleball in New Zealand, offering information about clubs and events.
      
   • Auckland Pickleball Club: Based in Auckland, this club provides a welcoming environment for players of all levels.
      
   • Wellington Pickleball Club: Connect with Pickleball enthusiasts in the Wellington region.
      

Conclusion: Pickleball is not just a sport; it's a fantastic way to stay active, make new friends, and have a blast on the court. queenb is proud to offer the Pickleball Set by Easy Days so that you can start your Pickleball journey right here in New Zealand. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, Pickleball offers fun and excitement for all.
 

So, grab your paddle, head to a local club, park/beach (you can modify the game to play “sandy pickle”) and get ready to rally your way to fitness and enjoyment. Join the Pickleball craze sweeping across New Zealand – it's time to pickle!
 

Explore our range of fun outdoor games at queenb and start your Pickleball adventure today. These games make amazing Birthday or Christmas presents!