Pickleball Tournaments & Courts

Pickleball, a fun new racquet sport, is quickly becoming one of the most popular activities at Shadow Mountain Resort & Club, with 7 Pickleball courts. Pickleball is easy to learn, fast-paced, and endlessly entertaining. Shadow Mountain Resort & Club has some of the best Pickleball courts in Palm Desert.

couple playing pickleball

What is Pickleball?

Pickleball originated on Bainbridge Island, Washington. The first Pickleball game was played on a summer afternoon in 1965, at the home of Joel Pritchard, a famous Washington State Politician and US Congressman. While attempting to play a game of badminton, Congressman Pritchard and his friends couldn’t find a shuttlecock. So instead, they lowered the net, built paddles out of plywood, and played with a Wiffle ball. Pickleball was born.

By combining elements of badminton, tennis, and paddle tennis, Pickleball creates an exciting game in a small space. It’s great for spectators and tournaments. It doesn’t require lots of running and the ball is served underhand so it’s great for active seniors who enjoy competition and want to continue to stay healthy.

Pickleball has grown from a backyard game to a world-wide phenomenon. Great for all ages and athletes, Pickleball is fun for the whole family. Pickleball is especially popular in resort areas with active seniors. Pickleball tournaments and courts can now be found across the Palm Springs area and around the world.

group playing pickleball

Pickleball Courts

Officially, Pickleball courts are 20×44 feet, which about the same size as a doubles badminton court. A Pickleball net should hang 36 inches on the ends, and 34 inches in the middle. Pickleball courts are striped like an inverse tennis courts with no alleys. The outer courts, instead of the inner courts, are divided in half by service lines. The inner court is a no-volley zone, meaning you must let the ball bounce.

pickleball paddles and ball

Pickleball Rules – How to Play Pickleball

Pickleball paddles are wooden or composite and the ball is plastic with small holes. Pickleball points can only be scored by the serving side or when a player faults. Games are played to eleven and you must win by two points.

Return of service must be allowed to bounce by the server. Players can only enter the non-volley zone to play a ball that bounces and may stay there to play balls that bounces. But players must exit the non-volley zone before hitting a volley.

Women playing pickleball