The sport that seems to be sweeping the nation (and got an investment from Tom Brady himself) has quickly become one of St. Pete’s favorite pastimes. And as the beautiful fall weather rolls in, more opportunities are coming for locals to get their fill of everyone’s new favorite game: pickleball.

St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation announced earlier this year that it had formed adult pickleball leagues, and the popularity has been such that they’ve added more and more pickleball to the lineup. Registration opens October 19 for a new fall season, running November-January, for $30 per team of two, with competition taking place on Tuesday evenings at Northwest Park beginning November 15, and on Thursday evenings at Crescent Lake Park starting November 17.

And for those who enjoy the game but might not be ready for fierce faceoffs, there are two leagues in each location: one for competitive pickleball, and one for recreational. Both leagues are open to anyone 18 and up, consisting of doubles and mixed doubles play. Games in each league will run through mid-September.

So, what’s the deal with pickleball? The sport has been around for more than 50 years, but has recently exploded in popularity, particularly as people have gravitated toward outdoor activities the last two years. The game itself is a hybrid of badminton, tennis and ping pong, played with a ball reminiscent of a wiffle ball.

Pickleball offers easily playable net game

If you live near a court, it won’t be news that the sport has developed a huge following in St. Petersburg in particular. There are now six outdoor courts and four indoor courts as part of the city park system, with plenty more private courts spread throughout the area.

For those still on the briny about the whole thing, pickleball.com explains the general rules: “Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court: 20’ x 44.’ The ball is served diagonally (starting with the right-hand service-square), and points can only be scored by the side that serves.

“Players on each side must let the ball bounce once before volleys are allowed, and there is a seven-foot no-volley zone on each side of the net, to prevent “spiking.” The server continues to serve, alternating service courts, until he or she faults. The first side scoring eleven points and leading by at least two points wins. Pickleball can be played with singles or doubles.”

Find a pickleball court near you and let us know what you think.

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