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Have you heard of pickleball? This sport with a funny and somewhat unusual name is gaining more and more popularity around the world, and now you can try it out during your holiday in our updated Riu Negril hotel, in Jamaica or at our Riu Palace Bavaro, in Punta Cana. If you’re looking for an activity that combines fun, exercise and a little competition, pickleball is perfect for you!
What is pickleball?
Pickleball is the result of putting a smattering of tennis and a dash of ping-pong in a blender, and seasoning it with badminton. It is played on a smaller court than tennis, with a low net and wooden or composite paddles. The ball is quite unique because it has holes in it. This makes the game more leisurely and accessible to people of all ages and skill levels.
Pickleball was originally invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, just a short ferry ride from Seattle, Washington State. The creators of the sport, Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum, decided to develop it as a recreational alternative to entertain their children during the summer holidays. From its humble beginnings, using handmade materials and basic rules, pickleball has grown exponentially, now being played throughout the United States and Canada. Its international expansion is also remarkable, with many countries in Europe and Asia introducing specific facilities for the game.
What are the rules of pickleball?
Before you jump into the sport of the moment, here is a brief introduction to the rules of pickleball:
1. The serve: this must be underarm, and the ball is sent diagonally across the court to the opposite service box.
2. No-volley zone: the area near the net is called the “kitchen” and you cannot volley (hit the ball without letting it touch the ground) if you are inside it.
3. Scoring: you can only score points when it is your serve, and the match is usually played to 11 points (with at least a two-point advantage).
4. The double bounce: after the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before you can volley it.
Why is pickleball so popular?
Pickleball is taking off because it has something for everyone: it is easy to learn, even if you have never played a racket sport, and you can pick up the rules in no time. It is ideal for people of any age, whether children, adults or seniors, because you don’t need a lot of strength, just a bit of strategy and reflexes. It’s also a very fun social activity, as playing both doubles and singles is always interactive and entertaining. And if that wasn’t enough, it’s a great way to get moving, burn calories and stay active without the intense effort of other sports. What more do you need to try it?
Pickleball comes to RIU!
At RIU we are always looking to offer unique experiences that enrich your holiday. As part of the renovation of the Riu Negril hotel in Jamaica and the Riu Palace Bavaro in Punta Cana, we have added pickleball facilities for our guests to try this exciting sport.
As you know, this hotel is one of the seven RIU resorts that you can visit on the island, this tropical paradise we first fell in love with when we arrived in 2001. The Riu Negril has an idyllic location, right on Bloody Bay beach. So now our hotel guests will be able to enjoy both nature and sport thanks to the new pickleball courts. All you need to bring is your willingness to have fun!
What are you waiting for? Book your next holiday at the Riu Negril or the Riu Palace Bavaro and get ready to enjoy the sport that is making waves. See you on the court!
