More than just a sport, pickleball is an adventure that combines skill, strategy, and fun. And today, we want to introduce you to a UNIQUE experience to practice with professionals! As a trending game, everyone from beginners to experts can enjoy this exciting sport. But do you know all the details of a match?

Its beginnings

Pickleball was invented in 1965 by Joel Pritchard, a U.S. congressman, along with his wife, Barbara, and their friend Bill Bell. Legend has it that they created the game to keep their kids entertained during the summer. It’s said that the name comes from the family dog, Pickle, who used to chase and steal the ball during the game. Since then, pickleball has grown in popularity and become one of the fastest-growing racket sports in the world.

What you need to know

It’s a racket sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong and is played on a smaller court than tennis with a net similar to badminton. Players use a wooden paddle to hit a perforated ball like a Wiffle ball.

The game’s objective is to hit the ball over the net and make it bounce on the ground within the opponent’s court. Typically played in pairs, although it can also be played one-on-one.

The rules

1. The match starts with a diagonal serve from the right side of the serving team’s court.
2. The serve is performed underhand and must cross the net and land within the opponent’s diagonal court. The serving player or team continues to serve until they commit a fault, at which point the service passes to the opposing team.
3. After the serve, players can hit the ball before it bounces on the ground (volley) or after it bounces (groundstroke). The ball must bounce at least once on each side before volleys can be made.
4. Volleys and strokes can only be made within the double-court area. Players cannot volley the ball while standing in the no-volley zone, also known as “the kitchen.”
5. Points are scored on both sides of the court. Points are scored only when the serving team wins a point. The team that reaches 11 points first and has a lead of at least 2 points wins the game.
6. Players switch sides on the court when one team reaches 6 points during the game.
7. In the doubles format, teams rotate the right to serve when they win a point.

Play with the professionals

Regardless of your skill level, you can now practice at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, which, in collaboration with JetSet Pickleball, offers an exclusive experience to play with professionals.

Some of the world’s top players will join this adventure to share their best tips and strategies with you. From Travis Rettenmeier, the ninth-highest-ranked player in the world and former member of prominent teams, to Matt Manassee, the “Coach to the Stars” and a professional commentator for ESPN and Tennis Channel.

It’s a 4-night journey to perfect your game, but the fun doesn’t end on the court. After each exciting match, you can relax at SE Spa with a 50-minute massage to release tension and revitalize your body and mind.

Indulge in morning smoothies and an afternoon cocktail hour, where you can toast with Clase Azul Tequila while sharing stories and laughter with your fellow players.

The crown jewel of this experience is the dinner aboard a luxury yacht in the Bay of Banderas, where you’ll witness the stunning sunset of Puerto Vallarta while enjoying delicious dishes in an intimate and exclusive setting.

Are you ready to dive into this fun sport with the luxury of Grand Velas?