How to bet on Pickleball? – All you need to know

Pickleball has quickly become one of the fastest-growing sports that mixes parts of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Fans have a new way to enjoy it: betting on professional matches. If you are also thinking of starting betting on this popular sport we have compiled a comprehensive guide where you will learn the basics of betting on pickleball, from understanding different types of bets to picking strategies to improve your chances. Check out how to bet on Pickleball below.

Types of Pickleball Bets

Money Line Bets

Money line betting is the simplest form of betting. You’re essentially betting on who will win the match:

The favorite player has a negative odds number (e.g., -400), meaning you’d have to bet $400 to win $100.
The underdog has a positive odds number (e.g., +300), meaning a $100 bet would win you $300 if they win.

Example: If Ben Johns is the favorite against Federico Staksrud, you’d need to bet more on Johns to win a smaller return, while betting on Staksrud would offer a higher payout for a lower wager.

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Over/Under Bets

Over/Under bets focus on the total points scored in a match. The sportsbook sets a line (e.g., 39.5 points), and you can bet on whether the total points will be over or under that number.

Example: If you think the match will be close and go to three games, betting the “Over” might be a good choice. If you expect a quick match, you might choose the “Under.”

Point Spread Bets

In a point spread, you bet on how many points a player will win by, with the spread set by the sportsbook.

Example: In a match where Ben Johns/Collin Johns are favored by -7.5 points over their opponents, they’d need to win by at least 8 points for you to win the bet.

Parlays

Parlays combine multiple bets into one, offering a higher payout if all bets succeed. For example, you could bet on a player to win, cover the spread, and for the match to go over a certain number of points. If any bet in the parlay loses, the entire parlay loses.

Dynamic In-Game Betting

In-game betting allows you to place bets as the match progresses, with odds updating in real-time. This can be a good option if you notice momentum shifts during the match.

Betting Tips for Pickleball Fans

Know the Players

Studying the strengths and weaknesses of players can improve your betting odds. Follow recent matches, track player performance, and learn about head-to-head records. Sometimes, lower-seeded players can be more favorable bets if they’ve been on a winning streak.

Follow Rankings with Caution

Some players may hold high rankings due to consistent tournament play rather than recent form. Look for emerging players who might offer better value against veterans with inflated rankings.

Use Available Data

There are many online resources that analyze player stats and match histories. For example, some betting analysts have created databases covering recent PPA tournaments, allowing fans to predict likely outcomes based on past performance.

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How to play Pickleball

Pickleball is a simple and fun sport anyone can play. Check out a comprehensive guide below on how to play Pickleball:

Basic Equipment

To play the Pickleball you’ll need the Paddle, Ball, and Court of a 20-by-44-foot with 34 inches high net at the center like badminton or tennis. Paddles can be wood or composite materials while balls should be lightweight and made up of plastic with holes like a Wiffle ball.

How the Game Starts

Serving: The game begins with one player serving the ball from behind the baseline (the back edge of the court docket). The serve ought to be hit underhand and despatched diagonally throughout the court docket to the opponent’s facet.

The ball must land in the service area, beyond the “kitchen” (a 7-foot area near the net), and the opponent must let the ball bounce before returning it.

Pickleball Basic Rules of Play

Two-Bounce Rule: After the serve, the ball has to bounce once on each side of the net before players can hit it in the air (volley).

Volleying: Once the ball has bounced on both sides, players can hit it without letting it bounce, except if they’re standing in the “kitchen” (non-volley zone). You cannot volley the ball if you’re in this area.

Kitchen Rule: You can only hit the ball out of the air if you’re outside the “kitchen” area. This prevents players from rushing to the net and hitting the ball too aggressively.

Scoring Points

Scoring: Only the team or player serving the ball can earn points. If the opponent fails to return the ball, hits it out of bounds, or makes a mistake (like letting the ball jump two times), the serving player or team scores a point.

Game Length: Games are typically played to 11 points, and you must win by at least 2 points. In tournaments, games might go to 15 or 21 points.

Doubles Play

In two-ball games (up to four), two players from the serving team get the chance to serve before the ball is awarded to the opposing team.
Players win a point exchange serves and side with their teammates.

Winning the game

The player or team wins the game by scoring the first 11 points (or 15 or 21 in tournaments) and scoring at least 2 points over the opponent.
History and development of pickleball

Pickleball began in 1965, with Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum on Bainbridge Island, Washington. It was built with badminton courts, ping-pong boats, and wiffle balls.

In 1972, a company was formed to promote the sport. By 1990, pickleball was being played throughout the United States, and by 2022, it would be the fastest-growing sport, with almost 5 million players having invested in the sport, which has helped it grow further.

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What Makes Pickleball So Popular?

Pickleball’s popularity has grown rapidly, especially in the United States. Between 2021 and 2023, it was named the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, with over 8.9 million players reported in 2023. Several factors contribute to its appeal:

Easy to Learn: Pickleball has a gentle learning curve, so beginners can quickly understand the basics and enjoy playing.
Accessible to All Ages: The sport’s slower pace and smaller court make it suitable for people of all ages, from children to seniors.
Affordable: With minimal equipment and court requirements, pickleball is less expensive than many other sports.
Social and Fun: Many people find pickleball a great way to stay active and socialize, as it’s often played in pairs and encourages friendly competition.

Professional Pickleball and Worldwide Popularity

As the sport grew, so did the need for professional competitions and leagues. In 2019, two professional tours and leagues were launched in the U.S., bringing pickleball to a larger audience and creating more opportunities for athletes. The sport is also expanding internationally, with leagues emerging in countries like Australia, and plans to introduce professional leagues in India by the 2025-26 season.

Pickleball has yet to make its way into the Olympics or Paralympics, but it continues to gain worldwide interest. It’s now played across Europe, Asia, and North America, with new players and communities joining the game each ye

Pickleball started as a backyard game and has become a favorite sport for millions worldwide. It’s easy to learn, fun to play and doesn’t need much equipment. If you’re looking for a new hobby, a way to stay fit, or just want to play a fun game with friends, pickleball is a great choice