Pickleball enthusiasts in Texarkana have reason to celebrate—the sport is rapidly gaining traction! The Texarkana Texas “Southwest Center,” located on 7th Street, has become a hub for pickleball enthusiasts.
Southwest Center boasts seven pickleball courts, with three indoors and four outdoors. The permanent court lines and available portable nets make it convenient for players. Best of all, it’s free to play! Lights are also provided, allowing for evening matches1
Here is a quick rundown of the Game:
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements from tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It was invented in 1965 by three dads who wanted a game their kids could play together during summer vacation1. Here are the basics:
- Court and Setup:
- Played on a badminton-sized court (20’ x 44’).
- The net height is 36″ at the sideline and 34″ at the center.
- Most often played as doubles (four players), but singles is possible too.
- Each player stands to the right and left of the centerline.
- Shots:
- Groundstrokes: Hit off the bounce, often from the baseline.
- Volleys: Hit out of the air from a position closer to the net.
- Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen):
- Each side has a 7 ft area called the non-volley zone.
- No player can hit volleys from this area.
- Not even a toe can touch the kitchen line during a volley.
- Gameplay Rules:
- Each rally begins with a serve.
- Serve diagonally to your opponent’s right or left service area.
- Serve must clear the kitchen (including the line) to count.
- Your serve must be underhand (below the waist).
- Each point continues until a fault (e.g., ball out of bounds, into the net).
Get out there and enjoy playing pickleball!
Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious beginner, the Southwest Center is the place to be for all things pickleball in Texarkana. For schedules and more information, reach out to the Southwest Center directly on their Facebook Page. Let’s keep the pickleball momentum going!
