Get Ready to Play: Pickleball on AMI

Caught up in the growing craze that is pickleball? Well, grab your paddles and get ready to play because there is plenty of pickleball action to be had on Anna Maria Island. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, there are programs, courts, and more to suit any player’s needs to enjoy pickleball on AMI.

The History of Pickleball 

Pickleball was invented in the 1960s by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum when they were looking to unwind with a bit of badminton but didn’t have the right equipment. Instead, the men improvised using ping pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball with a lowered net on the court, and thus the sport of pickleball was born. It wasn’t until the 1980s that the first official rulebook was published, but it wasn’t long after that that tournaments, brackets, and more began to bolster the game’s popularity. Even now, there has been a surge in demand for accessibility to the sport, with over 70,000 members in the USA Pickleball and the Professional Pickleball Association. 

Pickleball: How to Play 

Pickleball is played either as doubles (two players per team) or singles, with doubles being the most common way to play. The same size playing area and rules apply to both singles and doubles matches. 

The Serve

The match begins with a diagonal cross-court serve. Once served, the server’s feet must not touch the court; instead, they must remain outside the extension of the sideline or centerline. If a point is scored, the server switches sides and initiates the next serve. The server continues switching sides until a fault is committed, and then the serve must be passed to the opponent.

Faults

According to USAPickleball.org: 

• A fault is any action that stops play because of a rule violation.
• A fault by the receiving team results in a point for the serving team.
• A fault by the serving team results in the server losing their serve or being side out.

A fault occurs when:

• A serve does not land within the confines of the receiving court
• The ball is hit into the net on the serve or any return
• The ball is volleyed before a bounce has occurred on each side
• The ball is hit out of bounds
• A ball is volleyed from the non-volley zone
• A ball bounces twice before being struck by the receiver
• A player, player’s clothing, or any part of a player’s paddle touches the net or the net post when the ball is in play
• There is a violation of a service rule
• A ball in play strikes a player or anything the player is wearing or carrying
• A ball in play strikes any permanent object before bouncing on the court

Scoring

Games are typically played to 11 points. The winner must be ahead by 2 points at the end of the game. Points may only be scored by the serving team in traditional scoring. When the ball is served, the receiving team must let it bounce before returning, and then the serving team must let it bounce before returning, thus two bounces.

After the ball has bounced once in each team’s court, both teams may either volley the ball (hit the ball before it bounces) or play it off a bounce (ground stroke). The two-bounce rule eliminates the serve-and-volley advantage and extends rallies. Rallies are ended when a fault occurs, and the serve must be passed to the opponents. 

Where to play? 

The Center on AMI

The Center on AMI has so much to offer the community for both locals and visitors alike, pickleball enthusiasts included. They offer open court times for both indoor and outdoor courts for members. Non-members can also play at an additional fee. Lessons are also available for players of all skill levels. 

Indoor Court Hours

• Monday-Saturday:
  • Advance/Intermediate: 10:30 am-12 pm
  • Beginners: 12 pm-1:30 pm

Outdoor Court Hours

• Monday: 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.
• Tuesday: 7:00 am to 9:00 am and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
• Wednesday: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• Thursday: 7:00 am to 9:00 am and 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• Friday: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.
• Saturday: 8:00 am to 10:30 am and 1:00 to 3:00 pm.

Lou Barolo Park

The Lou Barolo Park is located on Highland Ave at 4th Street North and features a picnic area, play structure, and pickleball court. This park is conveniently located near the iconic Bridge Street and its pier, making it the perfect spot to start or end your day out on the town. 

Holmes Beach City Field

There are two pickleball courts located near the basketball courts in Holmes Beach’s City Field. These courts are non-reservable and available for free play. Please note that the lines are overlaid on a tennis court, and the net is positioned slightly higher than the regulation height. These courts are an excellent place to get in a game or two while visiting the lovely Holmes Beach. 

 C.V. Walton Racquet Center

Just a short drive to the mainland, the C.V. Walton Racquet Center is part of the fastest-growing community of pickleball players, with state-of-the-art Pickleball Courts located at the G.T. Bray Recreation Center. The facility features 20 pickleball courts, 14 of which are covered and equipped with large ceiling fans to ensure excellent air circulation during the hot summer months. The remaining six courts are open-air.

Reservations for the outdoor courts only can be made six days in advance. To reserve a court, call (941) 742-5973. The reservation line opens at noon. This facility also offers pro shop services as well as lessons. 

Hours

• Monday – Thursday 7:30 am – 9:00 pm 
• Friday 7:30 am – 7:00 pm 
• Saturday & Sunday 7:30 am – 4:00 pm.  

All courts, except designated Drop-In Courts, can be reserved for play.

• DROP-IN PLAY (all levels) 
• Indoor (Monday – Friday) 
  • All Levels 4 Courts 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
• Outdoor (Monday – Sunday)
  • Morning Lower 9:00 am – 12:00 pm 
  • Afternoons/Evenings, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm.

It is no surprise that pickleball fandom is growing at an exponential rate. This highly competitive sport is enjoyable for people of all ages and skill levels, easy to pick up, and a challenge to fine-tune. One thing is certain: you will have fun while playing and even more fun while playing during your stay on Anna Maria Island. Contact Serendipity today for more information on local pickleball accommodations and to book your stay on this island paradise.