Can You Play Pickleball In The Rain?

Can you play Pickleball in the rain? Here are all your queries answered about approaching this game on a wet court.

Can You Play Pickleball In The Rain?

Can you play pickleball in the rain? A pickleball match in the rain or on a wet court is not an ideal situation for any player, and just because you can doesn’t mean you should. At first sight, a few puddles and light mist might not seem like a big problem, but it can come with its own set of challenges like slips, slides, falls, and injuries.

Plus, it is not just about the players’ safety but the equipment. Pickleball paddles and balls are not designed to work in wet conditions. Hence, when playing in the rain or on a wet court, the ball may not bounce, the paddle grip would suffer, and it can eventually lead to more frustration.

Still, if you insist on playing pickleball in the rain like many others, you should approach it safely. Here is how you can ensure your safety and the equipment protection during the game.

Tips For Playing Pickleball On A Wet Court

No one wants to sustain injuries due to slips and falls on a wet pickleball court. Though playing pickleball can be fun under a gentle drizzle, the situation can turn hazardous when it is pouring. Here are some ways you can ensure your safety on a wet court.

Make sure the court is not slippery. You can test the traction on the court with light movements.
Play at a slower pace, so there is a reduced chance of falls and ankle injuries.
Do not run, slide, or cut on a wet court, rather perform drills that involve walking and standing only.
It is equally important to choose the right equipment for the situation. Here, shoes with non-slip soles and pickleball paddles with rubber exteriors give you a better grip. Also, keep several dry balls on hand, so you can slide more on your paddle face.

How To Play Pickleball In The Rain?

If you end up playing pickleball on a wet court, it is not ideal to play the usual singles or doubles game. Instead, it is better to go for some drills. So, let’s discuss them in detail.

Dink Drills: Dinks do not require much movement and they are easy to play on a wet court. Just practice cross courts and down-the-line dinks and remember to throw the dinks with intention, and aim for the opponent’s feet.
Dink Volleys: These drills are yet another great opportunity to practice your game. For this, have one partner intentionally hit the dinks a foot higher than normal, so the other person can throw a volley back.
Fast Hands Drills: Speed is substantial for a pickleball match. For this drill, both partners are required to set the partners stand at the NVZ lines on each side of the net. Next, they need to practice volleying to the other’s paddle and increase speed as they progress.
Transition Area Reset Drills: Practicing reset shots from the transition zone on a wet court is your call. All you need to do is have a partner stand at the kitchen line and the other between the service and kitchen lines. The partner at the NVZ line hit the ball at the feet of the other player, who practices soft reset dinks.
Serves: Servers are a great way to use the wet court, as it does not require extreme movements. You can also set up a cone and practice serving to the target, without any partner.

How Do You Dry A Wet Pickleball Court?

Players use a combination of tools and methods to make sure the court is playable and safe. Here are some of them explained.

Squeegees and Push Brooms: A water squeegee is a great invention to move massive water spots off the court. They come in different sizes, so you can choose one that suits the court. Moreover, push booms work the same for areas that are not too deep, and you can use them to disperse water and accelerate the drying process.
Leaf Blowers: You will be surprised to know that leaf blowers are highly effective in dispersing water from the court and speeding up the drying process. They also come in handy when moving water to the dry areas of the court.
Absorbent Materials: You can also use absorbent rollers and towels to dry smaller wet spots on the court. All you need to do is roll them across the court to reduce the moisture.
Tennis Court Dryers: In the market, several pieces of equipment are required to specifically dry the sports court, including water-removing rollers, and industrial blowers. Though they are highly effective, these tools can be expensive for some players.
Court Covers: If rain is frequent in your area, it is better to invest in a court cover, as it will protect the court’s surface during overnight rain and storms. Doing so will significantly reduce the damage and drying time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Pickleball Paddles Get Wet?

Yes, pickleball paddles can get wet and too much water exposure can affect the sticky coating on the grip tape. It can make it difficult for you to practice shots and achieve the right traction.

How Long After Rain Can You Play Pickleball?

You can resume your pickleball matches immediately after it rains. However, the condition is that it should be dried before you proceed. It is better to wait an hour just to be safe.

Is Pickleball Safe To Play During Light Rain Or Drizzle?

No, playing pickleball during light rain or drizzle is not safe. Even a small amount of moisture on the court can make it slippery, increasing the chances of slips, falls, and injuries.

Conclusion

Finally, wet pickleball courts with even a small amount of moisture are susceptible to falls, slips, and potential injuries. Hence, it is better to wait for the weather to clear up and resume your games when the court is dry.