Zero-zero-two. In case you're not familiar, that's how you start a game of pickleball — we agree, it doesn't make a lot of sense, but that's what makes it fun.

If you are a seasoned player, you might also know that today is National Pickleball Day, a chance to celebrate the paddle sport that's sweeping the nation (and one we predict seeing at the Olympics sooner or later). We're here to serve you some knowledge on how to get involved:

Find a court

The People's Courts
Jumbo's Pickleball
RECS
Lifetime Beaverton
Search the city with Pickleheads

Find a community
There are so many groups it can be overwhelming, but good places to start are Portland Pickleball Players, Underdog Sports Leagues, and Joy Crazy Pickleball.

Find a reason to play
We don't need to hash out all the benefits of staying active and meeting new people, so we'll point you toward a charitable cause. On Friday, Sept. 27, Sport Oregon will host a tournament where proceeds benefit the SHE FLIES program and its mission to empower young girls and women.