Have you noticed more people talking about something called “pickleball” lately? You’re not alone! This once-obscure game has exploded in popularity and is now America’s fastest-growing sport.
What is pickleball?
Pickleball is a mix of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Players use solid paddles to hit a plastic ball with holes (similar to a wiffle ball) over a net. The court is smaller than a tennis court but bigger than a ping-pong table – making it the perfect “Goldilocks” size for players of all ages!
The sport got its unusual name from one of its creators, whose dog was named Pickles. The story goes that Pickles would chase after the ball during early games, so they named the sport after him. Whether that’s true or just a fun legend, the quirky name seems to fit this playful sport perfectly.
Why has pickleball become so popular?
Since 2021, pickleball has taken off like a rocket. But why?
First, it’s incredibly easy to learn. Within 30 minutes, most beginners can rally back and forth and have fun. This isn’t true for many other sports!
Second, pickleball is social by design. Most people play doubles (two players per team), which means more chatting and laughing between points. Many players say the friendly atmosphere is what keeps them coming back.
Finally, it’s accessible for all ages and fitness levels. While top players can make it intensely competitive, casual players can enjoy themselves without being super athletic. Grandparents and grandkids can literally play together – how many sports can say that?
How to play pickleball
Ready to try pickleball? Here’s what you need to know:
The Court
A pickleball court is 44 feet long and 20 feet wide. The net stands 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches in the middle. The most important feature is the “kitchen” – a 7-foot non-volley zone near the net where players cannot hit the ball out of the air.
Scoring
- Games are typically played to 11 points (win by 2)
- Only the serving team can score points
- Before each serve, players call out the score, which can be confusing at first but becomes second nature
The Two Most Unusual Rules
1. The Two-Bounce Rule: After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before players can start volleying (hitting the ball before it bounces).
2. The Kitchen Rule: Players cannot volley the ball while standing in the “kitchen” zone. This prevents aggressive smashing at the net and keeps rallies going longer.
What equipment do you need?
Getting started with pickleball is refreshingly affordable:
- Paddle: Basic paddles start around $30, though serious players might invest $80-150 for better quality
- Balls: Special pickleball balls cost about $10-15 for a pack of several
- Shoes: Any court shoes with good grip will work to start
That’s it! No expensive racquet restringing or special clothing required.
Where can you play pickleball?
Finding places to play gets easier every month as more courts open up:
- Many public parks are converting tennis courts to pickleball courts
- Recreation centers and gyms are adding indoor pickleball
- Dedicated pickleball clubs are popping up everywhere
- Some tennis clubs now offer pickleball times
Beginner tips for pickleball success
Want to look like you know what you’re doing on your first day? Try these tips:
- Start with the dink: This soft shot that lands in the kitchen is the foundation of good pickleball
- Stay out of “no man’s land”: Don’t get caught in the middle of the court
- Be patient: Wait for good opportunities rather than trying to hit winners every shot
- Keep your paddle up: Always be ready for the next shot
- Call the score clearly: “4-2-1” means serving team has 4 points, receiving team has 2 points, and it’s the first server’s turn
Why you should give pickleball a try
If you’re looking for a new way to be active, make friends, and have fun, pickleball checks all the boxes. It’s less intense on your body than tennis, more social than running, and more active than golf.
The pickleball community is known for being welcoming to newcomers. Most players are happy to share tips and include beginners in games.
