What is Pickleball? – All you need to know

Pickleball is a sport that mixes parts of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It’s played on a small court and can be played by two players (singles) or four players (doubles). In pickleball, players use paddles and a light plastic ball with holes. The rules are easy to learn, and the game can be played indoors or outdoors, making it a favorite for many people of all ages.

Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island in Washington State, USA. Joel Pritchard, a congressman, and his friends, Barney McCallum and Bill Bell, wanted to create a new game to keep their children entertained during the summer.

The group gathered leftover equipment from other sports—using a badminton net, table tennis paddles, and a plastic ball. What started as a backyard activity soon turned into a beloved sport as families and friends found it fun and easy to play. By 2022, it had even been named the official state sport of Washington.

Why is it Called Pickleball?

The origin of the name “pickleball” is still a topic of debate. According to some sources, Joel Pritchard’s wife, Joan, mentioned that the game reminded her of a “pickle boat” in rowing. In rowing, the “pickle boat” is made up of leftover rowers from other boats. This could connect with how the game itself came from using leftover sports equipment. However, others say the game was named after the Pritchards’ dog, Pickles, who would often chase the ball. The truth remains unclear, but these two stories add charm to the sport’s unique name.

Pickleball is played on a court that’s smaller than a tennis court, measuring 44 feet long and 20 feet wide. Each side of the court has a “non-volley zone” close to the net, often called the “kitchen.” In this zone, players cannot hit the ball in the air; they must wait until the ball bounces. This rule creates unique challenges and strategies, as players must carefully position themselves and plan their moves.

The game uses a paddle, larger than a table tennis paddle but smaller than a tennis racket, made of either wood or composite materials. The ball is lightweight plastic with small holes, making it look a bit like a wiffle ball. This type of ball produces a distinct sound and bounces less than a tennis ball, which slows down the pace of the game, making it easier for players to hit accurately.

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How to play Pickleball

Pickleball is a simple and fun sport anyone can play. Check out a comprehensive guide below on how to play Pickleball:

Basic Equipment

To play the Pickleball you’ll need the Paddle, Ball, and Court of a 20-by-44-foot with 34 inches high net at the center like badminton or tennis. Paddles can be wood or composite materials while balls should be lightweight and made up of plastic with holes like a Wiffle ball.

How the Game Starts

Serving: The game begins with one player serving the ball from behind the baseline (the back edge of the court docket). The serve ought to be hit underhand and despatched diagonally throughout the court docket to the opponent’s facet.

The ball must land in the service area, beyond the “kitchen” (a 7-foot area near the net), and the opponent must let the ball bounce before returning it.

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Pickleball Basic Rules of Play

Two-Bounce Rule: After the serve, the ball has to bounce once on each side of the net before players can hit it in the air (volley).

Volleying: Once the ball has bounced on both sides, players can hit it without letting it bounce, except if they’re standing in the “kitchen” (non-volley zone). You cannot volley the ball if you’re in this area.

Kitchen Rule: You can only hit the ball out of the air if you’re outside the “kitchen” area. This prevents players from rushing to the net and hitting the ball too aggressively.

Scoring Points

Scoring: Only the team or player serving the ball can earn points. If the opponent fails to return the ball, hits it out of bounds, or makes a mistake (like letting the ball jump two times), the serving player or team scores a point.

Game Length: Games are typically played to 11 points, and you must win by at least 2 points. In tournaments, games might go to 15 or 21 points.

Doubles Play

In two-ball games (up to four), two players from the serving team get the chance to serve before the ball is awarded to the opposing team.
Players win a point exchange serves and side with their teammates.

Winning the game

The player or team wins the game by scoring the first 11 points (or 15 or 21 in tournaments) and scoring at least 2 points over the opponent.
History and development of pickleball

Pickleball began in 1965, with Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum on Bainbridge Island, Washington. It was built with badminton courts, ping-pong boats, and wiffle balls.

In 1972, a company was formed to promote the sport. By 1990, pickleball was being played throughout the United States, and by 2022, it would be the fastest-growing sport, with almost 5 million players having invested in the sport, which has helped it grow further.

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What Makes Pickleball So Popular?

Pickleball’s popularity has grown rapidly, especially in the United States. Between 2021 and 2023, it was named the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, with over 8.9 million players reported in 2023. Several factors contribute to its appeal:

1. Easy to Learn: Pickleball has a gentle learning curve, so beginners can quickly understand the basics and enjoy playing.
2. Accessible to All Ages: The sport’s slower pace and smaller court make it suitable for people of all ages, from children to seniors.
3. Affordable: With minimal equipment and court requirements, pickleball is less expensive than many other sports.
4. Social and Fun: Many people find pickleball a great way to stay active and socialize, as it’s often played in pairs and encourages friendly competition.

Professional Pickleball and Worldwide Popularity

As the sport grew, so did the need for professional competitions and leagues. In 2019, two professional tours and leagues were launched in the U.S., bringing pickleball to a larger audience and creating more opportunities for athletes. The sport is also expanding internationally, with leagues emerging in countries like Australia, and plans to introduce professional leagues in India by the 2025-26 season.

Pickleball has yet to make its way into the Olympics or Paralympics, but it continues to gain worldwide interest. It’s now played across Europe, Asia, and North America, with new players and communities joining the game each ye