In recent years, a quirky-sounding sport has been sweeping across neighborhoods, gyms, parks, and professional sports facilities alike, pickleball game.
If you've ever asked yourself, ‘What is pickleball?’ you're not alone. This beloved game is a fusion of no less than three other popular sports, offering a fun, low-impact, and social experience that appeals to all ages.
Pickleball Defination - Quick Introduction to Pickleball
In Pickleball, the play sees a paddle hitting ball made with plastic and having holes in it, usually on a court that about ¼ the size of a tennis court.
Its simplicity, accessibility, and fast-paced rallies make it incredibly addictive, and that’s part of why it's exploding in popularity not just in the U.S., but globally.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or just curious about the game, this guide will cover everything you need to know, from how to play pickleball, its equipment, scoring, rules, and why so many people are falling in love with it.
A Look Back: The History of Pickleball
Pickleball’s journey began in mid-1960s on an island inside Washington State, USA, when three local dads were looking to provide some fun to their kids.
They did have a playing area for badminton, but not the right gear to play that game, so they made some makeshift arrangements. Using ping-pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball, they created a new game that quickly evolved into what we now know as pickleball.
What’s with the name? It probably owes to Pickles, the dog that Pritchard had, or a ‘pickle boat’, which is a term for a crew made up of leftover rowers. Either way, the game was an instant hit.
Pickleball grew slowly but steadily. It wasn’t until the 2000s that the sport truly took off, with retirees in states like Florida and Arizona popularizing it in community centers and active-living neighborhoods.
As of 2025, pickleball is most flourishing sport in America, with a lot of players, professional tournaments, and celebrity endorsements.
How is Pickleball Played?
If you're wondering how to play pickleball, you're in luck, it's one of the easiest sports to learn, and highly accessible to the newbies. The game can be played in singles or doubles, with the latter being more widespread, particularly among those who play it casually.
Pickleball is played in this way:
- An underhanded, crosswise serve initiates the game.
- The team on the receiving end has to allow the ball to hit the ground and rebound one time, before they can play their shot.
- The serving players have to wait for the ball to rebound, and only then try a shot on the return. This is called the ‘two-bounce rule’.
- After the first two bounces, players can volley (hit the ball without letting it bounce), but not when standing in the non-volley zone (often called the kitchen), which is 7 feet from the net on both sides.
- The point continues until one side commits a fault (such as hitting out of bounds or into the net).
The pickleball scoring system is unique, only the serving players/sides can score points, and games are usually played to 11 points, where the winner must have a 2 point lead, instead of one. In competitions, they can stretch to about 15, 21 points as well.
The combination of a reduced playing area, coupled with a ball that travels slower than the one in lawn tennis, make it easier for the physique to handle, without being any less competitive. This balance of simplicity and depth is part of what makes pickleball so universally appealing.
Rules of Pickleball: What You Need to Know
Understanding the pickleball rules doesn’t take long. Newbies should keep in mind:
1. Serving
- This game works on underhanded serves, where the paddle has to do its work around the lower end of the body.
- The serve has to drop crosswise in the opponent’s area.
- Just a single shot at serve is permitted, excluding ‘let’ scenarios, where the ball hits the net but manages to land accurately.
2. Rule of Two Bounce
- The players also have to wait for the ball to bounce a minimum of once on either side, before they can attempt to volley.
3. Volley Prohibited Region (Kitchen)
- Players aren’t permitted to volley the ball as long as they’re in the seven-ft area closer to the net.
- They can go inside that region to attempt a shot when the ball has rebounded, but have to quickly get out of there after doing that.
4. Faults
- Hitting the ball out of bounds.
- Failing to clear the net.
- Volleying from the non-volley zone.
- Violating the two-bounce rule.
5. Scoring
- Only the team doing the serve can get points.
- Each server gets one chance to serve, and if they fault, service goes to the partner or opposing team depending on the game format.
- The score is displayed in a series of numbers: score for servers / score for receivers / number of the server (1 or 2).
While advanced players go deep into tactics and spin shots, beginners can pick up the basics in under 30 minutes and start rallying almost right away.
So, to answer the popular question, is pickleball easy to learn? Absolutely. That’s one of its biggest appeals.
Pickleball Court and Equipment
Let’s talk gear and space. The court size for this game is 20 feet in breadth and 44 feet in extent. It’s divided into right and left service areas, with a seven-ft ‘kitchen’ region (players can’t volley there) that exists on both sides.
You can play pickleball indoors or outdoors, both. Here’s a breakdown of essential pickleball equipment:
1. Paddle:
- Bigger compared to its table-tennis counterpart, and smaller than a racket used in lawn tennis.
- Made from lightweight materials like composite, graphite, or wood.
2. Ball:
- A plastic, perforated ball with between 26–40 holes.
- Balls for indoor games are lighter, for outdoor games they’re a bit more heavy.
3. Net:
- Height is the same as the one used in lawn tennis, but this one is lower, thirty-six inches on sides and thirty-four inches in the very middle.
4. Footwear:
- Non-marking court shoes (like those used in tennis or volleyball) are best for grip and support.
Whether you're playing on a local park court or a professional indoor venue, the setup is relatively low-cost and easy to access, which is another reason why pickleball is so popular.
Pickleball vs Tennis: What’s the Difference? - Understanding Indepthly What Is Pickleball
A common question among newcomers is: pickleball vs tennis, what’s the difference? The two sports diverge in key areas:
Court Size and Layout
- Pickleball court size is smaller at only twenty by forty-four feet, versus tennis court’s thirty-six by seventy-eight feet for doubles.
- This means shorter sprints, less impact on joints, and faster points, especially in doubles matches.
Equipment
- In Pickleball, solid paddles, without any cords, are used alongside plastic balls having holes in them. Tennis uses stringed rackets and felt-covered balls.
- The lighter paddle and slower ball speed in pickleball contribute to easier control and less wrist strain.
Scoring and Serving
- Tennis follows a 15-30-40 scoring system, while pickleball uses simple rally points to 11, with only the serving team able to score.
- Pickleball serving is underhand, promoting ease and reducing shoulder injuries, especially for older or recreational players.
Pace and Style of Play
- Tennis rallies are known for forceful shots at the baseline. Pickleball, on the other hand, emphasizes soft shots, player reflexes and placement.
- The ‘kitchen’ in pickleball is a volley-free regions forcing players to use different strategies, instead of just rushing the net and smashing all the time.
Accessibility
- Overall, pickleball is easier to learn and less physically demanding, which attracts seniors, families, and people recovering from injuries, while tennis can be more technical and demanding on the body.
While many tennis players transition to pickleball quickly due to familiar court dynamics, others play both.
|
Feature |
Pickleball |
Tennis |
|
Court Size |
20 x 44 feet |
36 x 78 feet (doubles) |
|
Net Height |
36’ at sidelines, 34’ at center |
42’ at posts, 36’ at center |
|
Equipment |
Compact paddle, ball having holes in it and made with plastic |
Stringed racket, rubber ball |
|
Serving Style |
Underhand only |
Overhand or underhand |
|
Scoring System |
Rally scoring to 11 (win by 2), only server scores |
Traditional: 15-30-40, must win by 2 games |
|
Play Style |
Slower ball, soft shots, dinks, fast reflex exchanges |
Faster ball, powerful strokes, baseline rallies |
|
Volley Rules |
No volleying in the kitchen (non-volley zone) |
Volleying allowed anywhere on court |
|
Game Duration |
Shorter, quick points and games |
Generally longer rallies and sets |
|
Physical Demand |
Lower, easier on joints and mobility |
Higher, involves more running and stamina |
|
Learning Curve |
Gentle, beginner-friendly and easy to start |
Steeper, more technique and rules to learn |
|
Popularity Trend |
Fastest-growing sport in North America |
Established globally for decades |
|
Typical Audience |
All ages, especially popular with adults 40+ |
Often younger, more athletic demographic |
Why is Pickleball Gaining Popularity So Fast?
So, why is pickleball so popular? The short answer: it’s accessible, social, and fun. But there’s more to it than that.
1. Low Barrier to Entry
Pickleball doesn’t require prior athletic experience or expensive equipment. The rules are easy to learn, and players can start rallying within minutes.
2. Social Connection
Pickleball is inherently social. Courts are small, points are quick, and doubles is the preferred format. This makes it great for meeting people, laughing between rallies, and forming local communities.
3. Affordable and Available
In contrast to golf and some other sports, pickleball isn’t that expensive to get into. Many public parks now have special-purpose courts or shared-use intersections on tennis courts. A decent paddle can cost under $100, and balls cost just a few dollars.
4. Celebrity and Media Buzz
From LeBron James investing in pro teams to Stephen Colbert hosting celebrity tournaments, pickleball is getting mainstream visibility. National competitions, sponsorships, and viral TikTok videos are also increasing awareness among the younger generations.
5. Fitness Without the Burnout
Pickleball offers a solid cardio workout without the pounding impact of running or the technical demands of sports like squash or tennis. It’s easy on the knees, shoulders, and back, yet still delivers movement, reflexes, and strategy.
Simply put, it’s the perfect combination of exercise, fun, and community, which explains why over 19.8 million Americans tried pickleball last year, and that number keeps growing.
Tips for Beginners: How to Get Started with Pickleball
Some suggestions to help newbie players up-and-running:
1. What is Pickleball - Start with the Basics
Don’t worry about fancy shots or spin techniques right away. Focus on mastering the rules, basic strokes (forehand, backhand, volley), and understanding court positioning.
2. Learn the Scoring Early
The pickleball scoring system can be confusing at first, especially the 3-number callouts. Practice with a partner or watch beginner YouTube tutorials to get familiar.
3. Use the Right Equipment
Invest in a lightweight paddle that suits your grip and hand size. Avoid the temptation to use the cheapest paddle possible, a decent beginner option can improve control significantly. Also, wear proper court shoes if you don't want to get injured.
4. Understand the Kitchen
The non-volley zone is key to strategy. You’re not allowed to volley in this zone, so avoid stepping in unless the ball bounces. Many beginners lose points by rushing the net and committing ‘kitchen faults.’
5. Practice Patience
A common mistake is trying to smash every shot. In reality, soft, controlled shots (‘dinks’) are often more effective, especially against skilled opponents.
6. Join Local Groups or Clinics
Most cities have beginner-friendly pickleball clubs or open-play times. Joining a group lets you learn from others, play different styles, and grow faster.
7. Ask Questions
Pickleball players are generally enthusiastic and welcoming. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice, most seasoned players are happy to help a newcomer get into the game.
And above all, have fun.
In Regards of the Topic What is Pickleball, Here are Final Thoughts
So, what is pickleball? It’s a sport that blends the simplicity of backyard games with the excitement of racquet sports. Pickleball is approachable, energizing, and easy to fall in love with.
Whether you're coming from tennis, totally new to sports, or just looking for a fresh way to get active, you’ll be able to connect with pickleball. Its forgiving learning curve, low entry cost, and rapidly expanding community make it one of the most exciting recreational activities today.
Ready to Join the Pickleball Craze?
Have you tried pickleball yet? Drop us a comment below or share your first experience! More pickleball content is coming every week, from gear reviews to pro-level tips.
Stay tuned, and check out the latest paddles, guides, and beginner bundles at Warpingpoint, your go-to destination for everything pickleball.