What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong into a fun and accessible game for all ages and skill levels. Played on a smaller court with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes, pickleball is easy to pick up, yet offers plenty of challenge for those who want to improve their game. Whether you're looking for a new way to stay active, a social activity to enjoy with friends, or a sport that brings out your competitive side, pickleball has something to offer. In this blog, we’ll dive into what pickleball is, how it's played, and why it's becoming so popular.
Why is it Called Pickleball
The name "pickleball" has an interesting history rooted in a bit of family fun and sports tradition. The game was invented in 1965 by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Shortly after, Joel’s wife, Joan Pritchard, coined the term "pickle ball," inspired by the "pickle boat" in crew racing—a term used for a boat made up of leftover rowers from various teams. However, as pickleball's popularity grew, a playful controversy emerged. Some neighbours claimed that Joan had named the sport after the Pritchard family dog, Pickles. The family has clarified that Pickles, the dog, actually came along a few years later and was named after the game—not the other way around. Although fun to imagine, the story about the dog was debunked when researchers found evidence that Pickles was born in 1968, three years after the sport was first played and named.
Where to Play Pickleball
Pickleball can be played on a dedicated pickleball court or even adapted from a standard tennis court, making it highly accessible. A standard pickleball court measures 44 feet long and 20 feet wide, divided by a 34-inch-high net at the centre (36 inches at the sides). Each side of the court has left and right service areas, both measuring 15 feet long and 10 feet wide, along with a unique 7-foot "non-volley zone" near the net, often referred to as "the kitchen," where players cannot volley the ball.
To set up a pickleball court on a tennis court, you can fit up to four pickleball courts within the space of one tennis court. Simply adjust the tennis net to the pickleball height of 34 inches at the centre, and use the court lines to mark out the service areas and the kitchen. With these easy adjustments, you can transform any tennis court into a proper pickleball space, making it easier for everyone to enjoy this fast-growing sport.
What Do I Need To Play Pickleball?
To start playing pickleball, you'll need a few key pieces of equipment that are simple and affordable. First, you'll need a pickleball paddle, which is slightly larger than a ping-pong paddle but smaller than a tennis racquet. Pickleball paddles come in different materials—wood, composite, and graphite—each offering a different feel and level of control. You’ll also need a pickleball, a lightweight plastic ball with holes, similar to a wiffle ball. Comfortable athletic shoes with good grip are recommended, especially if you’re playing on outdoor surfaces. If you're playing on a dedicated pickleball court, the net will already be in place; however, you can also set up a portable net on any flat surface that meets the court size requirements. With these basics, you're ready to jump into a game and start having fun.
How To Play Pickleball
The game begins with an underhand serve, sent diagonally across the court to the opposite service box. The serve must clear the non-volley zone, often called "the kitchen," which is a 7-foot area on either side of the net. To keep rallies fair, both teams must let the ball bounce once on each side of the court before any volleys can begin—a rule known as the "two-bounce rule." After this, players can either let the ball bounce or hit it in the air, with the exception that they cannot volley while standing in the kitchen.
A rally continues until a team makes a fault, like hitting the ball out of bounds or into the net, or allowing the ball to bounce twice on their side. Points are only scored by the serving team, and games are typically played to 11 points, though players must win by at least two points. In doubles, each team’s score is announced with three numbers—the first two for the score and the third to indicate which teammate is serving. For example, if the score is 3-3-1, this means the score is tied at 3, and the first player on the serving team is up. With these simple rules and engaging rallies, pickleball is easy to learn but offers plenty of strategy and excitement.
