What is pickleball?

If you're curious about the sport that's taking over parks, gyms, (and tennis courts) across the EARTH, you're in the right place.

Let's bounce into the basics 🥒

🏓 What Exactly Is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong.

It's played on a court similar in size to a badminton court (slightly smaller than a tennis court), with a net slightly lower than a tennis net.

You can play both singles and doubles.

Players use solid paddles to hit a plastic ball (with lots of holes--slightly smaller than a whiffle ball) over the net.

📜 A Brief History

Invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington.
Created by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum to entertain their families.
The name "pickleball" is said to have come from the Pritchard family's dog, Pickles, who would chase the ball during games.

🎯 Why Is Pickleball So Popular?

Easy to learn.
Easier (and faster) to improve to an "intermediate" level, making it accessible for all ages, genders, and even levels of fitness.
Low(ish)-impact, reducing strain on joints.
Encourages social interaction and community building.
Can be played indoors or outdoors.
Pickleball can be played competitively or casually--more so than most other sports!

MY TAKE: In pickleball, it's pretty easy to get to an INTERMEDIATE level of pickleball, where you're focusing LESS on what your body is doing--and MORE on tactics & strategy! In my experience, it takes the average person longer to reach this level in tennis!

🛠️ Equipment Needed

Paddle: Typically made of wood or composite materials.
Ball: A lightweight plastic ball with holes, similar to a wiffle ball.
Court: 20 feet wide by 44 feet long, with a 7-foot non-volley zone (the "kitchen") on each side of the net.
Net: 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center.

📏 Basic Rules

Serving: Underhand serve diagonally across the court. The serve must land beyond the non-volley zone.
Double Bounce Rule: Each team must let the ball bounce once before volleys are allowed.
Non-Volley Zone ("Kitchen"): Players cannot volley (hit the ball in the air) while standing in this zone.
Scoring: Only the serving team can score points. Games are typically played to 11 points, win by 2.

🎮 How to Play

Keep in mind--this is a SUPER broad primer!

Decide on singles or doubles play.
Determine who serves first (coin toss or other method).
Serve diagonally, ensuring the ball lands beyond the kitchen (if it touches the kitchen line, it’s a fault--any other line is IN).
After the serve and return, players can volley or let the ball bounce before hitting.
Continue rallying until a fault occurs (e.g., ball out of bounds, volleying in the kitchen).
Only the serving team scores points. Serve rotates upon faults.

💡 Tips for Beginners

Focus on consistency over power.
Stay out of the kitchen unless the ball bounces in it.
Communicate with your partner in doubles play.
Practice your serve and return shots.
Watch experienced players to learn strategies.

📍 Finding a Place to Play

Pickleball courts are popping up everywhere! Check out local community centers, parks, or gyms. Websites like Pickleheads can help you locate courts near you.

📺 Learn More

For a visual guide, check out this beginner-friendly video:

But really--I'd suggest heading to your local court and asking somebody to help teach you!

Yes, introverts will find it awkward--but the pickleball community is largely VERY accomdating!