What is Pickleball?

Pickleball is taking the world by storm, quickly becoming one of the most popular sports in all of North America. But what is pickleball? This guide will summarize everything you need to know about this exciting sport, from its origins and basic rules to what kind of ball is used in pickleball and what equipment you need to play pickleball. So, grab your paddles and let's dive into the world of pickleball!

A Brief History of Pickleball

Pickleball was invented in 1965 by three dads—Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum—who wanted to create a fun game for their families. They improvised with a badminton court, ping-pong paddles, and a perforated plastic ball. Little did they know, they were creating a game that would grow exponentially in popularity over the next few decades.

The Evolution of Pickleball

From its humble beginnings, pickleball has evolved into a sport played by millions around the world. Initially, the game was played in backyards, on driveways, and in community centers. As its popularity grew, official pickleball courts were established, and the sport started to gain recognition. Today, there are national and international pickleball tournaments, showcasing the best talent and bringing together pickleball enthusiasts from all corners of the globe.

The Basics: What is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Despite its simple origins, it has evolved into a dynamic and fast-paced game enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. The game is played on a court similar to a badminton court but with a lower net, which makes it accessible to players who might find tennis too strenuous. This makes it versatile and accessible for all ages and skill levels, a big reason why the game has become so popular.

Pickleball can be played both indoors and outdoors, which adds to its versatility and appeal. Although doubles seems to be growing the fastest, the game can be played in singles or doubles format, making it a flexible sport suitable for different group sizes and settings. One of the defining features of pickleball is its unique blend of strategy and skill, requiring players to think quickly and move swiftly.

Rules of Pickleball

Understanding the rules of pickleball is essential for enjoying the game. Here’s a quick rundown of the fundamental rules:

Serving

• The serve must be made underhand.
• The player serving must stand behind the baseline and serve diagonally cross-court to the opponent's service court.
• The serve must clear the net and land within the opponent’s service court (not in the kitchen!).
• Players are only allowed one serve, except in the case of a let (when the ball touches the net but lands in the correct service court).
• In doubles, the serve starts from the right service court and alternates between the two players.

Double Bounce Rule

The receiving team must let the serve bounce, and the serving team must let the first return bounce before playing the ball. After the ball has bounced once on each side, both teams can either volley the ball (hit it before it bounces) or play it off a bounce. This double bounces rule leads to longer rallies and adds some strategy to the game for both teams.

Scoring

• Points are counted only when the serving team wins the point.
• Games are typically played to 11 points, and a team must win by at least 2 points. In tournament play, games sometimes may be played to 15 or 21 points.
• In doubles, both players on a team get a chance to serve before the serve switches to the opponents. When a team wins a point, the server switches sides with their partner but continues to serve until their team loses a point.

Non-Volley Zone (The Kitchen)

As stated in the name, players cannot volley the ball while standing in the non-volley zone. However, players can enter the zone to play a ball that has already bounced in the non-volley zone. The kitchen is a strategic area for serious players. Play in the kitchen often can determine the outcome of a rally. Mastering the art of playing at the net while avoiding faults is an essential part of the strategy for competitive players.

Faults

A fault in pickleball is any action that stops play because of a rule violation. Common faults include:

• Hitting the ball out of bounds.
• Not clearing the net.
• Stepping into the non-volley zone and volleying the ball.
• Violating the double bounce rule.
• Serving faults, such as hitting the ball into the net or out of the correct service court.

What Kind of Ball is Used in Pickleball?

So, what kind of ball is used in pickleball? Pickleball is played with a perforated plastic ball, similar to a wiffle ball but more durable. These balls have holes and are specifically designed to reduce wind resistance and allow for a controlled flight path. There are indoor and outdoor pickleballs, with outdoor balls having smaller holes to reduce the impact of wind.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Pickleballs

• Indoor Pickleballs: Typically have larger holes and are lighter, providing more control and less bounce.
• Outdoor Pickleballs: Have smaller holes and are heavier to withstand wind and provide a more consistent bounce.
• Hybrid Pickleballs: With medium sized holes, these balls work great on both surfaces!

Choosing the right ball depends on where you plan to play. For the best selection of pickleballs in various colors, visit our Pickleballs page.

What Do You Need to Play Pickleball?

Wondering what do you need to play pickleball? Here’s a list of the essential equipment:

Pickleball Paddle

The paddle is arguably the most important piece of equipment. It's larger than a ping-pong paddle but smaller than a tennis racket. Paddles come in various materials, including wood, composite, and graphite.

Pickleball

As mentioned, pickleballs are perforated plastic balls designed for the sport. Make sure to choose the right type (indoor, outdoor, or hybrid) based on where you'll be playing most often.

Net

A standard pickleball net is 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches high at the center. Portable nets are available for those who want to set up a court in their driveway or local park.

Court

While official courts are ideal, you can also set up a makeshift court using chalk or tape to mark the boundaries. Portable nets and a flat surface are all you need to start playing.

For those looking to get started quickly, consider purchasing one of our Favorite Pickleball Sets or Building Your Own Pickleball Set that includes paddles, balls, and a bag.

The Joy of Pickleball

One of the reasons pickleball has become so popular is its accessibility. It's easy to learn, suitable for all ages, and can be played in various settings—from backyards and driveways to community centers and professional courts.

Fun for All Ages

Pickleball is a low-impact sport, making it perfect for older adults looking for a fun way to stay active. At the same time, it’s engaging and most definitely competitive enough for younger players and athletes.

Social and Competitive

Whether you're looking to play casually with friends or compete in local tournaments, pickleball offers something for everyone. Many communities have clubs and leagues, making it easy to find games and meet new people.

Health Benefits

Playing pickleball provides a great cardiovascular workout, improves balance and agility, and helps to strengthen muscles. It’s a fantastic way to stay fit while still having fun.

Building a Pickleball Community

As pickleball continues to grow in popularity, more and more communities are embracing the sport. Building a local pickleball community can be as simple as setting up regular games, organizing tournaments, or creating social media groups to connect with other players. As the game grows, this has become easier and easier for pickleball enthusiasts!

Hosting Tournaments

Hosting a pickleball tournament can be a fun way to bring people together and promote the sport in your area. You can start small with local players and gradually expand as interest grows.

Creating Online Groups

Social media platforms and online forums are great places to connect with other pickleball enthusiasts. Share tips, organize games, and stay updated on the latest news in the pickleball world.

Conclusion

Pickleball is more than just a sport. It's a community and a way of life. From understanding the rules of pickleball to knowing what kind of ball is used in pickleball and what you need to play pickleball, this guide covers all the basics to get you started.

Whether you're a beginner or looking to take your game to the next level, pickleball offers endless fun and opportunities for growth. So grab your paddle, find a court, and start enjoying the wonderful world of pickleball today!

For more information and to get equipped with the best gear, explore our collections of Pickleball Paddles, Pickleballs, or even Build Your Own Set. For more information on how to play pickleball, see our video below.