What is pickleball

Last updated: April 1, 2026

Quick Answer: Pickleball is a paddle sport played on a badminton-sized court with a lower net than tennis and a perforated plastic ball. It combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong and can be played as singles or doubles.

Key Facts

Definition and Overview

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis (ping pong). Played on a court roughly one-third the size of a tennis court with a lower net and a perforated plastic ball, pickleball has become one of the most rapidly growing sports in the United States. The game emphasizes strategy and finesse over power and speed.

History

Pickleball was invented in 1965 by Joel Pritchett, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum on Bainbridge Island, Washington. The sport was created as a family activity and named after the Pritchett family's cocker spaniel, Pickles (though some claim it was named after a pickle barrel). What started as a backyard game has evolved into an organized sport with professional tournaments and international competitions.

Equipment

Pickleball requires minimal equipment. Paddles are made from wood, composite materials, or graphite and are approximately 15-17 inches long. The ball is a perforated plastic sphere (wiffle ball) with 26-40 holes, similar to a baseball with holes. Courts are 20 x 44 feet with a 34-36 inch high net dividing the two sides. Players typically wear comfortable athletic clothing and court shoes.

Rules and Gameplay

Games are typically played to 11, 15, or 21 points (win by 2). Serves must be made diagonally and underhand, and the ball must bounce once on each side before volleys can begin. A key feature is the non-volley zone (7 feet from the net on each side), where players cannot hit the ball in the air. Points can only be scored by the serving team. The sport emphasizes control and placement rather than power.

Benefits and Popularity

Pickleball appeals to all ages and fitness levels because it's easier to learn than tennis with a lower impact on joints. The smaller court requires less running, making it accessible to older adults and those recovering from injuries. Its social nature, with games typically involving four players, contributes to community building. The sport has grown from roughly 2.5 million players in 2020 to over 13 million in the United States today.

Related Questions

What are the basic pickleball rules?

Serves must be underhand and diagonal, the ball bounces once on each side before volleys, and players cannot hit in the non-volley zone (7 feet from net). Only the serving team scores points, and games are won at 11, 15, or 21 points (win by 2).

How is pickleball different from tennis?

Pickleball uses a smaller court (20x44 feet vs 78x36 feet), lower net, solid paddles, and plastic ball instead of a fuzzy tennis ball. The non-volley zone and underhand serve rule are unique to pickleball, and the slower pace makes it more accessible.

What equipment do you need to play pickleball?

You need a pickleball paddle (wood, composite, or graphite), a perforated plastic ball, a court with a net, and proper athletic footwear. While paddles vary in price, all are relatively affordable compared to other sports equipment.

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Sources

  1. Wikipedia - Pickleball CC-BY-SA-4.0
  2. Professional Pickleball Association Educational Use