What Is Pickleball? How to Play, Rules, Gear & Why Everyone Loves It

Pickleball is more than just a trend. It’s the fastest-growing sport in America, loved for its easy-to-learn rules, fun social play, and surprisingly competitive edge. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, pickleball offers a game for everyone.

A Brief History of Pickleball

Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by three dads — Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum — who wanted a new game to entertain their kids. Using a badminton court, a lowered net, ping-pong paddles, and a plastic ball, they created what is now a global phenomenon.

By the 1980s, the sport had gained traction through families and communities. In 1984, the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) was formed to formalize rules and grow the sport nationwide. Today, it boasts professional tours, sponsorships, and millions of passionate players.

Pickleball Rules & How to Play

Pickleball is played on a 20-by-44-foot court, the same size for singles and doubles. The net is 36 inches at the sides and 34 inches in the center.

Serve: Underhand, diagonally across court, clearing the non-volley zone (the "kitchen").

Scoring: Only the serving team scores points. Games are typically to 11, win by 2.

The Kitchen: A 7-foot zone on either side of the net where volleys are not allowed.

These rules encourage longer rallies and reduce aggressive net play, making the game more strategic and accessible.

Essential Pickleball Equipment

Getting started doesn’t require much:

Paddle: Larger than a ping-pong paddle, made of wood, composite, or graphite. ($30-$250)

Ball: Perforated plastic ball; indoor and outdoor versions available.

Shoes: Court shoes with good lateral support are essential.

Extras: Gear bag, water bottle, sweat towel, and sunglasses.

Why Is Pickleball So Popular?

Beginner-Friendly: You can learn the basics in one game.

Low Impact: Great for joint health and injury recovery.

Social: Doubles and open play formats promote interaction.

Fast-Paced: Short games (10-15 minutes) make it easy to fit in a few rounds.

Who Can Play Pickleball?

Anyone! Pickleball is popular with:

Older adults seeking low-impact activity

Families looking for multi-generational fun

Tennis players wanting faster, shorter games

Competitive athletes seeking a new challenge

Where to Play Pickleball

You can find courts in:

Local parks, YMCAs, and rec centers
Schools and community centers
Private clubs and dedicated pickleball facilities

Apps like Playtime Scheduler, TeamReach, and Places2Play (by USA Pickleball) make finding a game easy.

Types of Pickleball Games & Formats

Open Play: Drop-in format for all skill levels

Round Robins: Rotating matches with different partners

Ladder Leagues: Rankings based on performance

Tournaments: From casual to professional levels

The Rise of Professional Pickleball

What started as a backyard game is now a serious sport with:

PPA Tour: Professional Pickleball Association

APP Tour: Association of Pickleball Players

Major League Pickleball (MLP): Team-based competition with top pros

Pickleball FAQs

Q: What are the basic rules of pickleball?
A: Serve underhand diagonally, avoid volleying in the kitchen, and only score when serving.

Q: Is pickleball easy to learn?
A: Yes! Most beginners can rally within their first game.

Q: What do I need to start playing?
A: A paddle, ball, court shoes, and a place to play.

Whether you're chasing your first dink or competing in a local tournament, pickleball meets you at your level. With a low barrier to entry, friendly communities, and exciting gameplay, it's no wonder everyone’s talking about pickleball.