What Is Pickleball ? The Complete Guide to America's Fastest Growing Sport

In recent years, a peculiar name has been making waves across community centers, parks, and recreational facilities throughout America. Pickleball, once an obscure backyard pastime, has exploded into the mainstream, becoming the fastest-growing sport in the United States for three consecutive years according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA). With nearly 8.9 million players nationwide—a staggering 158.6% increase over the past three years—this paddle sport has captured the hearts of Americans of all ages and athletic abilities.

But what exactly is pickleball? At its core, pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It's played on a court roughly one-third the size of a tennis court, with a modified tennis net, specialized paddles, and a perforated plastic ball. What makes pickleball truly special, however, isn't just its unique equipment or court dimensions—it's the remarkable accessibility that allows everyone from young children to seniors to pick up the game and enjoy immediate success.

The appeal of pickleball lies in its perfect balance of simplicity and strategy. Unlike tennis, which can take years to master, pickleball offers a gentle learning curve that allows beginners to rally and enjoy competitive play within minutes of picking up a paddle. Yet beneath this accessibility lies a game of surprising depth, where strategy, finesse, and positioning often triumph over raw power and athleticism.

This comprehensive guide will take you through everything you need to know about pickleball—from its whimsical origins on a family vacation to its evolution into a professional sport with dedicated tournaments and elite players. Whether you're curious about the rules, equipment, health benefits, or simply wondering what all the fuss is about, you'll find answers to all your pickleball questions here. By the end, you'll understand not only what pickleball is, but why it has become such a beloved phenomenon in American sports culture.

So grab your paddle (or at least your curiosity), and let's dive into the wonderful world of pickleball—a sport that proves you're never too young or too old to discover a new passion.

The History and Evolution of Pickleball

The story of pickleball begins on a summer day in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, just a short ferry ride from Seattle. Three families—the Pritchards, Bells, and McCallums—were spending time together at the Pritchard family's vacation home when their children began complaining of boredom. Joel Pritchard, a U.S. Congressman, and his friend Bill Bell decided to set up a badminton court to entertain the restless youngsters. When they couldn't find a complete set of badminton equipment, they improvised with ping-pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball.

Initially, they set the net at badminton height (60 inches), but soon discovered that the plastic ball bounced well on the asphalt surface. This led them to lower the net to 36 inches, creating a more dynamic playing experience. As the weekend progressed, the adults joined in the fun, and the rules began to take shape. The third founder, Barney McCallum, joined Pritchard and Bell in establishing the first official rules of the game.

But where did the peculiar name "pickleball" come from? There are two competing origin stories. The most widely accepted version claims that Joan Pritchard, Joel's wife, named the game after "pickle boats" in crew racing, which are composed of leftover oarsmen from other boats—a nod to the game's cobbled-together equipment. The alternative story, shared by some family members, suggests the game was named after the Pritchards' dog, Pickles, who would chase after stray balls. However, historical records indicate the dog came along after the game was already named, making the "pickle boat" theory more credible.

Throughout the late 1960s and 1970s, pickleball remained primarily a neighborhood activity in the Pacific Northwest. The first permanent pickleball court was constructed in 1967 in the backyard of Joel Pritchard's friend and neighbor, Bob O'Brian. In 1972, a corporation was formed to protect the creation of the sport, and by 1975, the National Observer published an article about "America's newest racquet sport."

The 1980s marked the beginning of pickleball's organized growth. In 1984, the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) was established as the sport's governing body, with the first rulebook published that same year. The first national tournament was held in 1991 in Arizona, featuring players from across the United States.

For decades, pickleball grew steadily but quietly, particularly popular among retirement communities in Florida, Arizona, and other warm-weather states. Seniors appreciated the sport's social nature and the fact that it was easier on aging joints than tennis while still providing excellent exercise.

The true explosion in popularity, however, came in the 2010s and accelerated dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic. When traditional gyms closed and team sports were restricted, Americans sought outdoor activities that allowed for social distancing. Pickleball, with its small courts that could be set up in driveways and cul-de-sacs, became the perfect pandemic pastime.

By 2021, according to the SFIA, pickleball had grown by nearly 40% between 2019 and 2021 alone. The trend continued, with participation nearly doubling from 4.8 million players in 2022 to 8.9 million in 2023—a growth rate unmatched by any other sport in America.

Today, pickleball has evolved from a backyard game to a professional sport with multiple professional tours, celebrity investors, dedicated facilities, and television coverage. Major athletic brands have entered the market with specialized equipment, and pickleball-focused businesses—from paddle manufacturers to dedicated pickleball clubs—have proliferated across the country.

What began as an improvised solution to children's boredom has transformed into a national phenomenon that continues to grow, evolve, and bring joy to millions of Americans of all ages and backgrounds.

Understanding Pickleball: The Basics

Pickleball is a unique paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, played on a compact court with solid paddles and a perforated plastic ball. The sport's distinctive characteristics make it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels while still offering depth and challenge for more competitive athletes.

Court Dimensions and Layout

A standard pickleball court measures 20 feet wide by 44 feet long—the same dimensions as a doubles badminton court and roughly one-third the size of a tennis court. This smaller playing area is one reason the game is more accessible and less physically demanding than tennis, as players cover less ground during rallies.

The court is divided by a net that stands 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center. One of the most distinctive features of a pickleball court is the "non-volley zone," commonly known as "the kitchen," which extends 7 feet from the net on both sides. This zone creates a strategic element to the game, as players cannot volley (hit the ball out of the air) while standing in this area.

The service areas are divided into right and left sections, similar to tennis, with a centerline separating them. The baseline marks the back boundary of the court, while the sidelines mark the width boundaries.

Court Feature	Measurement
Total Length	44 feet
Total Width	20 feet
Net Height (at sidelines)	36 inches
Net Height (at center)	34 inches
Non-Volley Zone ("Kitchen")	7 feet from net
Service Court Depth	15 feet from net

Equipment Breakdown

Paddles

Pickleball paddles are larger than ping-pong paddles but smaller than tennis racquets. Originally made of wood, modern paddles are typically constructed from lightweight composite materials such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, or aluminum cores with composite faces.

Paddle selection is an important consideration for players, with several factors to consider:

• Weight: Ranging from 6 to 14 ounces, with lighter paddles offering more control and heavier paddles providing more power
• Grip Size: Typically ranging from 4 to 4.5 inches in circumference
• Face Material: Affects power, control, and spin capabilities
• Core Material: Influences the paddle's feel, power, and control
• Shape: Traditional, elongated, or oversized, each offering different sweet spots and reach

For beginners, a mid-weight paddle (7-8.5 ounces) with a medium grip size is generally recommended as a versatile starting point.

Balls

Pickleball uses unique plastic balls with holes, similar to wiffle balls but designed specifically for the sport. There are two main types:

• Indoor Balls: Lighter (0.8 ounces) with smaller holes, designed for smoother indoor surfaces
• Outdoor Balls: Slightly heavier (0.9 ounces) with larger holes, designed to withstand wind and rougher outdoor court surfaces

The balls typically measure about 2.87 inches in diameter and come in various colors, with bright yellow and white being the most common for competitive play.

Nets

A standard pickleball net is 22 feet wide and is hung on a center post system that maintains the regulation height of 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center. Portable net systems are popular for recreational play, allowing enthusiasts to set up courts in driveways, gymnasiums, or other multi-purpose spaces.

Pickleball vs. Other Racquet Sports

Understanding how pickleball compares to similar sports helps highlight its unique characteristics and explains why it has become so accessible to a wide range of players.

Feature	Pickleball	Tennis	Badminton	Ping-Pong
Court Size	20' x 44'	36' x 78'	20' x 44'	9' x 5' (table)
Equipment	Solid paddle	Strung racquet	Strung racquet	Small paddle
Ball/Shuttle	Plastic ball with holes	Fuzzy ball	Feathered/plastic shuttlecock	Small plastic ball
Net Height	34"-36"	36"-42"	60"-61"	6"
Serving	Underhand only	Overhand or underhand	Underhand only	From behind table
Scoring	Points only on serve	Points on every rally	Points only on serve (traditional)	Points on every rally
Physical Demand	Moderate	High	Moderate to high	Low
Learning Curve	Gentle	Steep	Moderate	Moderate

This comparison illustrates why pickleball has found its sweet spot in the racquet sports world. It offers a more accessible court size than tennis, uses equipment that's easier to handle than badminton's lightweight shuttlecocks, and provides more physical activity than table tennis while maintaining a gentle learning curve that allows beginners to enjoy the game almost immediately.

The combination of these elements—a manageable court size, straightforward equipment, and rules that balance accessibility with strategic depth—creates the perfect foundation for a sport that can be enjoyed by eight-year-olds and eighty-year-olds alike, often on the same court.

Rules and Gameplay

Understanding the rules of pickleball is essential for new players, as the sport has several unique regulations that set it apart from other racquet sports. While pickleball is easy to learn, mastering these rules will enhance your gameplay and ensure you're playing correctly from the start.

Serving Rules

The serve is one of the most distinctive aspects of pickleball, with several specific requirements:

1. Underhand Only: Unlike tennis, pickleball requires an underhand serve, with the paddle contacting the ball below the server's waist.
2. Diagonal Service: The server must serve diagonally across the court to the opponent's service area.
3. One Serve Attempt: In recreational play, servers get only one attempt (unlike tennis, which allows two serves).
4. Server Position: The server must keep both feet behind the baseline during the serve, with at least one foot on the playing surface.
5. Service Sequence: At the start of each game, only the first server on the starting team gets to serve before service passes to the opposing team. After that, both players on each team serve before service passes to the opponents.

Scoring System

Pickleball's scoring system is unique and can be confusing for beginners:

1. Points: Games are typically played to 11 points, and a team must win by 2 points.
2. Serving Team Only: Points can only be scored by the serving team.
3. Announcing the Score: Before each serve, the server announces three numbers:
   • The serving team's score
   • The receiving team's score
   • The server number (1 or 2)

For example, a score announcement might be "4-2-1," meaning the serving team has 4 points, the receiving team has 2 points, and this is the first server on the serving team.

The Two-Bounce Rule

One of pickleball's most distinctive rules is the "two-bounce rule" (also called the double-bounce rule):

1. When the ball is served, the receiving team must let the ball bounce once before returning it.
2. After the return, the serving team must also let the ball bounce once before hitting it.
3. After these two bounces (one on each side), both teams may either volley the ball (hit it before it bounces) or play it after the bounce.

This rule extends rallies and reduces the advantage of the serving team, making the game more accessible and enjoyable for players of all skill levels.

The "Kitchen" (Non-Volley Zone) Rules

The 7-foot area extending from the net on both sides of the court is called the "kitchen" or non-volley zone. This area has special rules:

1. Players cannot volley the ball (hit it out of the air before it bounces) while standing in the kitchen or touching the kitchen line.
2. If a player volleys the ball, their momentum cannot carry them into the kitchen or cause them to touch the kitchen line.
3. Players can enter the kitchen at any time to play a ball that has bounced.
4. If a ball bounces in the kitchen, players can step in to hit it, but they cannot remain there to volley the next return.

The kitchen rule creates a strategic element to the game, preventing players from simply standing at the net and smashing the ball downward (as in tennis).

Common Faults and Violations

A fault occurs when a rule is broken, resulting in a dead ball and either a point for the serving team or service to the opposing team. Common faults include:

Service Faults

• Serving the ball into the net
• Serving the ball out of bounds
• Serving overhand
• Stepping on or over the baseline during the serve
• Serving to the wrong court

Line Faults

• Stepping into the non-volley zone (kitchen) when volleying
• Touching the kitchen line during or after a volley

Play Faults

• Hitting the ball out of bounds
• Failing to clear the net
• Touching the net with your body or paddle
• Hitting the ball before it crosses the net to your side
• Violating the two-bounce rule

Singles vs. Doubles Play

While pickleball is most commonly played as doubles (two players per team), singles play (one player per side) is also popular. The rules remain largely the same with a few key differences:

Aspect	Doubles	Singles
Court Coverage	Each player covers half the court	One player covers entire court
Service	Alternates between partners	Always serves from right court when score is even, left when odd
Strategy	More net play and positioning	More baseline play and court movement
Pace	Generally slower, more strategic	Generally faster, more athletic
Physical Demand	Moderate	Higher

Whether playing singles or doubles, understanding these fundamental rules will help you enjoy pickleball from your very first game. The beauty of pickleball lies in its accessibility—while the rules may seem numerous, they're intuitive once you start playing, allowing beginners to pick up the game quickly while still providing strategic depth for more advanced players.

Conclusion

Pickleball has emerged as a true phenomenon in American sports culture, transforming from a backyard pastime created to entertain bored children into the fastest-growing sport in the United States. Its remarkable trajectory reflects a perfect convergence of accessibility, social connection, and physical activity that resonates deeply with players of all ages and backgrounds.

The appeal of pickleball lies in its unique balance of simplicity and depth. Unlike many sports that require years of practice before achieving competence, pickleball offers immediate gratification—most beginners can rally and enjoy competitive play within their first hour on the court. Yet beneath this accessibility lies a game of surprising strategic complexity that continues to challenge and engage players as they advance in skill.

What truly sets pickleball apart, however, is its extraordinary social dimension. The sport has cultivated a community culture that emphasizes inclusion, connection, and enjoyment above all else. In an era when many Americans report feeling increasingly isolated, pickleball courts have become vibrant social hubs where friendships form across generational, socioeconomic, and cultural boundaries. This social component isn't incidental to pickleball's popularity—it's central to the sport's identity and a primary reason for its explosive growth.

The health benefits of pickleball further enhance its appeal. As a low-impact activity that provides cardiovascular exercise, strength development, and balance training, pickleball offers an ideal fitness solution for an aging population concerned about joint health. Younger players appreciate the sport's interval-based nature and the full-body workout it provides without the monotony of traditional exercise routines.

Looking ahead, pickleball's future appears exceptionally bright. The professional game continues to evolve, with increasing prize money, media coverage, and celebrity involvement raising the sport's profile. At the grassroots level, municipalities and private developers are racing to build dedicated facilities to meet surging demand. Schools are introducing pickleball in physical education programs, ensuring a pipeline of new players for generations to come.

If you haven't yet experienced pickleball firsthand, there's never been a better time to start. With minimal equipment requirements and courts available in nearly every community, the barriers to entry are remarkably low. Whether you're seeking physical activity, social connection, competitive challenge, or simply a new recreational outlet, pickleball offers something for everyone.

The question is no longer "What is pickleball?"—it's "When will you play?" As millions of Americans have already discovered, that first game often marks the beginning of a passionate relationship with a sport that enriches lives through movement, community, and joy. Your pickleball journey awaits—paddle up and join the fun!