Pickleball is taking over the world–or so it seems. Nearly 5 million people played pickleball in the US last year, and that number is likely to grow this year.
It’s one of the fastest growing sport in the world.
Several years ago, I went to my local YMCA to run on the track and noticed a group of people on the basketball court below playing a game with paddles and a yellow ball.
Then, that next summer, I went to play tennis with my dad at a local park, and there was a group playing the same game on one of the tennis courts.
It piqued my curiosity: what is this fun game?
What is pickleball?
What is Pickleball and how is it played?
Someone once asked: how would you describe pickleball?
Pickleball is a combination of different sports: badminton, ping-pong, and tennis.
Players use a paddle, similar to a supersized ping pong paddle, to hit a plastic whiffle ball over a net similar to tennis.
Pickleball is played on a smaller court than tennis, often outdoors at local parks or inside at YMCAs, recreation centers, tennis clubs, and more.
While tennis can cause some wear-and-tear on joints, pickleball is a low-impact exercise that still gets the heart rate going.
It’s a great way to burn up hundreds of calories in one game of pickleball.
It truly is a game for people of all ages.
Even better, it’s a great social sport to connect with new friends.
What Does Pickleball Look Like?
First off, pickleball looks like a ton of fun–because it is!
It has many elements of tennis, which makes it easy for tennis players to transition into the sport.
Two players (in a singles game) volley a plastic ball back and forth over a net until the ball is hit out of bounds or another fault occurs.
A game starts with one server hitting the ball underhanded across the net into the opposite court.
The ball must bounce once, and then the opponent can return the serve back across the net.
The server has to let the return shot bounce as well before returning it.
From here, most shots are fair game.
You can dink the ball over the net–a soft underhanded shot to try to get your opponent to make a mistake.
Or you can smash the ball out of the air toward your opponent’s feet.
The goal of pickleball is to get your opponent to commit a fault–hitting the ball out of bounds or into the net.
You score points in pickleball during your serving opportunity.
Let’s imagine you serve, and the ball bounces on the other side of the court. Then, your opponent hits a shot deep into your court.
You allow the ball to bounce once and then hit a soft underhanded spin shot that lands in the front right corner of your opponent’s side.
They race forward and return a shot to your side, but you jump and smash the ball out of mid-air.
It bounces on your opponent’s side, and it’s so fast they cannot return it.
The ball bounces out of bounds.
You win a point.
If you had hit the ball out of bounds on your return shot, your opponent would have won the volley, but they would not be awarded a point.
You can only score in pickleball when you are the server.
Most recreational pickleball games are played to 11.
How hard is it to learn pickleball?
It’s relatively easy for beginners to learn the sport.
It was invented as a sport that all ages, skill levels, and athletic history can play (more on that later).
The basic rules are simple and quickly learned.
What You’ll Need To Play Pickleball
You may wonder: what equipment is used in pickleball? How can I get started?
If you’re just getting started with pickleball, you don’t need much pickleball equipment–even if it is your first time.
You can play pickleball with a:
1. Paddle
2. Pickleball Ball
3. Court and Net
4. Someone to play
The Pickleball Paddle
The pickleball paddle looks like an oversized ping-pong paddle, but it is much more interesting than that.
Paddles are often made from graphite or fiberglass (composite) and many have a honeycomb core that looks like something from the space age.
There are wood paddles as well, and while these are not recommended for recreational players, they work well for physical education classes and other learning environments.
Paddles can range in price from $30 to $200.
What Should I Look For in a Pickleball Paddle
Looking for a pickleball paddle can be overwhelming, especially when starting out.
Paddles come in varying weights, shapes, materials, and grip sizes.
There are so many choices it can leave your head spinning like a shot off Ben Johns’ paddle.
First things first, look at the weight of the paddle.
Weight can affect the power and control of your game and can also have an impact on your energy while playing.
- Light-Weight Paddles (7.5 oz. and below): Do you have a game-style that is geared around control? Do you like to hang out at the net and dink your way to victory? Then a lighter paddle is for you. Most recreational play is doubles play, and a lighter paddle is ideal for controlling the court in doubles.
- Medium-Weight Paddle (7.6 oz. to 8.4 oz.): If you’re just starting out, you haven’t had the chance to learn your style yet. Are you a heavy hitter that will smash the ball into your opponent? Or will you rely more on finesse and spin? That’s the fun! You get to find out by playing. But you’ll need a paddle for that. It’s best to start with a medium-weight paddle that offers a balance between control and power.
- Heavy-Weight Paddle (8.5 oz. and up): If you’re like the Incredible Hulk, and you like to smash the pickleball, you should go with a heavy paddle. While you will get less head speed, the heavier paddle provides power and pop that you can’t get with a light one. Singles players love heavy paddles because the power allows them to play to the open areas of the court.
What if I have arm issues or arthritis?
Some pickleball players have pre-existing elbow or shoulder issues.
While pickleball is low-impact and great for exercise, it can still cause wear-and-tear on arm joints while swinging the paddle.
It’s important to find a paddle that does not cause you pain, and one that will not cause further injury.
For those with arm injuries or arthritis, it is best to choose a medium paddle. It won’t need extra force from your shoulder and elbow like a heavier paddle, but it will give you a little weight in your hand so that you don’t feel like you’re swinging your arm violently with nothing to counterbalance.
How To Choose A Pickleball Paddle
Choosing a pickleball paddle can be challenging.
With hundreds of different types on the market, it can be overwhelming, especially when you are first starting into the game.
Here are a few questions that will help you choose a pickleball paddle that fits you:
How does the paddle feel in my hand?
You want the paddle to be comfortable in your hand. Is it too heavy? Is it too light? Does it cause pain when you swing?
The feel of the paddle is essential.
It doesn’t matter what some expert or professional says. Your paddle needs to feel good to you.
And if it doesn’t, keep trying one until you find the right fit.
Paddles come in many different weights–often spanning between 7 and 9 ounces.
For length, your paddle should not exceed 24 inches, including the edge guard and butt cap (this will keep it within USAPA regulations)
A pickleball paddle is like Cinderella’s slipper or Thor’s hammer–there will be one that is good for you and you’ll know.
Try different ones until you get it right.
You can even purchase from some stores and try the paddle out for 30 days before returning them.
Please note: when we are talking about the feel of the paddle, we are not necessarily talking about the grip.
You want the weight and length to be just right.
Like the structure of a house, you can’t change the weight and length of a paddle easily.
But you can paint the walls.
In other words, you can always switch out the grip.
You can purchase a new grip and wrap it yourself.
There are many great grip options, including Gamma Honeycomb Grip and ProLite No-Sweat Diamond Grip.
If you are new to re-gripping paddles, there are many great videos that walk you through the process like the one below.
Does the paddle fit my style of play?
Are you a heavy hitter who is always looking to smash the ball at your opponent? Are you a finesse player who controls the court with spin and accurate placement?
Your pickleball paddle should fit your playing style.
There are paddles that have a great reputation for enhancing spin on the ball, like the Selkirk Vanguard 2.0.
Other paddles, like this one, add some extra juice to your smash.
Some pickleball paddles split the difference with a balance of power and control.
If you are newer to playing the game, you may not know your style, yet.
You could buy a paddle that offers power and control, but you should still experiment with other pickleball paddles.
Ask other players if you can borrow their paddle for a game and see how it feels and fits your game.
If it fits, buy one for yourself.
Does the paddle look and feel durable?
You want to buy a durable pickleball paddle.
You can buy a cheap paddle, but it will likely break down quickly and cost you in the long run.
Remember, you are using this paddle to hit things–hopefully just the ball and not the ground or your opponent 🙂
But it better have some durability.
A good pickleball paddle should last at least 3 years with regular play.
Does the paddle fit my price range?
As with any purchase, you likely have a price range in mind that you’d like to spend on a pickleball paddle.
But how much does a pickleball paddle cost?
A pickleball paddle can cost anywhere between $30 to $230.
You may have just gotten sticker shock. But have no fear.
You can get a very good beginner pickleball paddle for $60 or $70. Check out our blog post of the best pickleball paddles under $100.
For more advanced players, you can upgrade to a higher level paddle like the pros.
What Is The Best Pickleball Paddle?
Again, the best pickleball paddle is the one that fits you and your style of play.
But if you are wondering where to start as you try out different paddles, there are some great options out there.
We love these three paddles:
2. Paddletek New Era Bantam EX-L
If you would like other cost-effective options, check out our list of best pickleball paddles under $100.
Pickleball Ball: What Does Pickleball Look Like?
When you go to play, you need a pickleball ball.
But what kind of ball is used for pickleball?
A pickleball ball looks like a larger perforated ball with round holes (instead of egg-shaped holes found on the classic wiffle ball).
Pickleballs are made of a slightly heavier plastic than wiffle balls and are 3 inches in diameter.
Since it has holes and is made of plastic, a pickleball does not move as fast a tennis ball.
What is the Difference Between Indoor Pickleballs and Outdoor Pickleballs?
There are different pickleball balls that can be used for indoor play and outdoor play.
Indoor balls are typically thinner and lighter in weight since they don’t need to cut through the wind like an outdoor ball might. Indoor balls also have larger holes.
Outdoor balls are heavier to cut through wind–making them great for outdoor use–but they will pop off the paddle much faster and harder. Outdoor balls have smaller holes than the indoor ball.
How Much Do Pickleballs Cost?
Pickleball balls cost about $3 apiece.
Most pickleball balls are green or bright yellow, although you can also get them in red, orange, and many other colors.
And you can find great options for outdoor and indoor.
1. Franklin Sports Outdoor Pickleballs
2. Franklin Sports Indoor Pickleballs
Pickleball Court Dimensions: What size is a pickleball court?
Pickleball can be played on a court made of concrete or asphalt, or for indoor, you can play on gym surfaces.
All you need is a hard surface.
It’s difficult to play pickleball on grass or a soft surface because the ball must bounce as part of the game rules.
A pickleball court is 20 feet wide by 44 feet deep–the same size for singles and doubles.
What is the difference between tennis court and pickleball court?
A pickleball court is one-third the size of a tennis court.
A standard tennis court is 36 feet wide by 78 feet deep for full doubles size.
The smaller court in pickleball opens the game up for many ages and sizes to play one another. In some ways, it levels the playing field.
Pickleball becomes much more a game of strategy and ball placement in order to control the court.
While the court size is 20×44 for pickleball, you will need some extra space on the sides to give space for players to move and make plays in the out of bounds area.
The ideal pickleball court area is 34 feet wide by 64 feet long.
Can you play pickleball on a tennis court?
Many communities have converted tennis courts or basketball courts into a pickleball court.
In fact, pickleball is taking over a lot of tennis courts in cities around the United States.
You can fit several pickleball courts on a tennis court.
You could also use a doubles badminton court as well.
How high is a pickleball net?
A pickleball net is 36 inches high at the edge of the court and 34 inches in the center.
You may wonder: why is the net height lower in the middle?
The lower net in the middle encourages players to play to that area, which lengthens volleys and strengthens the play of the game.
A pickleball net is also lower than a tennis net–which is typically 42 inches high at the sides.
Where to find pickleball courts near me?
Many recreation centers, YMCAs, and indoor tennis centers are installing pickleball courts for players.
If you are looking for pickleball courts, there are many options to find a nearby venue where people are playing.
If you want to find pickleball courts near me:
1. Go to USA Pickleball’s Places 2 Play site: Type in your zip code, and you will see nearby locations for pickleball.
2. Call your local YMCA or recreation center: Ask if they offer courts.
3. Google the phrase, “Pickleball courts near me”: Google will provide you a list of local places that offer places. When I typed it in for my city, I learned that I can play indoor at my local YMCA and outdoor at numerous local parks within 25 miles.
4. Search Facebook for local Pickleball clubs or groups.
5. Ask your tennis club if they offer pickleball.
There will typically be both indoor and outdoor pickleball courts available.
If you haven’t seen any pickleball courts popping up in your town, have no fear.
You can build your own permanent indoor and outdoor courts.
You can also put up a simple temporary court:
1. Find a flat, hard surface. This can be a tennis court or basketball court at a local park, or you could even use your driveway or a quiet dead-end on your road.
2. Purchase a pickleball net. Two great options are the Boulder Pickleball Net and Pickle-Ball 3.0 Portable Net.
3. Purchase tape to mark off the court lines. You can use the Franklin Sports Court Marker Kit to mark the different line areas. For indoor areas, you should use Champion Sports Vinyl Tape. For outdoor courts, you can use outdoor gaffer’s tape.
4. Measure off court dimensions and place the lines down.
5. Place your net in the middle between the two NV zones.
6. Find a partner and play.
How To Play Pickleball
Pickleball can be played in doubles or singles.
The players hit the ball back and forth across the net until a player fails to return it over the net or inbounds.
You receive a point when you start the serve and win the subsequent volley.
Recreational games are played to 11 points (win by 2).
How do you start a game of pickleball?
You start a game of pickleball by one team serving to the other team.
The server must begin behind the service line (or baseline) on the right-hand side, and she will hit the ball underhanded (paddle must stay below the waist).
The serve must go in the air and cross the net to the opposite side and needs to land in the square diagonal of the server’s square.
This is where things get interesting.
The receiver must stay behind the backline until the serve is hit.
After the serve leaves the paddle, the receiver may move up, but she must let the ball bounce once on her side before hitting her first shot.
Once she returns the serve, the server must also let that shot bounce once before returning the shot.
This is called the two-bounce rule and is one of the unique twists in the rules of pickleball.
From this point on in the rally, a player can hit the ball out of the air or off of one bounce.
Pickleball Scoring
But how do you score a point in pickleball?
During the rally after the first serve of the game, play continues until someone commits a fault–either by failing to return a shot or breaking a rule.
At this point, if the serving team won the rally, they get a point and the server moves to the left-hand square, calls the score, and serves again.
Only the serving team can score a point in pickleball.
First Serving Rotation (Singles and Doubles)
Once the first server loses a rally, things get interesting again.
In singles, the opponent gets their opportunity to serve (just like in tennis).
In doubles, you would expect that the other partner of the serving team would get the next serve.
But that is not the case.
After the first server loses a rally, the receiving team gets to serve. Once the first server on the opposite team loses a rally, the serve goes to their teammate.
After this teammate loses a rally, the serve finally comes to the first server’s partner.
Pickleball Serving Rotation
From this point on in the game, the serving rotation follows a normal pattern.
Both partners get the opportunity to serve and score points before the serve rotates back to the opposing team.
If a player wins a rally on their serve, they rotate to the other serving box on their side for their next serve
Their partner rotates over to the box next to the server.
A server has the responsibility to call the score before serving.
To call the score in doubles, you will say three numbers:
1. Serving team’s score
2. Receiving team’s score
3. Serve number (1 or 2)
But how do I know my serve number?
In a normal serving rotation, both teammates will have the opportunity to serve.
If you are the first in that rotation, you will be calling the number “1.”
For example, if your team has 6 points and your opponent has 3, and you are the first server in the rotation, you would call: 6-3-1.
If the score remained the same when you passed the serve to your partner, they would call: 6-3-2 (because they are the second server in the rotation).
It’s that simple.
The first team to score 11 points (win by 2) wins the game.
A pickleball game will likely take between 20 and 30 minutes.
Pickleball Rules
There are some unique rules of the game in pickleball, but they are easy to pick up on.
Here is a list of 7 basic pickleball rules to help you get started:
1. On your serve, you must hit it to the opposite side of the court into the diagonal square.
2. Your serve must be underhand and you have to keep the paddle below your waist.
3. After the serve, the ball must bounce on each side one time before you can volley (hit it out of air). This is called the Two-Bounce rule.
4. You can’t step in the Non-Volley Zone (called NVZ or the kitchen) while hitting a ball out of the air before it bounces.
The 7-foot non-volley zone is near the center of the court. The NVZ can be one of the most difficult rules to learn in pickleball. You can’t hit a ball out of the air in that space–which is what makes it a no-volley zone. We would recommend reading our fuller blog post explaining the rule and NVZ area more in-depth.
5. You want to keep your shot inbounds. If the ball goes outside any exterior line on the court, it is “out” and play stops.
6. If the ball hits any line, it is considered “in” and playable.
You should call the lines on your side of the net, and your opponent will call the ones on their side.
7. The ball can only bounce once on your side. If it bounces twice, that rally is considered dead.
Those are simple rules to get you started.
If you want a more extensive list of rules, we have brought together an easy and simple list of pickleball rules that will prepare you for any game.
You can also check out our Printable Pickleball Rules and take them with you to the court.
If you are looking to read the entire list of pickleball rules, you can check out the USA Pickleball Association official rules and official rulebook.
It’s good bedtime reading.
Pickleball Strategies
Pickleball is a game of strategy.
And you want to look for any way that you can gain an advantage on your opponent.
Here are 7 pickleball strategies:
1. Serve deep: You should hit your serve as deep as possible into your opponent’s court without going out of the backline. This will keep your opponent from getting to the NVZ line too quickly. Which brings us to pickleball strategy #2…
2. Get to the NVZ line as quickly as possible: After the serve, you want to get to the NVZ line as fast as you can. By getting to the NVZ before your opponent gets to their line, you can control the pace and style of gameplay from the front of the net.
3. Change up your shots: Don’t just overhead smash every time. And don’t dink and dink and dink your opponent to sleep. Hit different types of shots. Smash it and then spin it. Catch your opponent by surprise.
4. Learn your opponent’s weakness: Does your opponent struggle with a backhand? Do they have slow reaction time? Find their weakness and exploit it.
5. Communicate with your partner: If you are playing doubles, talk with your partner about who will take shots down the middle. It’s best to have your strongest player hitting with their forehand. You could even rotate, after the serve, to make sure that your strongest hitter is playing on the forehand side.
6. Hit toward the middle of the court: Miscommunication can also work to your advantage. In doubles play, hit down the middle of the court to force your opponents into a quick decision on who will hit it.
7. Play every corner of the court: Use every corner of the court with your shots. You want to play the angles and get your opponent to move and cover the court. Look for open space and hit it.
Where can I find pickleball leagues near me?
If you are looking for an even more competitive game, there are pickleball leagues and tournaments available to more serious players.
If you are looking for leagues and tournaments in your local area, tap into your local network. Ask your pickleball friends and competition about anything that they know in the area.
If you are looking to branch out further, here is a list of websites to find pickleball leagues and tournament play around the nation:
For the more ambitious, you may start dreaming even grander.
You wonder: are there professional pickleball leagues?
Yes, there are several professional pickleball leagues that have organized in recent years.
Professional Pickleball Association
Association of Pickleball Professionals
A top pickleball player can make over $100,000 in earnings in a year.
For the really driven player, your eyes just dilated.
And you started imagining even greater things.
You wonder: is pickleball an Olympic Sport?
Unfortunately, this is where the dream ends–for now.
Pickleball is not an Olympic sport at this time.
There will be no podiums or gold medals for pickleball in your immediate future.
Maybe someday…
Why is it called Pickleball?
As the sport surges throughout the US and world, you may wonder: how did pickleball get its name?
Yes, it’s a funny name.
And the history of the game (and name) is just as interesting.
History of Pickleball: Who invented pickleball? Where did pickleball originate?
In the summer of 1965, three friends–Bill Bell, Joel Pritchard, and Barney McCallum–were on a vacation with their families in Washington state.
They were staying on Bainbridge Island, where there wasn’t much to do.
One day, Pritchard, along Bill Bell and Barney McCallum returned from a day out and found their kids bored out of their minds.
In search of a sport for the whole family, the three dads gathered old ping-pong paddles, a stray whiffle ball, and a badminton net from storage.
They started playing the new game with the wooden paddles, and the kids loved it (so did the dads).
And a new sport was born: pickleball.
The three men kept playing the game and then started inviting neighbors and friends to play as well.
The game caught on and has been spreading the country ever since.
But why is it called pickleball?
Where did the name pickleball come from?
There are two theories on the name.
The paddle sport is a mix of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. According to one story, Joel Pritchard’s wife, Joan, thought the unique combination of three sports was like throwing leftovers together.
She said it was like a pickle boat, which was a combination of leftover oarsmen from a variety of boats.
But there is another story involving a dog named Pickles.
When the men would play pickleball, Pritchard’s dog, Pickles, would chase the ball around and interrupt the game.
So the men affectionately named the game after Pickles.
Which story is true?
Maybe both.
But nobody seems to know for sure.
Don’t Stop Now: Play Pickleball
If you are reading to learn more about the fun sport of pickleball, don’t stop here.
Go play it.
We have a feeling you’ll fall in love with the popular sport.
If you’re not sure where to start, you should check out our Ultimate Beginners Guide To Pickleball. It’s great for a new player.
It walks you through, step-by-step, how to get ready for your first pickleball match. We have even included a checklist to help you through the process.
We made our Ultimate Beginners Guide as in-depth as possible to give you the best information as you start.
While a checklist may make it sound complicated, it’s actually very easy to get started playing pickleball.
You just need a paddle, a ball, a court, and an opponent.
You can also sign up for our email list to get more great content on Pickleball.
Now, go play.