Pickleball Fundamentals
Introduction to Pickleball
A Sport for Everyone
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports, and for good reason. It’s a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Two or four players use solid paddles to hit a perforated polymer ball over a net. It’s easy for beginners to learn but can develop into a quick, fast-paced game for experienced players.
The game was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle, Washington. Three dads—Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum—were looking for a way to entertain their bored kids. They pieced together a game using handmade paddles, a perforated plastic ball, and a lowered badminton net.
As for the name? The story goes that the Pritchards' dog, Pickles, would chase the errant balls and hide them. The game was named in his honor.
Pickleball, invented in Washington State in 1965, has grown explosively in the United States, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Its popularity has surged because it's so accessible. The court is smaller than a tennis court, making it less physically demanding. The underhand serve and slower ball speed also make it easier to pick up, and it's a very social game. You'll find players of all ages and fitness levels sharing a court.
The Basic Gear
Getting started in pickleball doesn't require much. The three essentials are a paddle, a ball, and a court with a net.
| Equipment | Description |
|---|---|
| Paddle | Larger than a table tennis paddle and smaller than a tennis racket. Made from wood, composite, or graphite materials. |
| Ball | A lightweight plastic ball with holes, similar to a wiffle ball. There are different versions for indoor and outdoor play. |
| Net | Hung at 36 inches on the ends and 34 inches in the center. |
Pickleball paddles come in various shapes, weights, and materials, which can affect power and control. But for beginners, a basic wooden or composite paddle is a great place to start.
The ball's design is key to the game's unique feel. The holes create drag, causing the ball to fly slower than a tennis ball and with less bounce. Outdoor balls typically have smaller, more numerous holes to resist wind, while indoor balls have larger holes.
The Playing Field
A pickleball court is the same size as a doubles badminton court: 44 feet long and 20 feet wide. It's striped like a tennis court with right and left service courts.
The most unique feature of the pickleball court is the seven-foot non-volley zone on each side of the net, commonly called “the kitchen.” Players are not allowed to hit the ball out of the air (a volley) while standing in this zone. This rule prevents players from smashing the ball at the net and encourages a softer, more strategic style of play.
Staying out of the kitchen is a fundamental concept for new players to learn.
Now you know the basics of pickleball's history, equipment, and court layout. You're ready to learn how the game is played.