A pickleball is a lightweight perforated plastic ball used in the sport of pickleball.
If you are asking what is a pickleball, you are in the right place. I coach newcomers every week and have played tournaments for years. Here, I break down what is a pickleball in plain words. You will learn the gear, rules, and smart tips to play with confidence. Read on for a friendly, expert guide you can trust.
What Is a Pickleball? The Sport and the Ball
When people ask what is a pickleball, they often mean two things. The sport itself and the actual ball you hit.
The sport blends tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. You play on a small court with a net. You use a solid paddle and a plastic ball full of holes. It is fast, social, and easy to learn.
The ball is unique. It is hard plastic, round, and full of holes. Outdoor balls have smaller holes and are stiffer. Indoor balls have larger holes and feel softer. If you wonder what is a pickleball compared to a wiffle ball, it is tougher, more balanced, and made for court play.
A Short History of Pickleball
You may still ask what is a pickleball and how it began. The game started in the mid-1960s near Seattle. Families wanted a fun game in a driveway. They mixed paddles, a net, and a plastic ball. The rules grew from there, and the sport spread.
Leagues and clubs are now in every state. Tournaments fill up fast. Many parks build courts to meet demand.
Court and Equipment Basics
If your goal is to explain what is a pickleball in practice, start with the court and gear.
Court size
- The court is 20 feet by 44 feet.
- The non-volley zone, or kitchen, is 7 feet from the net on each side.
- Net height is 36 inches at the posts and 34 inches in the center.
Paddle and ball
- Paddles are wood, composite, or graphite.
- Lighter paddles are quick and easier on the arm.
- Heavier paddles provide more power and stability.
- Indoor balls often have 26 larger holes.
- Outdoor balls often have 40 smaller holes and resist wind.
- A typical ball weighs about 0.78 to 0.93 ounces and is about 2.87 to 2.97 inches wide.
Shoes and clothing
- Wear court shoes with good grip.
- Choose light, breathable clothes.
- Bring water and a small towel.
Rules and Scoring Made Simple
Here is what is a pickleball game like in action. You serve underhand from behind the baseline to the opposite box. The ball must land in the service court. The serve starts on the right. Only the serving team can score.
Double-bounce rule
- The serve must bounce once.
- The return must bounce once.
- After that, you can volley outside the kitchen.
Kitchen rule
- Do not volley with feet in the kitchen.
- You may step in to play a ball that has bounced.
- Most games go to 11, win by 2.
- Call the score as server score, receiver score, then server number in doubles.
- Rotate sides on your team after you score a point.
Why People Love Pickleball
If you ask what is a pickleball doing right, the answer is simple. It is fun right away. You can rally on day one. The court is small, so less running. That makes it gentle on the knees and hips.
The game welcomes all ages. It is easy to learn, but hard to master. You will laugh, sweat, and meet new friends. The cost to start is low. Courts are popping up in parks, gyms, and schools.
Getting Started Step by Step
If you still wonder what is a pickleball path for a beginner, try this plan.
Step 1. Try a free clinic
- Check a local park or rec center.
- You will borrow gear and learn basics fast.
Step 2. Buy a starter paddle and two balls
- Start with a light to mid-weight paddle.
- Get one indoor ball and one outdoor ball.
Step 3. Learn the serve and the dink
- Practice a smooth underhand serve.
- Dink softly near the net to build control.
Step 4. Play open games
- Join open play. Rotate courts and partners.
- Learn from others. Ask questions.
Step 5. Track simple goals
- Aim for five safe serves in a row.
- Aim for five dinks in a row on each side.
Strategy Tips You Can Use Today
Here is what is a pickleball edge most new players miss. Win the soft game first. Control beats power in many rallies.
Simple tactics
- Serve deep to push returns back.
- Return deep and to the middle to cut angles.
- Move as a pair in doubles. Stay linked.
- Dink cross-court. The net is lower in the middle.
- Attack high balls. Be patient with low balls.
- Aim at feet, not lines.
Mindset
- Play high-percentage shots.
- Reduce errors more than you seek winners.
- Watch the ball to your paddle face at contact.
Safety, Etiquette, and Accessibility
Part of what is a pickleball culture is kindness and safety. Warm up your legs and shoulders. Call balls in or out clearly and fairly. Give the benefit of the doubt to your opponent.
Safety tips
- Do not backpedal fast. Turn and run around the ball.
- Keep your paddle up near ready position.
- Hydrate and rest if it is hot.
Inclusion
- Rotate partners so everyone plays.
- Use beginner courts or levels to match skills.
- Share a friendly tip only if asked.
Buying Guide: Choosing a Pickleball and Paddle
This may be the most practical answer to what is a pickleball you should buy. Match the ball to where you play.
Balls
- Outdoor balls are harder with 40 small holes. They fly true in wind.
- Indoor balls are softer with larger holes. They grip wood floors better.
- Look for balls that meet official specs for weight and size.
Paddles
- Wood is cheap and heavy. Good for groups.
- Composite blends power and control at fair prices.
- Graphite is light and fast off the face.
- Choose a grip size that fits your hand. A snug fit reduces strain.
Budget
- A starter set with two paddles and four balls can be very affordable.
- Invest in shoes next. Good traction prevents slips.
Frequently Asked Questions of what is a pickleball
What is a pickleball made of?
A pickleball is made of hard plastic with drilled holes. It is designed to be durable and to fly straight.
What is a pickleball court size?
A standard court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. The kitchen is a 7-foot zone on each side of the net.
What is a pickleball kitchen?
The kitchen is the non-volley zone by the net. You cannot volley there, but you can step in to hit a ball that has bounced.
What is a pickleball scoring system?
Only the serving side scores points. Games typically go to 11 and must be won by 2.
What is a pickleball vs a wiffle ball?
A pickleball is stiffer and more balanced and comes in indoor and outdoor types. A wiffle ball is lighter and made for backyard play, not court sport demands.
What is a pickleball paddle made from?
Paddles are wood, composite, or graphite with a honeycomb core. The face is smooth and solid to give control and pop.
Conclusion
You came here asking what is a pickleball. It is both a joyful sport and a smart design of ball and gear. You now know the rules, the court, and the best steps to start strong. Grab a paddle, pick the right ball, and try a clinic or open play this week. Want more tips and gear guides? Subscribe for updates or drop a question in the comments.