Pickleball is a fast, social paddle sport played on a small court with a perforated ball.
If you’ve wondered what is pickleball and why everyone is talking about it, you’re in the right place. I’ve coached new players, run open play nights, and watched first-time players fall in love in one game. In this guide, I’ll unpack what is pickleball in clear, friendly terms, with the key rules, gear, strategy, and tips you can use today.
What Is Pickleball? The Basics
Pickleball is a paddle sport that blends parts of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. You play on a court about a third the size of a tennis court. The game uses a solid paddle and a light plastic ball with holes. Games move fast, yet the learning curve is gentle.
The core idea behind what is pickleball is simple. Serve underhand, let the ball bounce once on each side to start the rally, and try to win points by placing shots. You can play singles or doubles, but most play doubles because it is social and easier on the joints.
The sport rewards control more than power. Soft shots near the net, called dinks, matter as much as hard drives. That mix makes it perfect for kids, older adults, and athletes alike.
A Quick History and Why It Exploded
Pickleball began in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. A few friends built a game with paddles, a wiffle-style ball, and a lowered net to keep kids busy. The name likely came from a “pickle boat” rowing term, though some say it came from a family dog.
So what is pickleball today? It is one of the fastest growing sports in North America. New public courts open each month. Health clubs add leagues, and parks fill with beginner lessons every weekend. Growth surged because it is easy to learn, affordable, and fun from day one.
I saw this in my own city. One free clinic turned into a weekly ladder with dozens of players. People who never loved traditional racquet sports found their niche here.
Court, Gear, and Setup
Understanding the space and tools helps answer what is pickleball in practice.
- Court size: 20 feet by 44 feet for singles and doubles.
- Net height: 36 inches at posts, 34 inches at center.
- Non-volley zone: A 7-foot area on both sides of the net called the kitchen.
- Surface: Outdoor or indoor, often with pickleball lines on tennis or gym courts.
Essential gear:
- Paddle: Solid face, no strings. Common materials are composite, graphite, or wood.
- Ball: Lightweight plastic with holes. Outdoor balls have smaller holes and are firmer.
- Shoes: Court shoes with good grip and lateral support.
- Optional: Overgrips, hat, sunscreen, and a small bag.
Cost to start is low. A beginner paddle and a pack of balls can cost less than one month at a gym.
Rules and Scoring Made Simple
If you ask what is pickleball from a rules angle, think simple and fair. The serve is underhand and hit cross-court. Keep at least one foot behind the baseline when you serve. The serve must land in the diagonal box beyond the kitchen.
There is a double-bounce rule. After the serve, the return must bounce. Then the serving team’s next shot must also bounce. After those two bounces, you can hit volleys in the air, but not while standing in the kitchen.
Scoring is side-out in classic play. Only the serving team scores points. Most games go to 11 and must be won by 2. Some leagues use rally scoring, but classic rules dominate parks and clubs.
In doubles, you call three numbers to serve: your team’s score, the other team’s score, and server number (one or two). It sounds tricky at first, but two games is all it takes.
Why People Love It: Health, Social, and Skill
Part of what is pickleball is the blend of fitness and friendship. The court is small, so rallies are frequent, and you move in short bursts. It is a great cardio workout without long sprints.
Mentally, the soft game builds focus and patience. You learn to shape shots and set traps. Socially, open play creates a warm mix of ages and skill levels. I’ve seen grandparents team up with teens and win points with pure teamwork.
Research shows moderate-intensity racquet sports can improve heart health and balance. Players also report better mood and community ties. That is a powerful combo in one hobby.
How To Start Playing Today
If you are still asking what is pickleball, the best answer is to try it. Start simple and play a short game.
- Find a court: Check local parks, YMCAs, or rec centers. Many have drop-in times.
- Borrow or buy a paddle: Try a demo at a clinic before you buy.
- Learn the kitchen and double-bounce rules first: These unlock the flow of the game.
- Warm up for five minutes: Light shuffles, gentle swings, and shoulder circles.
- Play to 7 or 9 at first: Short games keep it fun and fast.
For your first week, focus on control, not power. Keep the ball in play. Soft shots win more points than slams at the beginner level.
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Strategy 101: From Dinks to the Third Shot
Strategy answers another layer of what is pickleball. It is a chess match with paddles. Use these simple ideas to level up fast.
- Serve deep: Push returns back and buy time to get set.
- Return deep and to the middle: Cut angles and cause confusion.
- Third-shot drop: After you serve and they return, drop a soft shot into the kitchen. This lets you advance to the net safely.
- Dink with purpose: Aim cross-court. Change depth and pace. Wait for a pop-up.
- Attack above the net: Speed up balls that sit high.
- Reset under pressure: If you get pulled wide, block the ball back softly to neutralize the rally.
- Talk to your partner: Call “mine,” “yours,” “switch,” and “out.”
In my leagues, new players improve fastest when they learn to reset. One calm block can erase a bad position and flip a rally.
Safety, Etiquette, and Common Mistakes
Good habits keep games safe and friendly. This is part of what is pickleball culture and why people stick with it.
- Warm up and cool down: Ankles, calves, quads, shoulders.
- Hydrate often: Bring water, even on cool days.
- Wear court shoes: Running shoes can slide on quick stops.
- Respect line calls: Give opponents the benefit of the doubt.
- Mind the kitchen: No volleys with any part of your body or paddle touching the zone.
- Avoid swinging near others between points: Paddles are hard.
- Tap paddles after games: It is the sport’s handshake.
Common beginner mistakes:
- Hitting too hard on every ball.
- Standing too far back from the kitchen line.
- Not moving with your partner as a unit.
- Ignoring the softer reset when rushed.
Costs, Leagues, and Finding Community
You can play for free at many parks. Some indoor venues charge a small drop-in fee. Leagues range from casual ladders to sanctioned events.
To find play:
- Search local parks and rec schedules.
- Join a beginner clinic to learn the basics in one hour.
- Use club apps or social groups to find open play times.
- Ask a desk staffer where the “beginner friendly” block is.
If you keep asking what is pickleball at a deeper level, it is community. Friends form fast. People share paddles. Tips fly between points. It is easy to feel welcome.
How It Compares: Tennis, Padel, and Table Tennis
Pickleball vs tennis: Smaller court, lower net, and lighter gear. Rallies rely more on placement and reflexes than full swings. Footwork is tight and quick.
Pickleball vs padel: Padel uses walls and a stringless bat, with rules closer to doubles tennis. Pickleball has no walls and a non-volley zone. The ball is lighter in pickleball.
Pickleball vs table tennis: Table tennis is fast on a small table with spin-heavy shots. Pickleball brings that quick reflex feel to a life-size court with more movement.
These comparisons show what is pickleball in contrast. It honors classic racquet skills yet stands alone with its kitchen, serve rules, and soft game focus.
Frequently Asked Questions of what is pickleball?
What is pickleball in one sentence?
It is a paddle sport on a small court with a perforated ball, mixing placement, reflexes, and soft control.
How do you score in pickleball?
Use side-out scoring in classic play. Only the serving team scores, usually to 11 win by 2.
What gear do I need to start?
You need a paddle, a few outdoor or indoor balls, and court shoes. A hat and water bottle help on sunny days.
What is the kitchen in pickleball?
The kitchen is the 7-foot non-volley zone near the net. You can step in to hit after a bounce, but not to volley.
Can kids and older adults play together?
Yes. The court is small and the ball is light, so speed and power matter less. Mixed ages often play on the same court.
Is pickleball hard on the body?
It is lower impact than many sports, but quick stops can strain ankles and calves. Good shoes, warm-ups, and rest days reduce risk.
How long is a typical game?
Most games last 10 to 20 minutes. Play best two out of three for a fuller match.
Conclusion
Now you know what is pickleball from court lines to strategy and culture. It is simple to try, easy to love, and rich enough to keep you growing for years. Start with one short game, learn the double-bounce rule, and practice a soft third-shot drop.
Grab a paddle this week and find a nearby open play. If this guide helped, share it with a friend, subscribe for more tips, or leave a question so I can help you get started.