What is Pickleball?

Fastest Growing Sport

Pickleball, a unique blend of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States and many other countries around the world. Combining elements from these traditional racquet sports, pickleball offers a fun, low-impact, and highly accessible game for players of all ages and skill levels.

Origins of Pickleball

Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by three dads — Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum — who were trying to entertain their bored children. They improvised with a badminton court, ping-pong paddles, and a perforated plastic ball. The name "pickleball" reportedly came from the family dog, Pickles, who would chase after the ball, though some say the term derives from the "pickle boat" in rowing, which refers to a crew made up of leftover rowers from different teams.

What started as a casual backyard game quickly gained popularity. Over the years, pickleball evolved into an organized sport with official rules, associations, and tournaments, making it a favorite recreational activity in schools, parks, and retirement communities.

How to Play Pickleball

Pickleball is played either as singles or doubles on a 20-by-44-foot court, which is roughly the same size as a badminton court. The net is set at a height of 34 inches at the center. The game is played with paddles, typically made of lightweight materials like wood or composite materials, and a perforated plastic ball which is like a Wiffle ball.

The basic rules are simple:

1. Serving: The server must stand behind the baseline and hit the ball underhand, making sure the ball lands diagonally across the net into the opponent's service area.
2. Double-Bounce Rule: The receiving team must let the ball bounce once before returning, and the serving team must also allow it to bounce once before returning. This prevents aggressive play right after the serve.
3. The Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone): A unique feature of pickleball is the 7-foot area on both sides of the net called the “kitchen” or the non-volley zone. Players cannot hit the ball while standing in this zone unless the ball bounces first. This encourages more strategic and controlled play.
4. Scoring: Only the serving team can score points. Games are typically played to 11, 15, or 21 points, and teams must win by two points.

Why Pickleball is So Popular

1. Accessible to All Ages and Skill Levels—Pickleball’s simple rules, slower pace, and smaller court make it an excellent game for children, seniors, and beginners, yet it still provides plenty of challenge for competitive athletes. Players of different abilities can compete against one another, creating a uniquely inclusive sport.
2. Low Impact, High Enjoyment—Compared to tennis or other racquet sports, pickleball is less physically demanding, particularly on the joints. The game requires less running, and the underhand serve minimizes stress on the shoulder, making it a perfect option for those with mobility issues or joint pain. However, advanced players can engage in intense rallies that offer a good cardiovascular workout.
3. Social and Fun—Because pickleball is often played as doubles, it is inherently social. The shorter, fast-paced games promote interaction, teamwork, and camaraderie among players. This combination of friendly competition and sociability has made pickleball particularly popular in community centers and retirement communities.
4. Inexpensive and Easy to Learn—Pickleball requires minimal equipment: a paddle, a ball, and a court (which can often be improvised or shared with other sports like tennis or badminton). Additionally, the learning curve is relatively quick, meaning players can pick up the game and enjoy it in a short period of time.
5. Appealing to Competitive Players—Though pickleball is great for beginners, the sport can also be highly competitive. As players advance, they can engage in quick rallies, employ strategic plays, and compete in tournaments at local, regional, and even national levels. The USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) organizes tournaments and governs the official rules for players looking to elevate their game.

Pickleball’s Growing Popularity

Pickleball has seen explosive growth over the last decade. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, participation in the sport in the U.S. surged by over 40% between 2019 and 2021, and the sport is gaining momentum globally as well. Factors such as its accessibility, low cost, and multi-generational appeal have fueled its rise.

Pickleball courts are now appearing in parks, recreation centers, and gyms across the country. Major tournaments draw professional players, and there is growing coverage on sports channels and social media. Even professional athletes from other sports have embraced pickleball to stay active during retirement or off-seasons.

Pickleball’s rapid rise from a casual backyard activity to an organized, competitive sport is a testament to its universal appeal. It is even bringing forth a movement of specialized apparel! The mix of easy-to-learn rules, social interaction, and accessible gameplay has attracted millions of players worldwide.

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete looking for a new challenge, or someone searching for a fun way to stay active, pickleball offers something for everyone.
So, grab a paddle, find a court, and experience why pickleball is capturing hearts around the world.

Looking for a court in Minneapolis to play? Check out our last blog post for a list of our favorite spots.