What is pickleball?

Pickleball is a fun and fast-paced paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It's easy to learn, great for all ages, and can be played indoors or outdoors.

Table of contents

1. What is pickleball?
2. How do you play?
3. What equipment do you need?
4. Where can you play?
5. Why is it so popular?
6. Watch and learn

1. What Is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a game where players use a paddle to hit a plastic ball over a net. The ball has holes in it, like a wiffle ball. You can play singles (1 vs. 1) or doubles (2 vs. 2). The goal is to hit the ball so the other team can't return it.

2. How do you play?

• Serve: Start by serving the ball underhand across the net.
• Rally: Both teams hit the ball back and forth.
• Score: Points are scored when the other team can't return the ball or makes a mistake.
• Win: Games are usually played to 11 points, and you must win by 2 points.

Remember, the ball must bounce once on each side before players can hit it in the air. Also, there's a special area near the net called "the kitchen" where you can't hit the ball in the air.

3. What equipment do you need?

• Paddle: A solid paddle, bigger than a ping-pong paddle but smaller than a tennis racket.
• Ball: A plastic ball with holes, similar to a wiffle ball.
• Court: A court similar in size to a badminton court, with a net in the middle.

You can wear comfortable clothes and tennis shoes. No special gear is needed, but check out our Gear guide for ideas.

4. Where can you play?

Pickleball is played in many places:

• Parks
• Recreation Centers
• Schools
• Gyms

Many communities have pickleball courts, and even some tennis courts are even marked for pickleball use. Find a court near you

5. Why is it so popular?

• Easy to Learn: The rules are simple, and beginners can start playing quickly.
• Fun for All Ages: Kids, teens, adults, and seniors all enjoy the game.
• Social: It's a great way to meet people and make friends.
• Good Exercise: It keeps you active without being too hard on the body.

6. Watch and Learn

Want to see pickleball in action? Check out this beginner-friendly video: