Pickleball: The Basics You Need to Know

Have you heard of the fast-growing sport called pickleball? Is a pickle used as a ball for the game? Or is the ball pickled? Unusual name right?

If your curiosity is killing you, read more below and you’ll learn more about pickleball basics and how to play pickleball.

What is Pickleball?

If tennis, badminton, and ping pong had a child, it would be pickleball. Just like the other mentioned sports, pickleball also uses a racket, however, it uses a plastic ball with holes instead of just a ball or a shuttlecock.

Pickleball has been around for decades, but it’s only getting all the attention it deserves now. It is a fast-growing sport in the United States. It was one summer afternoon in 1965 when pickleball was invented by Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell. It was a boring afternoon and their family wanted something to do. With leftover ping pong and badminton equipment, pickleball was born. 

Why is it Called Pickleball?

There have been theories about why pickleball is called its name. Some say that it was named after Joel Pritchard’s dog, Pickles, who would chase the balls.

Another theory of the name’s history was that it came from the creation of the game itself. Joel’s wife, Joan, was a competitive rower before and knew the term “pickle boat”. Pickle boat is the last boat that finishes in a rowing competition and usually consists of leftover crew that was just randomly thrown together. Thus, the name pickleball was born. The game consisted of random leftover equipment from different sports. 

Who Can Play Pickleball?

Pickleball is a fun game to play that is appropriate for all ages. From young to old, anyone can play the game. If you want to get fit and stay active but don’t want a rigorous sport, pickleball is the one for you. Older folks with conditions or problems that might cause movement limitations can also enjoy the game.

It is beginner-friendly if you haven’t tried it before. It can be played as a simple game for fun, exercise, as a bonding moment, or even as a competitive sport. The rules are simple and easy to follow, and because of this, anyone can play pickleball. 

The Court

When pickleball was first created, a badminton court was used. They first used it as it was, at a height of 60 inches, and just volleyed the ball (hitting the ball without it touching the ground). They then found out that the ball bounced off the ground, so they lowered the net to 36 inches.

A pickleball court today is the same size as a badminton court and has similar stripes as a tennis court. Its net’s height is still 36 inches on the sides and 34 inches in the middle. Since the rise of the game, courts have been specifically made for pickleball. However, if you don’t have access to one, you can use a badminton or tennis court. A tennis court can be converted into four pickleball courts.

Indoor or Outdoor?

Pickleball can be played both as an indoor and outdoor sport. Pickleball is perfect for you whether you prefer to play under the sun or inside where there’s shade. The rules are still the same whether you play inside or outside.

Generally, indoor and outdoor pickleball courts are the same. Concrete and asphalt are used for both indoor and outdoor courts. For indoor courts, wood and rubber flooring can also be used. The problem with wood and rubber, though, is that they can be slippery and may cause injuries.

Different kinds of pickleballs are also used in indoor and outdoor pickleball. Indoor pickleball uses a lighter ball with fewer and bigger holes. Outdoor pickleball uses heavier balls with more and smaller holes. This is so that it can’t easily be affected by wind.

At this point, hopefully, you have more understanding of the basics of pickleball. If you’re still wondering whether or not the sport is for you, there’s no harm in trying it right? After all, pickleball is a simple, easy-to-understand sport and beginner-friendly. Come and start loving a sport that you will love and keep you active.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What exactly is pickleball?

Pickleball is a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It’s played using paddles and a plastic ball with holes, similar to a wiffle ball. The game is typically played on a court about the size of a badminton court, and the net is lower than a tennis net. Pickleball can be played as a singles or doubles game, indoors or outdoors, and is suitable for players of all ages and skill levels.

2. How did pickleball get its unique name?

There are two popular theories about how pickleball got its name. One theory suggests it was named after a dog called "Pickles," owned by one of the game’s creators, Joel Pritchard. The dog supposedly enjoyed chasing the ball during games. The other theory comes from Joel's wife, Joan, who was a rower. She related the game to a "pickle boat," a term used in rowing to describe a boat made up of leftover rowers from other teams, much like how pickleball was created using leftover sports equipment.

3. Who can play pickleball?

Pickleball is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. It’s beginner-friendly, making it easy for new players to pick up the rules quickly. Whether you're looking for a low-impact way to stay active, a fun social activity, or even a competitive sport, pickleball is adaptable to all levels of intensity. It’s especially popular among seniors due to its low injury risk and gentle pace.

4. What kind of court is used for pickleball?

Pickleball is typically played on a court the same size as a badminton court (20 feet by 44 feet), and it includes lines similar to those on a tennis court. The net is set at 36 inches on the sides and 34 inches in the middle. Although dedicated pickleball courts are now widespread, you can play the game on a badminton or tennis court by adjusting the net height.

5. Can pickleball be played indoors and outdoors?

Yes, pickleball can be played both indoors and outdoors, with slight differences in the balls used for each setting. Indoor pickleball uses lighter balls with larger holes to accommodate smooth surfaces, while outdoor pickleball requires heavier balls with smaller holes to withstand wind and other outdoor conditions. The rules and court sizes remain the same regardless of whether you play indoors or outdoors.

6. What equipment do you need to play pickleball?

To play pickleball, you need a paddle (similar to a table tennis paddle but larger), a plastic pickleball (which has holes and varies slightly for indoor and outdoor play), and access to a pickleball court. Many public parks and recreational centers have courts, and some tennis courts can be adapted for pickleball. You’ll also need proper athletic shoes with good grip to avoid slipping.

7. Why has pickleball become so popular recently?

Pickleball has gained significant popularity due to its accessibility and social nature. It's a relatively low-cost sport that can be enjoyed by players of all ages and fitness levels. The game’s rules are easy to learn, and it offers a perfect blend of light exercise, fun, and competition. Additionally, as more courts become available and communities embrace the sport, pickleball’s appeal continues to grow across various age groups.

8. What is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is played on a court that is similar in size to a badminton court but uses a lower net, paddles, and a perforated plastic ball. The game can be played as singles or doubles, and the objective is to hit the ball over the net, keeping it within the boundaries of the opposing side's court. Pickleball is known for being accessible to players of all ages and skill levels, making it a popular recreational activity.

9. Where Was Pickleball Invented?

Pickleball was invented on Bainbridge Island, Washington, in 1965. The creators, Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum, devised the game as a way to entertain their families during the summer months.