Introducing Pickleball: A Fun Game the Whole Family Can Play

Do you like to play sports with family and friends but can’t find the right game where everyone can be competitive and have fun while playing?

Then, you need to start playing pickleball!

Pickleball is a cross between tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, and it has been growing in popularity over the last couple of years because everyone, from kids of all ages to older adults, can play it.

The 2023 Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s Topline Participation Report shows that pickleball is America’s fastest-growing sport out of 124 sports, for the third year in a row.
The APP 2023 Pickleball Participation Report provided to CNN stated that 36.5 million people have participated in pickleball at least one time within the past year. This amounts to 14% of the population in America!
USA Pickleball’s annual growth report states that "the number of USA Pickleball-registered facilities in North America totaled 10,724 at the end of 2022, an increase of 1,557 locations or approximately 130 new locations per month.

All of this growth has occurred because pickleball is a great way to exercise and gives families something new to do other than sitting on the couch or breaking out the same old board games. You can play pickleball indoors or outdoors, and there are pickleball courts all over the country. Basically, if there is a public park that offers tennis, pickleball can be played on it.

If you’ve never heard of pickleball, where should you begin? This article discusses where pickleball came from, the basics of play, the equipment needed, and how you and your family and friends can get started!

What is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a sport played on a court that is the size of a badminton court, with a net height that is slightly lower than a tennis net. The equipment needed for the game is inexpensive. The ball is made from plastic and is perforated with holes. The paddles used to hit the ball back and forth can be made from wood or composite materials.

Pickleball can be played outdoors or indoors, is easy to learn for new players, and is a family-friendly game that children, adults, and seniors can enjoy together. It can be fast-paced and competitive or slow-paced, depending on the player’s skill level.

Pickleball doubles, mixed doubles, and singles games are possible. The game has experienced rapid growth in the last few years, and the fastest-growing demographic is players from 18 to 35 years old.

Where Did the Name Pickleball Come From?

Pickleball just celebrated its 58th anniversary in 2023. It was invented by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum in 1965 on Bainbridge Island. The accounts of how the sport got its iconic name differ - Joel Pritchard’s wife claims, “the name pickleball was suggested as the combination of different sports reminded me of the pickle boat in crew where oarsmen were chosen from the leftovers of other boats.” Barney McCallum claims the game was named after Pickles, the Pritchard family dog.

How to Play Pickleball

Pickleball is a popular game that combines the best aspects of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It’s a lot of fun to play, and it’s easy for beginners to learn and develop their own style of gameplay.

Our friends at PrimeTime Pickleball give an excellent tutorial on the basics of pickleball rules in this full video and demonstrate how new pickleball players can get started:

What Equipment Do You Need for Pickleball?

One of the best parts about pickleball is that it's extremely easy to start. Unlike some other sports where you need a lot of equipment, you only need a paddle, ball, and a court to play on to get started in pickleball.

Pickleball Paddles

Today, you can find pickleball paddles of different shapes, sizes, and materials built for different levels of skill and play.

The most basic paddles are often made of wood and are about 1.5-2 times the size of a ping-pong paddle. These paddles run about $15-$25 at a sporting goods store or online.

The next level up is for beginners to intermediate players who want their paddles to last beyond a few sessions. These paddles can be made from fiberglass or graphite and generally cost between $50-$100. Some of these types of composite paddles are made specifically for junior players and come in lightweight, midweight, and heavy-weight options.

For adults and more advanced players, you can find pickleball paddles for well over $100 made from materials such as raw carbon fiber with specialized surfaces and grips. There is no need to shell out a lot of money for top-of-the-line paddles if you’re a beginner.

Pickleball Balls

The pickleball is essentially a Wiffle ball made from durable plastic and covered in holes. Typically, there are two versions of the ball: one for inside and one for outside play. The balls made for indoor games have a different number of holes than those made for outdoor games.

Pickleball Courts

These days, finding a pickleball court is easier than ever. Most public parks that offer tennis courts have incorporated pickleball into their programming by adding specific lines and removable nets. If you can't find a court near you, you could try building your own pickleball court in a driveway or lot. There are also pickleball clubs popping up all over the country, and these clubs can be excellent places to meet other players and socialize.

Why Pickleball Is the Perfect Sport for Everyone

Pickleball is one of the only sports playable by all age groups, from young children to seniors. It’s easily accessible, the playing surface is smaller than in most sports, and the rules create a balance of fun and competitiveness.
The court size is the same as a badminton court, 20 feet wide by 44 feet long, and every player or team is only expected to cover half of it at a time.
The serving team must serve underhand, preventing extremely hard serves as you would get in tennis or other racquet sports.
On the serve, return, and third shot, each side must let the ball bounce because of the bounce rule before striking it, removing the ability to hang out at the net for powerful slams.
There are special rules designed for volleying inside the non-volley zone (or the kitchen) that keep the game interesting but not overwhelming.
Pickleball games keeps players active, teaches hand-eye coordination, and can help players learn teamwork and fair play.
Pickleball tournaments exist for amateur players and pros alike!

How to Get Started

Getting started is simple. Search online for nearby courts or indoor facilities offering pickleball. You can take a class, drop in for a free seminar, or just hop on the court and start playing. You can find equipment at nearby sporting goods stores or order it online.

Learn the official rules and basic fundamentals by watching some instructional tutorials online, reading some beginner’s guides, and practicing to get better at the game.

Pickleball truly is fun for the whole family, and we encourage you to get out there and give it a try! How did you get your family and friends interested in pickleball? Share your story in the comments below!