Key takeaways: pickleball is a paddle sport played on a badminton-sized court (20 × 44 ft) with a solid paddle and a perforated plastic ball. Serves are underhand, the ball must bounce once on each side before anyone volleys, and nobody may volley inside the 7-ft non-volley zone (the « kitchen »). Games go to 11, win by 2.
Pickleball looks like a mix of tennis, badminton and table tennis, and it borrows a little from each. It is easy to pick up in one session, gentle on the joints compared with tennis, and played in singles or, far more often, doubles. This guide covers what you need to understand the game and get on court.
Where pickleball comes from
The game was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle, by three fathers looking to entertain their families with what they had at hand: a badminton court, ping-pong paddles and a plastic ball. The rules were formalised in the 1970s, and the sport has grown fast since the 2010s, first in the United States and now across Europe and Asia. For the full story, see our article on the history of pickleball (in French).
How the game works
Two players (singles) or four players (doubles) face each other across a low net. The serving side tries to win the rally; only the serving side scores a point. If the server loses the rally, the serve passes to the partner (in doubles) and then to the other team, which is called a side out.
Three rules give pickleball its character:
- Underhand serve: the ball is struck below the waist with an upward swing, diagonally into the opposite service court.
- Two-bounce rule: the return of serve must bounce, and the third shot must bounce too. Only then can players volley.
- Non-volley zone: within 7 ft of the net, you may not hit the ball out of the air. This keeps big smashes in check and rewards soft, placed shots called dinks.
Every detail, including scoring in doubles, is in our guide to pickleball rules.
The court
A pickleball court measures 20 × 44 ft (6.10 × 13.41 m), the same as a doubles badminton court, for both singles and doubles. The net is 36 in high at the sidelines and 34 in at the centre. Four pickleball courts fit on one tennis court, which is why many tennis clubs now paint pickleball lines. Full measurements and line markings are in pickleball court dimensions.
The gear you need
Getting started is cheap. You need:
- A paddle: solid, no strings, usually made of a polymer honeycomb core with a fibreglass or carbon face. Most weigh 7.3 to 8.5 oz (205 to 240 g).
- Balls: hollow plastic with holes. Outdoor balls are harder with smaller, more numerous holes; indoor balls are softer.
- Court shoes: anything built for lateral movement (tennis, badminton or indoor court shoes). Running shoes are a common cause of rolled ankles.
To compare models, read how to choose a pickleball paddle, indoor vs outdoor balls or, for a quick start, our guide to pickleball sets that bundle paddles and balls.
Pickleball compared with tennis and padel
| Pickleball | Padel | Tennis | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Court | 20 × 44 ft, open | 10 × 20 m, enclosed by walls | 36 × 78 ft (doubles) |
| Racket | Solid paddle | Perforated solid racket | Strung racket |
| Ball | Perforated plastic | Pressurised, like tennis | Pressurised felt ball |
| Serve | Underhand | Underhand, after a bounce | Overhead |
| Learning curve | Very short | Short | Long |
If you are weighing the two fastest-growing racket sports, see pickleball vs padel.
How to start playing
Most clubs run beginner sessions or « open play » slots where you rotate partners and can often borrow a paddle. A first session is usually enough to play real points. Focus on three things: keeping the serve deep, letting the first two balls bounce, and staying behind the kitchen line when you volley.
FAQ
Why is it called pickleball?
The most widely told story is that one of the founders’ wives named it after the « pickle boat » in rowing, the crew made up of leftover rowers, since the game was cobbled together from other sports. Another version credits the family dog, Pickles.
Is pickleball easy to learn?
Yes. The court is small, the paddle is light and the serve is underhand, so beginners can rally within minutes. Getting good takes longer: the soft game at the kitchen line is where most points are won.
Is pickleball good exercise?
It is a moderate-intensity sport with many short sprints and lateral moves. Doubles is less demanding than singles. Its low impact compared with tennis is one reason it is popular across all ages.
Can you play pickleball on a tennis court?
Yes. You can tape temporary lines and use a portable net, or play across a lowered tennis net in a pinch. A single tennis court can hold up to four pickleball courts.