Pickleball: From Backyard Fun to Booming Sport – Is It Right for You?

Remember that summer afternoon, the satisfying smack of a ball connecting with a paddle, the laughter and friendly competition? Pickleball can recapture that joy and infuse it with a surprisingly addictive challenge. But what exactly is pickleball?

Demystifying Pickleball

Have you ever heard of pickleball? If not, you are missing out on one of the fastest-growing and most enjoyable sports in the world. Pickleball is a fun and exciting game that anyone can play, regardless of age, skill level, or fitness.

It is a great way to stay active, socialize, and have a blast. But what exactly is pickleball, and how does it work? In this section, we will demystify pickleball and show you why it is so popular and addictive.

A delightful blend

Pickleball is a unique sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. It is played on a court that is similar to a badminton court, but smaller than a tennis court.

The net is lower than a tennis net, at 34 inches high. The players use paddles that are larger than table tennis paddles, but smaller than tennis racquets.

The ball is a lightweight, perforated plastic ball that resembles a wiffle ball. The game can be played as singles or doubles, indoors or outdoors.

Pickleball was invented in 1965 by three friends who wanted to create a fun game for their families. They named it after their dog, Pickles, who loved to chase the ball. Since then, pickleball has grown in popularity across the United States and around the world.

According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, pickleball was the fastest-growing sport in the United States in 2021, 2022, and 2023, and had over 4.8 million players by 2023. Pickleball is also recognized by the International Federation of Pickleball, which organizes tournaments and championships in various countries.

One of the reasons why pickleball is so appealing is that it blends the best aspects of different racquet sports.

It has the speed and agility of badminton, the strategy and finesse of tennis, and the simplicity and fun of table tennis.

Pickleball is easy to learn, but challenging to master. It offers a great workout, but also a lot of laughter and camaraderie. It is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, from children to seniors, from beginners to pros.

Pickleball is Easy to learn, fun to master

Pickleball is a game that anyone can pick up and play in minutes. The rules are simple and straightforward, and the equipment is minimal and affordable.

Here are the basic rules and gameplay of pickleball:

• The game starts with a serve, which must be made underhand and diagonally across the court. The serve must clear the net and land in the opposite service court, which is divided by a center line. The server gets one fault (second chance) if the serve is out or hits the net. The server continues to serve until a fault is made.
• The receiving team must let the ball bounce once before returning it. This is called the two-bounce rule, which means that each team must play their first shot off the bounce. After that, the ball can be volleyed (hit in the air) or bounced, as long as it is within the boundaries of the court.
• On each side of the net, there is a 7-foot area called the non-volley zone, or the kitchen. This is where the ball must bounce before it is hit. No player can enter the non-volley zone to hit the ball in the air, unless the ball bounces in the zone first. This prevents players from smashing the ball at the net, and encourages longer rallies and more strategy.
• The game is played to 11 points, and a team must win by two points. Only the serving team can score a point, by winning a rally. The receiving team can only win the serve, by forcing a fault from the serving team. The serve switches between the two players of the serving team, until they lose a rally. Then, the serve goes to the other team. This is called side-out scoring.

As you can see, pickleball is a game that is easy to learn, but also offers a lot of room for improvement and creativity.

As you play more, you will discover different techniques, strategies, and skills that will make you a better player. You will learn how to hit different shots, such as the third shot drop, the lob, the dink, the drive, and the smash.

You will learn how to position yourself and your partner on the court, and how to communicate and cooperate. You will learn how to adapt to different opponents, situations, and conditions. You will also learn how to have fun, make friends, and enjoy the game.

Gear Up!

One of the great things about pickleball is that you don’t need a lot of gear to play. All you need is a paddle, a ball, and a court.

However, choosing the right paddle can make a big difference in your game. A pickleball paddle is not the same as a paddle ball paddle, which is used for a different sport.

A pickleball paddle is larger, stiffer, and more durable than a paddle ball paddle. It also has a different shape, weight, and grip.

When choosing a pickleball paddle, there are several factors to consider, such as:

• Material: Pickleball paddles can be made of different materials, such as wood, composite, or graphite. Wood paddles are the cheapest and heaviest, but also the least responsive and durable. Composite paddles are the most common and versatile, and can have different cores, such as aluminum, polymer, or nomex. Graphite paddles are the lightest and most expensive, but also the most responsive and powerful.
• Size: Pickleball paddles come in different sizes, ranging from 7 to 8.5 inches wide, and 15 to 17 inches long. The size of the paddle affects the surface area, the sweet spot, and the maneuverability. A larger paddle has more surface area and a bigger sweet spot, which means more forgiveness and control. A smaller paddle has less surface area and a smaller sweet spot, which means more precision and power.
• Weight: Pickleball paddles can weigh from 6 to 14 ounces, depending on the material and size. The weight of the paddle affects the balance, the speed, and the impact. A lighter paddle is easier to swing and faster to react, but also less stable and more prone to vibration. A heavier paddle is more stable and solid, but also harder to swing and slower to react.
• Grip: Pickleball paddles have different grips, such as cushion, perforated, ribbed, or smooth. The grip of the paddle affects the comfort, the traction, and the moisture absorption. A cushion grip is soft and comfortable, but also thick and bulky. A perforated grip is breathable and cool, but also thin and slippery. A ribbed grip is textured and grippy, but also rough and abrasive. A smooth grip is sleek and smooth, but also slick and sweaty.

As a beginner, you may want to choose a paddle that is suitable for your level, preference, and budget.

A good beginner paddle is one that is:

• Made of composite or graphite, for a balance of performance and durability.
• Medium-sized, for a balance of surface area and maneuverability.
• Medium-weighted, for a balance of stability and speed.
• Cushioned or perforated, for a balance of comfort and traction.

You can find many pickleball paddles online or in sports stores, ranging from $20 to $200. You can also try different paddles from your friends or at your local club, to see what works best for you.

Why Pickleball Reigns Supreme

Pickleball is not only a fun and easy game to play, but also a sport that has many benefits and advantages over other racquet sports. In this section, we will explore why pickleball reigns supreme, and why more and more people are choosing it over tennis, squash, or badminton.

Paddle Power

One of the main reasons why people enjoy pickleball more than tennis is its accessibility. Pickleball is a sport that anyone can play, regardless of age, skill level, or fitness. Unlike tennis, which requires a lot of strength, stamina, and coordination, pickleball is less demanding and more forgiving. You don’t need to hit the ball hard, run fast, or swing high. You just need to have a good eye, a steady hand, and a smart strategy.

Pickleball is also more accessible in terms of equipment and facilities. You don’t need to buy expensive racquets, balls, or shoes. You don’t need to find a large court, a net, or a partner. You can play pickleball with a simple paddle, a plastic ball, and a small court. You can play pickleball anywhere, anytime, with anyone. You can play pickleball in your backyard, in your driveway, in your park, in your gym, or in your community center. You can play pickleball with your family, your friends, your neighbors, or your coworkers.

Another reason why people enjoy pickleball more than tennis is its social aspect. Pickleball is a sport that fosters friendship, camaraderie, and laughter. Unlike tennis, which can be competitive, stressful, and lonely, pickleball is cooperative, relaxed, and fun. You don’t need to worry about winning, losing, or ranking. You just need to have a good time, share some jokes, and make some memories.

Pickleball is a sport that brings people together, regardless of their background, culture, or personality. You can meet new people, make new friends, and join a community of pickleball enthusiasts. You can learn from each other, support each other, and challenge each other.

You can also participate in events, tournaments, and socials, where you can showcase your skills, celebrate your achievements, and enjoy the company of fellow pickleball lovers.

Pickleball: Beyond the Backyard

Pickleball is not just a backyard game, but a sport that is growing in popularity and recognition around the world.

According to the USA Pickleball Association, there are over 40,000 pickleball courts in the United States, and over 200,000 pickleball players in Canada . Pickleball is also spreading to other countries, such as Mexico, Spain, France, India, Australia, and Japan.

Pickleball is not just a hobby, but a sport that is gaining media attention and professional status. Pickleball is featured in magazines, newspapers, podcasts, and TV shows, such as Sports Illustrated,

The Wall Street Journal, The Pickleball Show, and Good Morning America . Pickleball is also supported by sponsors, organizations, and celebrities, such as Franklin Sports, Paddletek, Selkirk, Margaritaville, and Jennifer Aniston .

Pickleball is not just a sport, but a phenomenon that is changing the landscape of racquet sports. Some people may think that pickleball is replacing other sports, such as tennis, squash, or badminton. However, this is not true. Pickleball is not a threat, but a complement, to other sports.

Pickleball is a sport that can enhance your skills, fitness, and enjoyment of other sports. Pickleball can help you improve your hand-eye coordination, reaction time, footwork, and strategy. Pickleball can also help you prevent injuries, recover faster, and stay motivated.

Pickleball is a sport that can coexist and collaborate with other sports. Pickleball can share courts, facilities, and resources with other sports. Pickleball can also create opportunities, partnerships, and synergies with other sports.

For example, the US Open Pickleball Championships, the largest pickleball event in the world, is held at the same venue as the US Open Tennis Championships, the USTA National Campus in Orlando, Florida. This shows how pickleball and tennis can work together and benefit from each other.

Padel vs Pickleball

Pickleball is not the only paddle sport that is gaining popularity and attention.

There is another sport that is similar to pickleball, but also different in many ways. This sport is called padel, or paddle tennis.

Padel is a sport that originated in Mexico in 1969, and is now widely played in Spain, Argentina, Brazil, and other countries.

Padel is a sport that combines elements of tennis, squash, and racquetball. It is played on an enclosed court that is smaller than a tennis court, but larger than a pickleball court. The court has walls that can be used to rebound the ball. The players use solid paddles that are similar to pickleball paddles, but smaller and heavier. The ball is a pressurized tennis ball that is softer and slower than a regular tennis ball. The game can be played as singles or doubles, indoors or outdoors.

Padel and pickleball are often confused, as they have many similarities. They are both paddle sports that are easy to learn, fun to play, and social to enjoy. They are both sports that are growing in popularity and recognition around the world. They are both sports that can be played by people of all ages and abilities, from children to seniors, from beginners to pros.

However, padel and pickleball are also different, as they have many distinctions. They are different in terms of equipment, rules, and gameplay. Here are some of the key differences between padel and pickleball:

• Padel paddles are smaller and heavier than pickleball paddles: They also have holes, instead of perforations, on the surface. Padel paddles are more rigid and less responsive than pickleball paddles.
• Padel balls are softer and slower than pickleball balls. They also bounce higher and farther than pickleball balls. Padel balls are more suitable for longer rallies and more spin than pickleball balls.
• Padel courts are larger and enclosed than pickleball courts. They also have walls that can be used to rebound the ball. Padel courts are more complex and dynamic than pickleball courts.
• Padel serves are similar to tennis serves, but must be made underhand and diagonally across the court. The serve must clear the net and land in the opposite service box, which is divided by a center line. The server gets one fault (second chance) if the serve is out or hits the net. The server continues to serve until a fault is made.
• Padel rallies are similar to squash rallies, but can be played on or off the walls. The ball can be hit before or after it bounces, as long as it is within the boundaries of the court. The ball can also be hit off the walls, as long as it bounces on the court first. The ball can be volleyed (hit in the air) or bounced, as long as it does not hit the net or the fence.
• Padel scoring is similar to tennis scoring, but with some variations. The game is played to 6 games, and a set is won by two games. A match is best of three sets. The points are counted as 15, 30, 40, and game. If the score is 40-40, it is called deuce, and a two-point advantage is required to win the game. If the score is 6-6, a tie-break is played, where the first player to reach 7 points with a two-point advantage wins the game.

As you can see, padel and pickleball are two different sports that have their own characteristics, challenges, and charms. They are both worth trying, learning, and playing, as they can offer you a lot of fun, fitness, and friendship.

Pickleball Lingo

Pickleball is a sport that has a lot of slang terms that may sound strange or funny to outsiders. These terms are part of the pickleball lingo, which is used by players to communicate, comment, or joke about the game. Here are some of the most common pickleball slang terms and their meanings:

• Kitchen: The kitchen is the nickname for the non-volley zone, which is the 7-foot area on each side of the net where players cannot hit the ball in the air. The term comes from the idea that the kitchen is the place where you cook or heat things up, and the non-volley zone is where the game gets hot and spicy.
• Dink: A dink is a soft shot that barely clears the net and lands in the opponent’s kitchen. The term comes from the sound that the ball makes when it hits the paddle. A dink is a skillful and strategic shot that forces the opponent to move forward and hit the ball up, creating an opportunity for a smash or a volley.
• Smash: A smash is a hard shot that is hit downward at a high speed and angle. The term comes from the impact that the ball makes when it hits the court. A smash is a powerful and aggressive shot that is used to end a rally or win a point.
• Erne: An erne is a shot that is hit around the net post, instead of over the net. The term comes from the name of Erne Perry, a pickleball player who popularized this shot. An erne is a risky and flashy shot that is used to surprise or impress the opponent.
• Poach: To poach is to hit a ball that is intended for your partner, usually in a doubles game. The term comes from the idea of stealing or taking something that is not yours. To poach is a bold and confident move that can be helpful or harmful, depending on the situation and the outcome.

Learning the pickleball lingo can help you communicate better, understand more, and have more fun.

Serving Up Knowledge

Pickleball is a sport that has a unique scoring system and some special rules that make it different from other racquet sports. Understanding these rules can help you play better, avoid mistakes, and enjoy the game more. Here are some of the key rules and scoring system of pickleball:

• Scoring System: Pickleball uses a rally scoring system, which means that a point is scored on every serve, regardless of which team serves. The game is played to 11 points, and a team must win by two points. Only the serving team can score a point, by winning a rally. The receiving team can only win the serve, by forcing a fault from the serving team. The serve switches between the two players of the serving team, until they lose a rally. Then, the serve goes to the other team. This is called side-out scoring.
• Serve: The serve must be made underhand and diagonally across the court. The serve must clear the net and land in the opposite service court, which is divided by a center line. The server gets one fault (second chance) if the serve is out or hits the net. The server continues to serve until a fault is made. The server must announce the score before each serve, in the following order: server’s score, receiver’s score, server number (1 or 2).
• Double Bounce Rule: The double bounce rule means that each team must play their first shot off the bounce. The receiving team must let the ball bounce once before returning it. The serving team must also let the ball bounce once before hitting it back. After that, the ball can be volleyed (hit in the air) or bounced, as long as it is within the boundaries of the court.
• Non-Volley Zone: The non-volley zone, or the kitchen, is the 7-foot area on each side of the net where players cannot hit the ball in the air. No player can enter the non-volley zone to hit the ball in the air, unless the ball bounces in the zone first. This prevents players from smashing the ball at the net, and encourages longer rallies and more strategy.

These are some of the basic rules and scoring system of pickleball. There are more rules and variations that you can learn as you play more, such as the two-serve rule, the let serve rule, and the foot fault rule. Knowing the rules and scoring system can help you play fair, avoid confusion, and have more fun.

Pickleball Personalities

Pickleball is a sport that can be played by people of all ages and abilities, from children to seniors, from beginners to pros. However, not all players play the same way. There are different playing styles, preferences, and personalities that can influence how a player approaches the game. Here are some of the common pickleball personalities and their characteristics:

• Aggressive Baseliner: An aggressive baseliner is a player who likes to stay at the baseline and hit hard and fast shots. They rely on their power, speed, and accuracy to win points. They are confident and competitive, and enjoy challenging and dominating their opponents. They are not afraid to take risks and go for winners. They may struggle with soft shots, net play, and patience.
• Finesse Player: A finesse player is a player who likes to use soft and subtle shots, such as dinks, drops, and lobs. They rely on their touch, spin, and placement to win points. They are calm and strategic, and enjoy outsmarting and outlasting their opponents. They are good at controlling the pace and the angle of the game. They may struggle with hard shots, consistency, and aggression.
• All-Around Player: An all-around player is a player who can adapt to different situations and opponents. They can play both hard and soft shots, both at the baseline and at the net. They rely on their versatility, balance, and skills to win points. They are flexible and adaptable, and enjoy learning and improving their game. They can handle any challenge and any style. They may struggle with finding their own identity and preference.

There are more personalities and variations that you can discover as you play more, such as the defensive player, the offensive player, the team player, and the solo player.

Pickleball: Your Next Great Hobby?

Pickleball offers a unique blend of exercise, social connection, and pure fun. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a weekend warrior, pickleball might just be your perfect match.

Ready to try pickleball? Find local courts, beginner clinics, or resources to get started today!