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What is pickleball?

Pickleball 101 Last reviewed April 6, 2026 5 min read

Pickleball is a paddle sport invented in the summer of 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum. It started as a backyard improvisation — three dads trying to entertain bored kids with whatever equipment they had on hand — and grew, over 60 years, into the fastest-growing sport in the United States.

Today, 24.3 million Americans played pickleball in 2025 according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, and the sport has held that “fastest-growing” title for five years running. It’s particularly popular with adults 55 and over, but you’ll now find players of every age on courts from retirement communities to elementary schools.

How it’s played

Pickleball is played on a court 20 feet wide and 44 feet long — about a quarter the size of a tennis court. Two or four players use solid paddles to hit a hollow plastic ball (similar to a wiffle ball) over a net that’s 36 inches tall at the sides and 34 inches tall in the middle. Games are typically played to 11 points, win by 2, and only the serving team can score.

Three rules give pickleball its distinctive character:

  • The two-bounce rule. After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before players can start volleying. This levels the playing field between the serving and receiving teams.
  • The Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone). A 7-foot area on each side of the net where you cannot volley the ball. It prevents players from crashing the net and ending points too quickly. Read the full kitchen rules →
  • Side-out scoring. Only the serving side can score. When you lose a rally as the server, you lose the serve, not a point.

Pickleball has become a social phenomenon — especially among adults 55 and older — for five very practical reasons:

  1. It’s easy to learn. Most people can rally within 15 minutes of picking up a paddle. The small court, slow ball, and underhand serve make the first experience welcoming, not frustrating.
  2. It’s easy on the body. Compared to tennis, the court is smaller, the ball is softer, and the game is less punishing on knees and shoulders when played with good technique.
  3. It’s social by design. Doubles is the dominant format. You’re playing with three other people every game, chatting between points, rotating partners, and meeting everyone at the club within a few sessions.
  4. It’s good for you. Research has linked pickleball participation among older adults to reduced loneliness and social isolation, in addition to the usual cardiovascular and balance benefits of regular movement.
  5. Courts are everywhere. Thanks to its explosive growth, public parks, gyms, churches, and retirement communities have added pickleball lines to tennis courts, basketball courts, and open gym floors across the country.

How to get started

You need very little to start playing pickleball:

  • A paddle. Entry-level paddles start around $25–40 and are plenty for your first few months. See our paddle buying guide.
  • Court shoes. Don’t use running shoes. You need lateral support. Any tennis or court shoe will do.
  • A court and three friends. Check your local parks department, your gym, or search for courts near you.

Most communities have “open play” or “drop-in” sessions where new players are welcome and experienced players are happy to teach the basics. Show up a few times — that’s usually all it takes to find your crew.