Pickleball: An Introduction

March 22, 2024

Pickleball: An Introduction

Founded by Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell in 1965, the game of pickleball was born out of creativity and a lack of badminton equipment. The Pritchard and Bell families created the sport by substituting the badminton rackets with ping pong paddles and the birdie with a wiffle ball. Pickleball was made on the founding idea that the whole family could play together, regardless of age or skill level. Due to its originating purpose, pickleball is relatively simple to comprehend. Many of the rules were adapted from existing sports, drawing inspiration from tennis, ping-pong, and badminton. What started as a way for these families to ease their boredom, sixty years down the line the sport would become the fastest growing sport in the United States.

The basics of pickleball can also be traced back to tennis, ping-pong, and badminton. The official court of pickleball looks remarkably like a downsized tennis court, featuring two main areas: a volley area and a non-volley area. The non-volley area is referred to as “the kitchen” and is a space that extends on either side of the net by seven feet. The volley area sits behind the kitchen and stretches for fifteen feet. Played with specialty paddles and ball which resembles a wiffle ball, the handheld equipment for this game is very minimal. The only thing needed to have a successful game is a trusty pair of shoes which can endure the action on the court.

Pickleball games are played to 11 points and the winning individual, or individuals, must win by at least two more points than their opponent. Despite a relatively low number of points to designate the end of a game, playtime often gets extended because players can only score if they are serving. Serving players continue serving until they lose a point. Points are scored by the opposition committing faults. There are three kinds of faults in pickleball; when the ball is hit out of bounds, when a serve does not clear the kitchen, and when the ball hits the net. 

Conveniently for many, pickleball is an adaptable sport which can be played both indoors and outdoors. Available year round, pickleball is a great way to stay active throughout the winter months as well as during the summer months. The adjustability of the intensity level is one of the things that makes pickleball so popular. Not only can it be played anywhere a court can fit, but games can also be played as doubles or as singles. Accessible to those of all ages and skill levels, playing with friends and family members is a great way to spend quality time with one another. It’s also a great way to meet new people with similar interests. Pickleball has even been suggested to have a beneficial impact on the brain.

It’s no wonder that pickleball’s popularity is on the rise. A relatively simple game which takes skill and perseverance to master, pickleball isn’t going away anytime soon. So get on some good shoes and get out there to join the fun!