What is pickleball?
A sport for everyone
Pickleball is an emerging racquet sport combining elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong. It was invented in 1965 in America by three fathers in Washington who wanted a fun game for their families to play.
Played indoors or outdoors on a smaller court with a solid paddle and a perforated plastic ball, the game is loved the world over for it’s focus on strategy, control and quick reflexes over strength. The fast rallies and quick pivots are a whole lot of fun, while the simple rules and easy-to-learn nature make pickleball accessible and enjoyable for people of all ages and skill levels.
Play with your friends, connect with other pickleball fans in your area and try doubles for a more collaborative experience – where teamwork and strategic play come together for added excitement.
Pickleball is family-friendly game and fun for all ages.
Played with a perforated plastic ball that has less bounce and travels at a slower pace than tennis.
The paddle has a solid flat surface with a shorter handle making it light an easy to use.
Fast-paced rallies focus on strategy and placement over raw power, making it friendlier for all ages and abilities.
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How the game works
Pickleball’s simple, fast-paced rallies and easy-to-learn rules make it an ideal sport for social play or competitive action. Whether you're looking to stay active, make new friends, or challenge yourself in a new sport, pickleball has something for everyone!
You can play singles (one-on-one) or doubles (two-on-two), with matches usually played to 11, 15 or 21 points, requiring a two-point lead to win.
The serve
- Start each rally with an underhand serve diagonally across the court.
- The ball must land in the correct service court, clearing the “kitchen” (non-volley zone).
Scoring
- Points can be scored via rally score (each point counts) or traditional scoring (only the serving team scores points).
- Games typically go to 11 points, and you must win by two.
- Score by making your opponent miss, hit out of bounds, into the net, or if a player steps into the kitchen while volleying.
- Players are responsible for calling balls in or out.
Non-volley zone ('The kitchen')
The 7-foot zone near the net prevents volleys, ensuring the game remains balanced and strategic.
Why pickleball?
Who can play?
Players of all abilities
Pickleball can be played standing, seated and with adaptive equipment. Mixed-ability gameplay is easy with minimal modifications, so players can connect or compete their way.
People of all ages
Pickleball is an accessible racquet sport that’s fun and easy to learn. Thanks to the smaller court size and lighter balls and paddles it’s easy for anyone 5–100+ years old to pick up and play.
Those with a competitive streak
Like small talk but love winning more? It’s easy to transition from casual play to competitive pathways when you play pickleball.
Pickleball, Tennis, Padel — what's the difference?
Pickleball
- Played on a smaller court with a lower net
- using a perforated plastic ball (similar to a whiffle ball), and
- with paddles instead of racquets
- as singles (one-on-one) or doubles (two-on-two) .
The rules of pickleball also differ, especially in scoring and serving.
Padel
- on a smaller, enclosed court with a net and walls that can be used during play
- using a solid-faced, perforated racquet and a depressurised tennis ball
- always played in pairs.
- Scoring is like tennis, played in games and sets.
Tennis
- Played on a larger court with a higher net
- uses a standard, bouncy tennis ball, and
- a stringed tennis racquet heavier than a pickleball paddle
- Tennis points are unique—for example, counted with 0, 15, 30 and 40.
Frequently asked questions
Absolutely. The rules are simple and easy to pick up, making it accessible even for those new to racquet sports. The court is about a third the size of a tennis court, so it's not physically demanding as there's less ground to cover. Plus, the paddle is lightweight and doesn’t require a specific grip technique.
Although the court is much smaller than a tennis court, pickleball still provides an excellent workout. The fast-paced rallies and quick pivots elevate your heart rate for enhanced cardiofascular fitness. They also improve balance, coordination and muscle strength.
Beyond the physical benefits, playing sports has been shown to support brain health and emotional wellness, making it a well-rounded activity for both body and mind.
Pickleball is often played in doubles, encouraging strong communication and teamwork between partners. Its simple rules and easy-to-learn nature enhance its inclusivity, allowing players of all ages and abilities to enjoy the game together.
