By Mark Chen — Tried it. Did not think he would like it. Now plays every week.
Last updated: May 2026
Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America. For four years in a row. It is not just for retirees anymore. Young people are playing. Former tennis players are playing. Athletes who never played any racket sport are playing.
If you have not heard of it, you will. Here is what you need to know.
What Is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a mix of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. You play on a court about the size of a badminton court. You use a paddle (bigger than a ping-pong paddle, smaller than a tennis racket). You hit a plastic ball with holes in it (like a wiffle ball).
You can play singles or doubles. Most people play doubles. It is easier on the body than tennis. Less running. Less impact. But still competitive.
A Very Brief History
Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Three dads invented it to keep their kids entertained. They used ping-pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball. The court was a badminton court.
The name “pickleball” has two origin stories. One says it was named after the family dog, Pickles. The other says it comes from “pickle boat” in rowing (a boat made up of leftover rowers). No one knows for sure.
What we do know: it grew slowly for decades. Then exploded in the last five years.
The Basic Rules
The serve must be underhand. You serve diagonally to the other side. The ball must land in the opposite service box.
The two-bounce rule. After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before players can volley (hit the ball out of the air). This stops players from charging the net immediately.
The kitchen. There is a 7-foot area on each side of the net called the kitchen (or non-volley zone). You cannot step into the kitchen and hit the ball out of the air. You can step in to hit a ball that has bounced.
Scoring. Games are usually played to 11 points. You must win by 2. You can only score points when you are serving.
| Rule | Summary |
|---|---|
| Serve | Underhand. Diagonal. |
| Two-bounce | Ball bounces once on each side before volleys allowed. |
| Kitchen | No volleying from the 7-foot zone near the net. |
| Scoring | To 11. Win by 2. Score only on your serve. |
Why It Is So Popular
It is easy to learn. You can learn the basic rules in 10 minutes. You can play a game on your first day.
It is low impact. Less running than tennis. Softer on knees and hips. That is why older players love it.
It is still competitive. Easy to learn does not mean easy to master. There are spin shots. Soft shots. Hard drives. Strategy matters.
It is social. Most people play doubles. You talk between points. You laugh. You meet people.
You do not need to be athletic. Tennis players have an advantage. But non-athletes can be good too. The game rewards placement over power.
What You Need to Play
| Equipment | Cost (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Paddle | 30−150. Start with a $40 paddle. |
| Balls | $10 for a pack of 3 (they crack over time) |
| Court | Free at many parks and rec centers |
| Sneakers | Whatever you already have. Court shoes are better. |
You do not need special clothes. You do not need to join a club. Many public parks have pickleball lines on tennis courts or dedicated pickleball courts.
Common Misconceptions
“It is only for old people.” Not anymore. The fastest growing demographic is players under 35. Young people discovered it during the pandemic. They are not leaving.
“It is not a real sport.” Tell that to the pros. There are professional tournaments. Prize money. Sponsorships. It is a real sport.
“Tennis players will dominate.” Tennis players have an advantage in power. But pickleball is different. The soft game (dinking) is unique. Tennis players have to learn that.
How to Try It
Find a court. Search “pickleball courts near me.” Many public parks and rec centers have them.
Borrow a paddle. Most courts have extras. People are friendly. They will let you try.
Watch a 5-minute video on YouTube. Search “pickleball rules explained.” Learn the basics before you go.
Show up. Tell people you are new. They will help you. The pickleball community is welcoming.
The Bottom Line
Pickleball is not a fad. It has been growing for five years. It is not slowing down.
It is easy to learn. Low impact. Social. Competitive. Cheap to start.
Tennis is great. Badminton is great. Ping-pong is great. Pickleball is different. Try it once. You might get hooked.
About the author: Mark Chen did not think he would like pickleball. He was wrong. He plays every week now.
This article is for informational purposes. Try a new sport. You might surprise yourself.
