The Plastic Click 101: Pickleball Rules, Gear, and Game Tips

Created in 1965, pickleball is an active, fast-paced racket sport that's a blend of ping-pong, tennis, and badminton. It's played on a court that's smaller than a tennis court, using a paddle and a plastic ball with holes. The game was created on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by three dads: Joel Pritchard, a former Washington state congressman; Bill Bell; and Barney McCallum. The trio was looking for a new way to keep their families entertained during summer break. From those humble beginnings, it's grown into one of the most popular sports in the United States. With its easy-to-learn rules and fun atmosphere, pickleball can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

The Basic Rules of Pickleball

Pickleball is typically played either as a singles or doubles game, meaning that there is either one or two players on a team on each side of the net in the middle. The court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, the same size as a badminton court. The net is 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches high in the middle. Only underhand serves are allowed, and the ball must land in the opposite service box, diagonally across the court.

A key rule in pickleball is the double bounce rule: When the ball is served, each team has to let the ball bounce once on their side of the court before they can volley (hit it in the air). After the ball has bounced once on each side, players can volley or let it bounce. There is also a special zone near the net called the "non-volley zone" or the "kitchen." Players can't volley the ball while they're standing in the kitchen, which encourages longer rallies and reduces the advantage of power shots.

Scoring is only done by the serving team, and games are usually played to 11 points, with a win requiring a 2-point lead.

Pickleball Gear Suggestions

You don't need much in the way of fancy or expensive equipment to play pickleball. The basics include a paddle, a ball, and appropriate shoes.

Pickleball paddles are sort of like oversized ping-pong paddles, bigger than those but smaller than a tennis racket. They are made from a variety of materials, including wood, composite, and graphite. Beginners should generally start with a wooden paddle. Wood pickleball paddles are durable, affordable, and heavier than paddles made of composite or graphite, which can help you develop strength and control of your swing.

Pickleball also uses a plastic ball with holes. Indoor balls are softer and have fewer holes in them, while outdoor balls are made of harder plastic with more holes, which helps them perform better in the wind and withstand wear from rough surfaces.

And good court shoes are important to prevent slipping and support quick lateral movements. Tennis or volleyball shoes are typically a good fit for pickleball.

If you want to get a little fancier than the basics, optional pickleball gear includes a paddle cover, a water bottle to stay hydrated, and athletic clothing for ease of movement.

Pickleball Tips and Strategies

Mastering the basics of serving and returning is the first step in enjoying pickleball. When you're practicing and playing, aim for consistent, deep serves to keep your opponents back and give yourself time to set up at the net. When returning the ball, keep it low to avoid giving your opponent an easy smash.

As you get more comfortable playing pickleball, shift your focus to developing your "dink" game. A dink is a soft shot that lands in the kitchen and forces your opponent to move closer to the net and hit upward. Dinking is a strategic move that slows the pace and can set up winning shots. As with most racket sports, communication is a key aspect of playing doubles. It's important to always call who will hit the ball and try to move as a team with your partner.

Positioning is also critical. After your serve or return, move toward the net, where most points are won. In the non-volley zone, maintain a ready stance, stay balanced, and be prepared for fast back-and-forth play.

Have Fun and Get Involved With Pickleball

One of the best things about pickleball is how inclusive and enjoyable it can be. It's a great cardiovascular workout and can help improve players' agility, coordination, and reflexes. Another part of its mass appeal is that because it's easier on the joints than many other racket sports, people of all ages and fitness levels can play, making it a popular choice for families and community groups.

Trying and getting involved in competitive pickleball is easy. Many schools, community centers, and parks are adding pickleball courts alongside their tennis courts. Some might even offer lessons for beginners. Be on the lookout for local clubs or youth pickleball leagues to play regularly and meet new people. USA Pickleball and local recreation departments often maintain directories of nearby places to play and community clubs to join. So grab a paddle, invite some friends, and step onto the pickleball court; you might just find your new favorite sport!

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• Pickleball Etiquette 101
• The Benefits of Pickleball for Kids
• Major League Pickleball
• Plastic Bottles
• Find a Pickleball Court Nearby
• Pickleball National Championships
• Pickleball Equipment Guide
• Plastic Containers
• How to Choose the Right Pickleball Paddle
• Key Differences Between Tennis and Pickleball
• Courts: Pickleball vs. Tennis