What is Pickleball?

Pickleball_Players

Curious about pickleball? So were we! In today’s article, we explain how this game came to be, and just why it’s so popular in certain parts of the world.

Pickleball_Players

Pickleball is a paddle-based ball sport that brings together familiar elements of other paddle and racket-based games, including badminton, tennis, and table tennis or ping pong. Balls are typically constructed out of perforated polymer, with paddles constructed from solid materials such as wood, or other composite materials. In terms of size, the paddles themselves sit somewhere between the dimensions of a tennis or badminton racquet, and a table tennis paddle.

The history of pickleball dates to around 1965, when a former state representative of Washington was spending time with 2 friends after a round of golf. Without the shuttlecock needed for a game of badminton, the 3 friends improvised a similar sport by lowering the badminton net, picking up a ball and fashioning paddles of plywood from a shed.

Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may make a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

An Overview of Pickleball

Pickleball, or pickle ball, is a sport that’s played on a 20-foot by 44-foot badminton-sized court, regardless of whether it is a singles or doubles game being played out. The central net is hung at 36 inches each end, and 34 inches in the center, lower than that of a badminton court. Much like a tennis court, the pickleball court is striped, yet unlike tennis, it has no alley on either side.

Also like with tennis, the ball is served in a diagonal direction, with points only being awardable to the side of the court that served the ball (just like squash). On each side of the court, competitors must allow the ball a single bounce before they are permitted to volley the ball, with a 7-foot ‘no volley’ area to each side of the central net, which prevents ‘spiking,’ a tactic common in tennis. The ‘no volley’ zone is affectionately called ‘The Kitchen’.

Recommended Next: We talk all things pickleball balls in our latest guide.

Pickleball-court-layoutServing the ball

Pickleball uses a specialized type of service, in which the ball is served diagonally from the right-hand service square of the court. When the ball is served, it must fall clear of the 7-foot ‘no volley’ zone mentioned above, landing in the opposing diagonal service court. The same side of the court will continue to serve until there is a fault made on that side, after which it will alternate to the opposing side of the court.

Serves are always performed underhand, never overhand, and the pickleball paddle must be kept below the waist, and the ball itself hit into the air without bouncing on the floor before it has cleared the net. In terms of stance, the person serving must maintain both feet behind the backline throughout the action.

When each game begins, the first team to serve the ball is permitted just a single fault per competitor; only one attempt at serving is permitted per person unless impacting the net and falling onto the opposing side, at which point that side may take over-serving and re-attempt the serve themselves. Otherwise, service switches sides once both members of a serving team have faulted.

Recommended Reading: Don’t miss our big guide to pickleball paddles next!

Volleying

Volleying has the same meaning in pickleball as in tennis, meaning any attempt to hit the ball into the air without letting it bounce on the court first. In pickleball, this move is only permitted when a player’s feet are behind the 7-foot ‘no volley’ zone line, and after the ball has bounced at least once after the first service, as we will explain in the next section.

Double-bounce

The double-bounce rule is also known commonly as the two-bounce rule and determines that each team must play their first shot of the ball only after it has been allowed to bounce once within their half of the court. After the ball is served, the receiving team must allow it to bounce once before making contact, and similarly, the serving team must allow the returning ball to bounce once within their half of the court. After these actions have occurred, the ball can be freely volleyed or allowed to bounce at the decision of the teams during play.

This rule allows rallies to occur more easily and prevents quick points where players gamble at the net, looking to smash a quick volley. This is the kind of rule that makes pickleball so accessible and fun to play. It has been designed with enjoyment at the core, and the double-bounce rule and ‘no volley’ areas are central to this.

Not sure where to play pickleball? Don’t miss our latest article that explains all!

Rules of faults

Pickleball has a number of rules around when a fault would be considered to have been committed by a player; these are as follows:

  • The ball is knocked out of bounds by a team’s player
  • The ball does not clear the net after a serve or shot
  • The ball is volleyed by a player from within the ‘no volley’ zone
  • The ball is volleyed before the double-bounce rule has been allowed to play out
  • The ball has impacted any part of the ‘no volley’ zone during a team’s serve, including impacting the zone line

Scoring of points

A team may be awarded a point only when it is their turn to serve the ball, and the serving player must continue to serve until their team commits a fault; this applies to both solo or doubles play. When a fault is made, the service changes over to the opposing team, who may then score points through serving. This is called a ‘Side Out.’ A game is won at 11 points, though a team must win by a margin of 2 points or greater.

Popularity

The popularity of this sport varies from country to country, but within the US for example, there are estimated to be over 15,000 total indoor and outdoor courts dedicated to the sport. At least one pickleball location is located within each of the American states. Additionally, the sport is taught within physical education classes in middle and high schools across the country.

What’s more, a study conducted in 2016 to determine the level of participation within the sport found that there were more than 2.5 million pickleball players active within the US. This surveying was conducted by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA).

Overview

While all traditional racket sports are unique and fun in their own way, pickleball takes the parts that make them so enjoyable and combines them into an accessible game for all. The rules are designed with enjoyment at the core, with the double bounce rule ensuring that rallies occur on each service point. The ‘no volley’ area also ensures that players have time to hit a shot and are not constantly defending aggressive overhead volleys from the net like in tennis. It’s a sport for all ages and skills that is seriously fun to play.


There are loads more articles like this coming soon at SkillSpeedPower.com. We’ll even have a guide to the top pickleball paddles going live in the near future.

Make sure to bookmark us or follow us on social media to stay notified of all the latest news.

Like soccer? You’ll love reading our favorite Zlatan Ibrahimovic quotes!

Images:

By TheVillagesFL [CC BY-SA 4.0], from Wikimedia Commons

Chris Franco

Chris Frango is a highly accomplished owner and writer in the dynamic world of sports, gambling, and gaming. With an unwavering passion for these industries, Chris has carved out a niche for himself as a respected authority, delivering engaging content that captivates readers worldwide. As the owner of a popular news website, Chris has demonstrated exceptional leadership and entrepreneurial skills. His visionary approach has transformed his platform into a go-to destination for enthusiasts seeking comprehensive coverage, expert analysis, and insightful commentary on the latest developments in sports, gambling, and gaming. Chris's journey into the realm of sports, gambling, and gaming began at a young age when he discovered his insatiable curiosity for these captivating arenas. Fuelled by this passion, he embarked on an academic path that allowed him to acquire a deep understanding of the inner workings of these industries. Armed with extensive knowledge, Chris dived into the world of writing, channeling his expertise into engaging narratives that resonate with his readers. With a keen eye for emerging trends and a commitment to delivering accurate information, Chris has earned a reputation as a trusted source for industry updates and analysis. His articles offer invaluable insights into the ever-evolving landscape of sports, gambling, and gaming, catering to both casual enthusiasts and seasoned professionals alike. Beyond his exceptional writing skills, Chris's personable approach and commitment to authenticity set him apart. He recognizes the importance of fostering a genuine connection with his audience, and he continuously strives to build a community that shares his passion and values. In addition to his professional endeavors, Chris actively participates in industry events and conferences, where he engages with industry leaders and expands his network. This constant engagement ensures that he stays at the forefront of the latest developments, enabling him to deliver up-to-date and cutting-edge content to his readers. Chris Frango's dedication to his craft, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering passion, has positioned him as a trailblazer in the world of sports, gambling, and gaming journalism. As he continues to lead his news website to new heights, he remains committed to providing his readers with compelling stories, insightful analysis, and a glimpse into the exciting future of these vibrant industries.

Related Articles

Pickleball paddles
Pickleball

5 Best Pickleball Paddles

We take a close look at 5 of the leading pickleball paddles and see which comes out on top. Pickleball is a fun sport, similar to other racquet sports such as tennis, badminton and table tennis, and it has actually been around for a lot longer than you may think. In recent years it has […]

Read More
pickleball player hits ball
Pickleball

The Essential Pickleball Equipment

If you are interested in getting started in the fun and interesting sport of pickleball, there are many things you need to invest in. Check out our guide to the pickleball equipment you shouldn’t be without! Are you looking for something different to play with your friends, colleagues or relatives? If you already enjoy racquet […]

Read More
head pickleball paddles
Pickleball

Head Pickleball Paddles Reviewed

Looking for a new Head Pickleball Paddle to use and are not sure which to go for? Then read our reviews on four of the very best of them! Pickleball is a sport that has enjoyed a quick surge in popularity over the past few years and when you now see names such as the […]

Read More