Humans are naturally inventive. Throughout history, we’ve shown a remarkable ability to create and adapt, and this improvisation extends even to our leisure activities. Many popular sports emerged from simple beginnings, often born out of a need for entertainment with whatever was available. Think of soccer, rumored to have started with kicking around inflated pig bladders. Similarly, the story of pickleball’s origin is rooted in resourceful improvisation and a desire to cure summertime boredom.
alt=”Overhead view of a yellow pickleball and black pickleball paddle positioned on the blue corner of a green and blue pickleball court, illustrating the simple equipment of pickleball.”
The Accidental Invention of Pickleball
Like many great tales, the story of pickleball begins on a sunny day with a simple problem: boredom. It was the summer of 1965 when Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell returned to Pritchard’s home on Bainbridge Island, Washington, after a day of golf. They were met with the classic summer complaint – the families were bored and looking for something to do. Joel Pritchard, seeking to alleviate the boredom of his family and friends, decided to take action and invent a game.
Pritchard’s property happened to have an old badminton court, which seemed like a promising starting point. However, they quickly discovered a shortage of badminton rackets. Undeterred, Pritchard improvised, grabbing some spare ping pong paddles and a wiffle ball. With these readily available items, a completely new game began to take shape. This impromptu game, born from necessity and a bit of ingenuity, is what we now know as pickleball.
Over that weekend, the group continued to refine their makeshift game, developing their own set of house rules as they played. Initially, they played with the net at badminton’s regulation height of 60 inches. However, they soon realized that the wiffle ball bounced quite well on their asphalt court. Experimenting further, they lowered the net to 36 inches, which improved the gameplay. At this early stage, the rules were still quite informal. The following weekend, Pritchard and Bell introduced their new game to another friend, Barney McCullum. Drawing inspiration from badminton, the three dads collaborated to establish more formal rules, focusing on family-friendly play and accessibility for all ages and skill levels.
Two years later, in 1967, Joel Pritchard built the first permanent pickleball court in the backyard of his neighbor and friend, Bob O’Brian. Constructing a dedicated court signaled a significant step, solidifying their homemade game as a beloved pastime. As pickleball began to gain traction in the Pacific Northwest region, Pickleball, Inc. was founded in 1972. This corporation aimed to provide enthusiasts with specialized equipment, including paddles, nets, and balls designed specifically for pickleball, moving away from using repurposed gear from other racquet sports. The establishment of Pickleball, Inc. was crucial in transitioning pickleball from a local backyard game to a recognized and legitimate sport by making equipment readily available.
alt=”Dynamic low-angle shot of two pickleball players engaged in a doubles match on a vibrant blue and green outdoor court, emphasizing the active and social nature of pickleball.”
Today, pickleball stands as the fastest-growing sport in the United States, with its popularity rapidly expanding internationally. The U.S.A. Pickleball Association (USAPA) currently lists nearly 4,000 locations across the nation where enthusiasts can play. To understand the phenomenal growth of pickleball over the past half-century, it’s essential to explore the inherent qualities of this fast-paced, social, and genuinely enjoyable sport.
Essential Gear for Pickleball Beginners
One of the many appeals of pickleball is its affordability and ease of entry. You don’t need a lot of specialized equipment to start playing. While serious players may invest in high-end gear, beginners can easily get started with just the basics. To play pickleball, you will need a paddle, a ball, comfortable athletic clothing, a net, and access to a court.
Paddle: Pickleball paddles are larger than table tennis paddles but smaller than tennis rackets. They are constructed from various materials, including wood, graphite, aluminum, and composite materials. Wooden paddles are a budget-friendly option for beginners, although they may offer slightly less control compared to more advanced materials.
Ball: Originally, pickleball was played with a wiffle ball. Modern pickleball uses a similar lightweight, perforated plastic ball. It’s important to choose the correct type of ball depending on whether you are playing indoors or outdoors. For official gameplay standards, it’s best to consult the USAPA guidelines for approved balls.
Apparel: Pickleball doesn’t have a strict dress code like some other sports. Comfortable athletic wear and supportive tennis shoes are all you need to get on the court.
alt=”Waist-down view of a pickleball player in athletic shoes standing on a blue and green pickleball court, highlighting appropriate footwear for playing pickleball.”
Pickleball: Basic Rules of the Game
Pickleball can be played in singles or doubles formats, with the rules remaining consistent for both.
- The serve must be underhand, made from behind the baseline, and directed diagonally into the opponent’s service court without bouncing the ball before striking it.
- The serve must clear the net and land beyond the non-volley zone, often referred to as “the kitchen.”
- Points are awarded only to the serving team when the receiving team commits a fault. Faults include failing to return the ball, hitting it out of bounds, or into the net.
- Only the serving team can score points.
- The server continues to serve, alternating service courts after each point scored, until their team commits a fault, resulting in a “side out.”
- Games are typically played to 11 points and must be won by a margin of at least two points.
- After the serve, the “double-bounce rule” is in effect: the receiving team must let the serve bounce, and then the serving team must let the return bounce before either team can volley the ball.
- Players are prohibited from volleying the ball while positioned within the non-volley zone or on the non-volley line.
How to Play and Enjoy Pickleball
Despite the detailed rules, pickleball is remarkably easy to learn and pick up quickly. It usually takes just a few games to grasp the fundamentals. The welcoming and friendly atmosphere of the pickleball community means that experienced players are often happy to help newcomers learn the rules. As you play more, the rules will become intuitive, allowing you to focus on improving your game and enjoying the sport.
The Pickleball Court
Pickleball is played on a court that is the same size as a badminton court, measuring 44 feet long and 20 feet wide. The net is 36 inches high at the sidelines and dips to 34 inches in the center. These dimensions are standard for both singles and doubles pickleball.
The Serve in Detail
To serve, begin in the right-hand service zone and alternate sides each time a point is scored. The server must stand behind the baseline at the back of the court. The serve must be executed underhand, with the paddle contacting the ball below waist level. The ball must be served diagonally across the net and land within the opponent’s service court. For example, if serving from the left service zone, the ball must land in the opponent’s left service zone, and vice versa. Serves must clear both the net and the non-volley zone, including the lines marking the non-volley zone (if the ball touches the non-volley zone line on a serve, it is a fault).
During the serve, the ball must be struck in the air without bouncing it first. Furthermore, both feet must remain behind the baseline during the serve. Only one serve attempt is allowed per point, except in the case of a “let,” where the served ball hits the net and lands in the correct service court. In a “let,” the server gets to take the serve again.
alt=”Diagram of a pickleball court showing the dimensions of the court, the net height, the non-volley zone (kitchen), and service areas, useful for understanding pickleball court setup.”
Serving Sequence in Doubles
In a doubles pickleball match, both players on a team get to serve before the serve rotates to the opposing team. The exception to this is at the very beginning of each game; during the first service sequence, only one player from the initial serving team serves before the serve goes to the other team.
Each time the service changes teams (a “side out”), the first serve is always initiated from the right-hand service court. If the serving team scores a point, the server switches to the left side to serve the next point. The serving player continues to serve, alternating service courts, until their team commits a fault. In doubles, if the first server faults, their partner then serves from the same service court where the first server started.
Volleying and the Non-Volley Zone
Volleying, hitting the ball in the air before it bounces, is a key aspect of pickleball strategy. However, there are restrictions. Players can only volley the ball if both of their feet are positioned behind the non-volley zone line. If a player steps on or over the non-volley zone line, even during their follow-through motion after hitting a volley, it is considered a fault.
alt=”Image depicting two pickleball players demonstrating volleying technique near the kitchen line, emphasizing the positioning required to legally volley the ball outside the non-volley zone.”
Key Pickleball Terminology
Kitchen: Also known as the non-volley zone, the kitchen is the area of the court between the net and the non-volley zone line on both sides of the net. Players cannot volley the ball while inside the kitchen.
Volleying: Hitting the ball in the air before it has bounced on the court.
Fault: A fault occurs when a player violates a rule, resulting in a loss of serve or point. Common faults include:
- Hitting the ball out of bounds.
- Failing to hit the ball over the net.
- Serving the ball into the net or the non-volley zone.
- Volleying the ball while standing in the non-volley zone.
- Volleying the ball before it has bounced once on each side of the net after the serve (violating the double-bounce rule).
Side Out: This term is announced when the serving team commits a fault in doubles play, and the serve is then transferred to the opposing team.
Dink: A soft shot, often used when players are near the non-volley zone, intended to land in the opponent’s non-volley zone or at their feet, forcing a difficult return.
The Widespread Appeal of Pickleball
Pickleball’s rapid rise to become America’s fastest-growing sport is no accident. The game is physically gentle and has a straightforward learning curve, making it enjoyable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Unlike sports like tennis, racquetball, or badminton, which can require significant practice and lessons to become proficient, pickleball is designed to be accessible from the start. Its family-oriented origins mean that most people can learn to play a basic game within just a few matches. This ease of entry makes it simple to start playing and quickly experience the fun and satisfaction of the sport.
alt=”Enthusiastic group of diverse pickleball players laughing and enjoying a game on a sunny outdoor court, capturing the joyful and social atmosphere of pickleball.”
Furthermore, pickleball is relatively inexpensive, requiring only basic equipment. The court size, smaller than a tennis court, makes it accessible to communities with limited space. Many recreational facilities have adapted tennis courts for pickleball by simply adding lines. If dedicated courts are unavailable, a portable net, some tape, and a flat surface are often all that’s needed to create a playable pickleball court almost anywhere.
One of the most significant reasons for pickleball’s popularity is its social nature and the fast-paced play on a compact court. The smaller court fosters a close and interactive environment, improving hand-eye coordination, sharpening reflexes, and providing ample opportunity for socializing with fellow players. Despite the smaller court, pickleball still offers a great workout and a chance to break a sweat. Once you pick up a paddle, you’ll find it hard to put it down – so remember to stay hydrated and stretch regularly!
The Curious Case of the Name: Why “Pickleball”?
So, we’ve explored the origins and appeal of the game, but the question remains: Why Do They Call It Pickleball? According to the U.S.A. Pickleball Association, there are two popular, slightly different stories about the naming of pickleball.
One version credits Joel Pritchard’s wife, Joan Pritchard, with naming the game. She reportedly said that the eclectic mix of sports elements in pickleball reminded her of a “pickle boat” in crew. A pickle boat is a rowing term for a boat crewed by leftover oarsmen chosen from various other boats.
However, Barney McCallum, the Pritchards’ friend who helped develop the rules, offers a different, more whimsical account. According to McCallum, the game was named after the Pritchard family dog, aptly named “Pickles”! Pickles, the dog, apparently had a habit of running off with the wiffle ball during games, adding an element of unpredictable fun to their early matches.
Both stories might hold a grain of truth and contribute to the quirky name. In the early days, pickleball was a casual, unnamed game until it started gaining popularity and needed an official designation. Reflecting the laid-back and improvisational spirit of its creation, “pickleball” seems to be a fittingly unique and memorable name, regardless of whether it was inspired by a dog or a boat.
