What's Pickleball? Everything to Know About the Growing Sport

Ever asked yourself, "What's pickleball?" Pickleball is a racquet sport. It combines basic elements of tennis, ping pong, and badminton. This high-energy, fast-paced, action-packed, easy-to-learn and incredibly social game is an ideal pastime for everyone, regardless of age or skill level.

Read on and learn what pickleball is, the ins and outs of the game, and how to become a pickleball aficionado. Let’s uncover the game's fascinating origins and rules to turn you into a pickleball pro.

History and Origins of Pickleball

Pickleball's intriguing history began in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, when three dads, Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum, sought to entertain their bored kids. Combining elements from tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, they improvised a game using a badminton court, table tennis paddles, and a perforated plastic ball, now called a Wiffle ball.

It is rumored that the peculiar name "pickleball" possibly originated after Pritchard's' adopted cockapoo dog, Pickles, who chased stray balls. Today, pickleball is a global phenomenon, beloved for its accessibility, social nature, and fast-paced gameplay.

Equipment Needed to Play Pickleball

To truly master pickleball, it's essential to have the following equipment on hand:

A quality pickleball paddle: Designed from lightweight materials such as composite, graphite, or wood, with a honeycomb core to provide optimal balance and control.
Pickleball: Also called a Wiffle ball. These are made from durable plastic, with a perforated surface, and feature evenly spaced holes to ensure consistent flight and bounce. Be sure to select the fitting design based on where you are playing, either indoors or outdoors. Have a few extra ones, as they can occasionally crack or break during intense gameplay.
Court: A regulation-size pickleball court measures 24x54 ft., with a non-volley zone on either side of the net.
Net: A 36-inch-high net, which is 22 feet wide.
Proper footwear: wear shoes with good lateral support and non-marking soles, as sudden side-to-side movements are common in the game. Quality court shoes improve your agility and prevent injuries.
Essential accessories: such as comfortable athletic clothing, moisture-wicking socks, protective eyewear, and a water bottle for hydration.

Understanding the Rules of Pickleball

Pickleball's rules are quite simple, making it easy even for novices to pick up the game. Players serve diagonally from behind the baseline, with the server alternating sides after each point. The ball must be served underhand, clear the non-volley zone, and land in the opponent's service court.

Opponent(s) must let the ball bounce once before returning it, after which the server must also let it bounce once. From then on, players may volley the ball without letting it bounce as long as they remain outside the non-volley zone.

Scoring in pickleball is unique; only the serving team can earn points. A point is scored when your opponent is unable to return the ball legally, hits the ball out of bounds, or commits a fault. The game is played to 11 points, although the winning team should have a 2-point advantage to win.

Join the Pickleball Craze with Sport Court Las Vegas

As an athlete who’s keen to master the game of pickleball, here's your chance to join the craze. Learn and enjoy this adrenaline-pumping game with Sport Court Las Vegas. At Sport Court Las Vegas, we're passionate about fueling this craze by providing top-notch facilities, expert guidance, and a vibrant community that shares your love for this action-packed game.

So, whether you're a seasoned pro or a curious newcomer, prepare to ignite your passion for pickleball and embark on a journey filled with excitement, camaraderie, and countless unforgettable moments.

Your new favorite pastime awaits; let Sport Court Las Vegas be the catalyst that fuels your pickleball obsession.