It’s Official: Pickleball is Everywhere.
From parks to gyms to neighborhood driveways, this paddle sport with the quirky name has exploded in popularity over the last few years. But what exactly is it?
What Is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It’s played on a smaller court than tennis (20x44 feet) with a net similar in height to tennis, using a plastic ball with holes and solid paddles.
The rules are simple and beginner-friendly:
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Games are usually played to 11, win by 2.
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Only the serving team can score points.
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The serve must be underhand and land diagonally in the opposite service box.
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There’s a 7-foot “non-volley zone” near the net—also known as “the kitchen”—where players can’t hit volleys.
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After the serve, each side must let the ball bounce once before hitting it (called the "double bounce" rule).
The game moves quickly, and rallies can be both fast and strategic—making it fun for all ages and skill levels.
Why the Sudden Boom?
Pickleball has been around since the 1960s, but its rise in popularity over the last few years has been meteoric. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, it's now the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. for three years running.
Some reasons for its popularity:
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It’s easy to learn. New players can jump in after just a few minutes of instruction.
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It’s social. The smaller court and doubles format make it great for chatting and laughing between points.
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It’s low-impact. Great for active older adults, but just as enjoyable for kids and competitive athletes.
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Courts are popping up everywhere. Cities, gyms, and even cruise ships are converting courts to meet demand.
Whether you're looking to get active, meet people, or just try something new, pickleball is a sport that welcomes everyone.
What can I use to get started?
Pickleball equipment is SUPER easy to understand, and you only actually need a couple of things to get started.
- A good paddle is essential to getting better at Pickleball. While most places you can casually play at will have rentable paddles, it may be worth investing in a personal one if you plan to play long-term. There are many types of paddles, ranging from beginner-level all the way up to professional-level paddles. Differences can come through weight, balance, spin potential, and sometimes aesthetics too. You can see our range here.
- You can also take your own Pickleballs too. While not essential for rental courts, if you and your friends ever want to play a friendly game casually, you can start prepared with your own. Intersport has a great range of Pickleballs, so it shouldn't be hard to find yours!
