🏓 What Is Pickleball? A Beginner’s Guide to the Game That’s Taking Over
If you're new to pickleball or just curious about where this wildly popular sport came from, you're in the right place. Pickleball has quickly become the fastest-growing sport in the United States — and for good reason. It’s simple to learn, easy on the joints, and incredibly fun to play. Let’s break down the basics — including how it started, how it’s played, and why it's become a favorite for players of all ages. 🏁 A Quick Look Back: The Origins of Pickleball Believe it or not, pickleball dates back to 1965, when it was created by three dads — Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum — in Washington state. The goal? To entertain their bored kids. Using elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis, they created a new game using ping-pong paddles and a plastic ball. The name “pickleball”? It’s said to have come from the Pritchards’ dog, Pickles, who loved chasing stray balls. (Though some say it refers to a "pickle boat," a term from rowing.) Either way, the name stuck — and so did the game. 🎾 How the Game Works Pickleball is played on a small court, about one-third the size of a tennis court, and can be played in singles or doubles format. Players use solid paddles to hit a perforated plastic ball (similar to a wiffle ball) over a net. The game is typically played to 11 points, and you must win by at least 2. There are specific rules for serving, volleying, and staying out of the “kitchen” — the no-volley zone near the net — which adds unique strategy and excitement to the game. 🧠 Simple to Learn, Tough to Master One of the biggest reasons pickleball has gained popularity is that anyone can pick it up quickly. Unlike tennis, it doesn’t require intense training to start having fun. The paddles are lighter, the ball is slower, and the court is smaller — all of which make it ideal for beginners, seniors, or anyone looking for a social, low-impact workout. But don’t let the simplicity fool you. As you advance, you’ll discover a world of strategy, technique, and competition that keeps seasoned players hooked for years.