Pickleball is a fun paddle sport mixing tennis, ping-pong, and badminton on a small court.
If you came here asking what is pickleball, you’re in the right place. I coach new players, play league nights, and help local parks set up courts. In this guide, I break down what is pickleball in plain words. You’ll learn rules, gear, scoring, and how to start with confidence.
What Is Pickleball? The Basics
So, what is pickleball? It is a paddle sport played on a 20-by-44-foot court with a net in the middle. You use a solid paddle and a plastic ball with holes. It works for singles or doubles, but most people play doubles because it is social and easy to learn.
When people ask what is pickleball, I say it feels like chess at sprint speed. The court is small, so control beats raw power. Games move fast, rallies are long, and the vibe is friendly.
Key facts to know:
- Court size is the same for singles and doubles.
- The non-volley zone, called the kitchen, is 7 feet from the net on both sides.
- Net height is 36 inches at the posts and 34 inches in the center.
- Most games go to 11 points, win by 2.
How the Game Works: Rules and Scoring
If you wonder what is pickleball scoring, here is the short version. Only the serving team scores in standard play. You serve underhand, diagonally, and the ball must land in the service box. The serve starts with the right side when the score is even.
The two-bounce rule keeps play fair. The serve must bounce once, and the return must bounce once. After those two bounces, you can volley, but not in the kitchen. You cannot step on the kitchen line while volleying.
Common calls and terms:
- Dink: A soft shot that lands in the kitchen.
- Drive: A fast, flat groundstroke.
- Third shot drop: A soft shot after the serve return to gain the net.
- Side out: When the serve goes to the other team.
A quick serving tip from my own play: aim 80% of serves deep and safe. A deep serve buys time. A missed serve gives away free points. Safe and deep wins most rec games.
Court and Equipment
Knowing what is pickleball helps you choose the right gear. You need a paddle, a ball, court shoes, and a water bottle. That is it. You can get a starter bundle for a low cost and upgrade later.
Pick a paddle that fits your hand and swing:
- Weight: Lighter paddles give control; heavier paddles add power.
- Face: Graphite or carbon fiber gives touch; fiberglass adds pop.
- Grip size: If your hand cramps, the grip is likely too small.
Match your ball to the surface:
- Outdoor balls are firmer with more holes. They handle wind and last longer.
- Indoor balls are softer with fewer holes and bounce a bit higher.
For shoes, use court shoes, not running shoes. Court shoes support side steps and quick stops. Your knees and ankles will thank you.
Health Benefits and Who Should Play
Older adults often google what is pickleball for low-impact fitness. The sport is kind on joints and yet still gets your heart rate up. You make many short moves, which builds balance and reaction time. Doubles play lets you stay active without long sprints.
Pickleball can fit many bodies and ages:
- New players: Learn fast and enjoy wins early.
- Families: Easy rules make it a great weekend game.
- Athletes: Sharp rallies and net battles still challenge you.
From my coaching notes, the biggest gain I see is confidence. People feel included, learn a skill, and see progress in weeks. It is social exercise, which makes consistency easy.
Strategy and Skills for Beginners to Intermediates
Once you grasp what is pickleball, strategy becomes the next step. Start with soft hands and patient play. Win the kitchen line and you control the point. Most rallies are decided in that 14-foot space near the net.
Simple plans that work:
- Serve deep and return deep to push foes back.
- Use the third shot drop to reach the net.
- Dink crosscourt to gain space and lower your risk.
Mistakes to avoid (I made them all):
- Swinging like tennis on every ball. Power without aim feeds your foes.
- Standing midcourt with no plan. Either move in or reset the point.
- Hitting hard at a player who is set. Instead, move them or hit to feet.
Pickleball vs Tennis, Badminton, and Ping-Pong
If you are still asking what is pickleball compared to tennis, think shorter rallies and less ground to cover. The paddle is solid, so control is high and mishits are rare. Serves are underhand, which keeps points fair.
Compared to badminton and ping-pong, pickleball sits in the middle. The court is bigger than a ping-pong table but far smaller than a tennis court. The plastic ball has a true bounce, so rallies feel smooth and fast.
Where it shines:
- Easy access to courts and open play.
- Quick learning curve.
- Strong community and mixed-skill games.
Getting Started: Step-by-Step
Before gear, clarify what is pickleball at your local club or park. Most parks now have lines or taped courts. Many groups run free intro nights. Show up and ask to join open play.
Follow this simple plan:
- Borrow a paddle for your first two sessions.
- Learn the serve, return, and two-bounce rule.
- Drill dinks for five minutes each side before games.
- Play two games, rest one, and watch better players.
- Take one lesson or clinic to fix early habits.
- Track one goal per week, like fewer net errors.
A tip that changed my game: count unforced errors out loud as you play. Aim to cut that number first. Points will follow.
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Safety, Etiquette, and Community
Share a quick line on what is pickleball with new players so they feel welcome. Warm up for five minutes, hydrate, and mind the sun. Use eye protection if you play close to the net.
Keep play friendly and fair:
- Call balls on your side and give benefit of the doubt.
- Say the score loud before each serve.
- Avoid swinging hard when someone is too close.
One more thing I learned: bring two balls and a smile. People remember both.
Frequently Asked Questions of what is pickleball
What is pickleball?
Pickleball is a paddle sport on a small court using a plastic ball with holes. It blends tennis, ping-pong, and badminton, with simple rules and fast rallies.
How do you score in pickleball?
In standard play, only the serving team scores. Games usually go to 11, and you must win by 2.
What is the kitchen in pickleball?
The kitchen is the non-volley zone, 7 feet from the net on both sides. You cannot volley while standing in or on the kitchen line.
What gear do I need to start?
You need a paddle, a few balls, and court shoes. Most players start with an affordable paddle and upgrade later.
Is pickleball good exercise?
Yes. It is low impact, helps balance and reflexes, and offers steady cardio. Doubles play is friendly on joints and works well for many ages.
Can kids and older adults play together?
Yes. The small court and simple rules make mixed ages easy. Doubles lets you match pace and still have fun.
How is pickleball different from tennis?
Serves are underhand, the court is smaller, and the paddle is solid. Points rely more on placement and control than raw power.
Conclusion
You came here to learn what is pickleball, and now you know the rules, gear, court, and next steps. Start simple, aim deep, own the kitchen, and keep your errors low. The sport rewards patience, soft hands, and a good attitude.
Grab a paddle, find a park, and play two games this week. If this guide helped, share it with a friend, subscribe for more tips, or leave a question so I can help you get started.