Pickleball

Pickleball is a racket or paddle sport where either two players (singles) or four players (doubles) hit a perforated, hollow plastic ball with paddles over a 0.86 m net until one side cannot return the ball or commits a rule infraction. The game can be played both indoors and outdoors. Invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island in Washington state as a children’s backyard game, pickleball was designated the official state sport of Washington in 2022.

Although it resembles tennis and table tennis, pickleball has its own unique rules, paddles, and court dimensions. The court measures 13.4 m in length and 6.1 m in width, and the paddle is larger than a table tennis paddle. The hard plastic ball used in pickleball produces less bounce than a tennis ball. Each side of the net features a 2.1 m called the non-volley zone, or “kitchen,” where players cannot strike the ball unless it has bounced. The game uses side-out scoring, meaning only the server can score points. The limited bounce of the ball, the non-volley zones, and the underhanded serve contribute to the game’s dynamic pace.

Pickleball is ideal for all skill levels. Because its rules are so similar to ping-pong, practically anyone can easily learn how to play. Whether you’re a beginner looking to enjoy a new sport for fun or a seasoned player seeking the thrill of competitive play, pickleball offers something for everyone.