Could they have picked a worse name for the fastest growing sport in America? (Maybe!)
According to popular legend, Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle, by three fathers – Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum – as a way to entertain their children.
The story goes that the Pritchards had a dog named Pickles, who would chase after the ball. Some claim that the game was named after Pickles, the ball-chasing dog.
However, according to Joel Pritchard’s wife, Joan, the name was derived from the term “pickle boat,” which refers to the last boat to return with its catch in rowing or fishing.
She stated that the game reminded her of a pickle boat, where the crew is made up of the leftovers from other boats.
Regardless of which story is true, the quirky name has certainly stuck and one of way of looking at it is it adds charm to the sport, or another way of looking at it is it’s the reason why no one can take this sport seriously. (Just kidding!)
Read on for some top FAQs about pickleball!
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis.
It is played with a perforated plastic ball (a wiffle ball) and composite paddles on a court that is similar in size to a badminton court (i.e. “smaller than a tennis court”).
Pickleball can be played in singles, but is mostly played in a doubles format and is known for its fast-paced gameplay and being highly social and easy for everyone of ALL ages to play.
How is Pickleball Played?
In pickleball, players use paddles to hit the ball over a net.
The serve is executed underhand and must be made diagonally, starting from the right-hand service square.
The ball must bounce once on each side before volleys are allowed, and points are scored by the serving side only and occur when the opponent faults (fails to return the ball, hits ball out of bounds, etc.).
What Equipment is Needed to Play Pickleball?
To play pickleball, you’ll need a pickleball paddle, which is smaller than a tennis racquet but larger than a ping-pong paddle.
I play with a Gearbox CX14E for power and a Ben Johns Joola for control depending on the level of competition I’m playing against.
You will also need a pickleball, which is a lightweight perforated plastic (wiffle) ball. Such as the Franklin X-40 for outdoor play or Onix for indoor play.
It’s important to wear comfortable athletic attire and court shoes that provide good support and traction. Some players also wear protective eyewear and use sweatbands.
Personally I love wearing Civile, a luxury pickleball athletic clothing company with stylish clothes on and off the court. You can grab 20% off by using discount code CHRISTINE when checking out!
Where Can I Play Pickleball?
Pickleball can be played at various recreation centers, parks, and even in private backyards.
Many places have dedicated pickleball courts, and some tennis courts are also marked for pickleball.
You can check local community centers or use online resources such as the USA Pickleball Association’s Places2Play website to find a court near you.
I’ve been capturing all the places I play in blog posts and youtube videos.
Zoom in and click around on the map below to discover places to play pickleball. Once you’ve found a destination, click on it to find the helpful blog post with helpful tips on how you can play there! Or see all the blog posts by clicking here!
How Does the Scoring Work in Pickleball?
Keeping track of the score can sometimes feel like the hardest part about playing pickleball (this is .. possibly.. a joke).
It’s important to note that in pickleball, only the serving team can score points. It is not “rally scoring”.
The game is usually played to 11 points, but you must win by at least 2 points.
When serving, you announce the score in three parts: your score, your opponent’s score, and which server you are (1 or 2 for doubles).
The annoying part?
The first server starts as “2” and not “1”.
In other words, you only get one serve to start and the game begins with “0-0-2”. Is this confusing? Yes, but only when you first get started playing.
What’s the Difference Between Pickleball and Tennis?
While pickleball and tennis share some similarities, there are notable differences.
Pickleball courts are smaller than tennis courts, and the net is lower.
Pickleball uses paddles instead of racquets, and a perforated plastic ball instead of a fuzzy tennis ball.
The serving in pickleball is underhand, while tennis allows overhand serves. The scoring systems are also different.
Can Pickleball be Played Indoors?
Yes, pickleball can be played indoors or outdoors. Indoor pickleball is popular in community centers and gyms.
Playing indoors can be beneficial as it eliminates the elements such as wind and sun, which can affect the game.
However, the ball used for indoor play is slightly different to accommodate the change in playing surface. Personally I love using the Onix Indoor Pickleball.
What are the Dimensions of a Pickleball Court?
Pickleball and tennis courts are staples in many recreational communities, and although they have some similarities, their sizes differ significantly.
A standard pickleball court measures 20 feet by 44 feet, with a total playing area of 880 square feet.
It’s essentially the same size as a badminton court and has a lower net.
On the other hand, a regulation tennis court is considerably larger, measuring 78 feet by 27 feet for singles and 78 feet by 36 feet for doubles.
This translates to a playing area of 2,106 square feet for singles and 2,808 square feet for doubles.
In a nutshell, a tennis court is more than twice the size of a pickleball court. This size difference impacts gameplay; pickleball typically entails quicker reflexes and shorter rallies, whereas tennis demands more endurance and varied shot-making.
How High is a Pickleball Net vs. a Tennis Net?
The height of the nets in pickleball and tennis is another distinguishing factor between the two sports.
A pickleball net is set at a height of 34 inches at the center and slightly higher at 36 inches at the sidelines.
In contrast, a tennis net stands taller at 36 inches in the center and 42 inches at the posts. This difference in net height plays a substantial role in the gameplay and strategies of each sport.
The lower net in pickleball allows for faster, more direct shots and can facilitate a volley-centric style of play.
Tennis, with its higher net, necessitates more arched shots, and players often employ a combination of topspin and slice to clear the net while keeping the ball within bounds.
One of the biggest challenges (beyond remembering how to keep score) is position. Newer players will often stand in the wrong place (frequently it’s “too far back” and not “near the kitchen line”) that will cause them to hit the ball off a bounce (instead of out of the air) or give the other side more opportunity to strategically hit the ball somewhere they cannot get it.
Aspiring athletes and enthusiasts should take these dimensions into account when transitioning between the two sports or developing their playing styles.
What are Some Tips for Beginners?
For beginners in pickleball, it’s important to focus on proper paddle grip, footwork, and understanding the rules, especially the unique “double-bounce” rule.
Spend time practicing your serve and return, and try to play with and against players who are better than you to improve your game.
Most importantly: don’t forget it’s a plastic ball and it’s JUST a game (called “Pickleball” of all things).. so have fun!
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Bottom Line
Pickleball, a sport that blends elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, gets its quirky name from two popular stories – one suggesting it was named after a dog named Pickles, who loved chasing the ball, and another attributing the name to the term “pickle boat,” likening the game to a crew of leftovers, as told by one of the creator’s wives.
The sport is played with perforated plastic (wiffle) balls and composite paddles on a court akin to that of badminton and can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors, in singles or doubles format.
It’s the fastest growing sport in America, learn more about where else you can play below!