What is Pickleball?

[Updated March 2025]

Pickleball is America's fastest-growing sport. It is a hybrid sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. It's estimated to be played by over 48 million people nationwide.

Looking for a guide to all the pickleball terminology? Check our dink-tionary.

Questions we'll cover:

• Who invented it & why is it called Pickleball?
• What equipment do you need to play?
• What is the size of a pickleball court?
• What is a pickleball made of?
• What are pickleball paddles?
• What are the rules & gameplay of pickleball?
• Where can I play pickleball?

Who Invented it & Why is it called Pickleball?

Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington by Joel Pritchard, Barney McCallum and Bill Bell. There are two running theories as to why it's called pickleball. The first is that it references the "pickle boat" in rowing where leftover oarsmen from other crews join together to create a team.

The second is that it was named after the Pritchard's family dog, Pickles. Recent research though has uncovered that Pickles the dog was born after the game was invented.

Did you know that Bill Gates and his family were some of the first people to play the sport?

The History of Pickleball and How it Got Its Weird Name

Get to know the history of pickleball, including where it was invented and how it got its weird name.

The Dink PickleballJason Flamm

What equipment do you need to play?

Starting is easy — and you don't need a ton of equipment that will break the bank. In fact, you only need the following four items:

• A pickleball court
• A pickleball net
• Two paddles
• A pickleball (use code "THEDINK" to save 10%)

What is the size of a pickleball court?

A pickleball court is 44ft by 20ft, with a non-volley zone that extends 7ft either side of the net.

A pickleball court is similar to tennis and badminton, but has unique features that make it different. The court itself is 44ft in length and 20ft wide, close to half the size of a tennis court. It is made up of two service squares and a non-volley zone that is also known as 'the kitchen.'

The non-volley zone extends the full width of the court and 7ft away from the net. Players cannot hit the ball while standing in this zone unless the ball has bounced first.

The center line divides the serving boxes. It only matters when serving, as the ball must bounce diagonally in the server's box.

How to Make a Pickleball Court | Makeshift Court Guide

You can literally play pickleball anywhere. Here’s what you need to make your own pickleball court.

The Dink PickleballThomas Shields

What is a pickleball made of?

The actual pickleball is a plastic whiffle ball. A different ball is used depending on if you're playing indoors or outdoors. The outdoor ball is firmer with 40 holes, while the indoor ball is softer with 26 holes.

There are more than 30 different companies producing pickleballs at this point. Check out our full guide to select the right ball for your pickleball game.

Also, checkout this high tech ball that lasts 5x as long, plays the same, and breaks down in a landfill in 3-5 years versus the 100 years of the average ball. It's what we recommend to everyone in the office.

What Ball Do You Use for Pickleball?

One of the fundamental aspects of enjoying a game of pickleball is choosing the right equipment, including the pickleball itself. Let’s start by answering on of the most common questions: what ball do you use for pickleball?

The Dink PickleballLuke Burton

What are pickleball paddles?

Pickleball paddles are unique to this paddle sport but share similar qualities to ping pong paddles or padel paddles. There are hundreds of pickleball paddles on the market and finding the right one can seem overwhelming.

Paddles are made from graphite, composite, or wood. A paddle's size cannot be more than 24 inches in total.

Typically, paddles are around 7-8 inches wide and 15-16 inches long. Paddle widths are usually 14mm or 16mm. Thinner paddles give more power, while thicker ones give more spin and control.

The paddle surface ranges from a smooth finish, through to painted grit or carbon fiber texture. Many people prefer a grittier paddle face to generate more spin on the ball.

Typically, the cores consist of a honeycomb-like material called nomex or a softer material called polymer. Paddle weights vary from 6 to 14 ounces. Some players use lead tape to adjust the weight or balance of their paddles.

Paddle Buying Guide

Have questions about how to choose a pickleball paddle that is best for you? Our Buying Guide makes finding the best pickleball paddle easy.

The Dink PickleballThe Dink Media Team

What are the rules & gameplay of pickleball?

Pickleball is a very easy game to learn and is great for beginners. It can be played in singles or doubles but is more commonly played in doubles. Games are played to 11, win by two, and most matches are played best 2 out of 3 games.

Serving:

• Underhand serve, ball must be hit below the waist.
• Serve diagonally, landing in the opposite service box.
• Only one serve attempt (except on a let, where it hits the net and lands in).

Double Bounce Rule: Ball must bounce once on each side after the serve before volleys (hitting without bounce) are allowed.

No-Volley Zone (Kitchen): Players cannot volley (hitting without bounce) while standing inside the 7-foot no-volley zone.

Scoring:

• Games are typically played to 11 (win by 2).
• Only the serving team can score.
• In doubles, the first server continues until they lose a rally, then the second server serves. After both servers lose, the serve goes to the opponents.

Winning a Point:

• Opponent faults by missing, hitting out, or violating rules.

Doubles vs. Singles: Same rules, but in singles, each player covers the whole court.

Where to play pickleball?

Pickleball courts are popping up across the country to meet the increasing demand for this recreational sport. Generally, there are lots of free-access public courts to choose from as well as an increasing number of private, indoor facilities to reserve courts.

To find a place to play and people to play with, check out our where-to-play series or download the PicklePlay app. Open play is great for meeting new players or jump right into a tournament or league to test your skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pickleball Easy to Learn for Beginners?

Pickleball is one of the most beginner-friendly recreational sports available, with simple rules and a compact court that reduces how much ground players need to cover. Most newcomers can enjoy a full pickleball game within their very first session and continue improving through regular play.

How Is Pickleball Different From Tennis?

A pickleball court is roughly half the size of a tennis court, and the sport uses a solid paddle and a perforated plastic ball instead of a strung racket and felt ball. The double bounce rule and the non-volley zone create a more strategic, patient-paced pickleball game compared to tennis.

What Is the Best Pickleball Paddle for a Beginner?

Beginner players typically benefit from a lightweight paddle made of graphite or composite materials, as these offer a balance of control and power on the pickleball court. Thicker cores tend to be more forgiving on off-center hits, making them especially well-suited for newer players still developing their game.

Can Pickleball Be Played Indoors and Outdoors?

Yes, pickleball can be played in both settings, though the equipment differs slightly between the two. Outdoor pickleball balls have 40 holes and a firmer construction to handle wind and harder surfaces, while indoor balls have 26 holes and a softer feel suited to gymnasium floors.

Where Can I Find Pickleball Courts Near Me?

Public parks, recreation centers, and private indoor facilities across the country now offer dedicated pickleball courts for players of all skill levels. To find a court and connect with local players, download the PicklePlay app or browse our where-to-play resources for recommendations in your city.

Common Questions About Pickleball