what is pickleball? | My Starter Site

Pickleball! You've probably heard the name buzzing around gyms, parks, and community centers. It's one of the fastest-growing sports in America, and for good reason. It’s easy to learn, fun for all ages and skill levels, and a great way to stay active. But what is pickleball exactly?

This guide from Rankd, your resource for finding pickleball players and courts near you, will break down everything you need to know about this exciting sport.

The Origins of Pickleball: A Backyard Invention

Pickleball’s story begins in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Joel Pritchard, a congressman, and Bill Bell, a businessman, were looking for an activity to entertain their bored families. Using a wiffle ball, ping-pong paddles, and a badminton net lowered to 36 inches at the net and 34 inches at the sides, they created the first version of the game.

The name "Pickleball" is said to have come from Pritchard's wife, Joan, who likened the game to a "pickle boat" in crew, where leftover oarsmen were thrown together in a boat.

How to Play Pickleball: The Basics

Pickleball is played on a court that’s the same size as a doubles badminton court (20 feet wide by 44 feet long). The net is 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches in the middle. Players use paddles made of wood or composite materials and a perforated plastic ball (similar to a wiffle ball).

The game can be played as singles (two players) or doubles (four players), with doubles being the most common.

Serving in Pickleball

Serves are underhand and must be hit below the waist.
The serve is made diagonally across the net and must land within the opponent's service court.
Only one serve attempt is allowed, except in the case of a let (when the ball hits the net on the serve and lands in the correct service court).

The Two-Bounce Rule (Double Bounce Rule)

A key rule in pickleball is the two-bounce rule. After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce once before returning it. Then, the serving team must let the return bounce once before playing it. After these two bounces, players can volley the ball (hit it in the air without letting it bounce).

The Non-Volley Zone (The Kitchen)

The non-volley zone, commonly known as "the kitchen," is a 7-foot area on either side of the net. Players cannot volley the ball while standing within the kitchen. This rule prevents players from camping at the net and slamming the ball.

Scoring in Pickleball

Only the serving team can score points.
A game is typically played to 11 points, and a team must win by two points.
In some recreational settings, games may be played to 15 or 21 points.

Pickleball Equipment: What You Need to Get Started

Getting started with pickleball doesn't require a huge investment. Here's what you'll need:

Pickleball Paddle: Paddles come in various shapes, sizes, and materials (wood, composite, graphite). Beginner paddles are usually more affordable.
Pickleball Ball: These are perforated plastic balls designed for outdoor or indoor play. Outdoor balls are heavier and have smaller holes to resist wind.
Pickleball Net: Nets are portable and can be set up on any flat surface. Many dedicated pickleball courts have permanent nets.
Appropriate Attire: Comfortable athletic clothing and court shoes are recommended.

Why is Pickleball So Popular?

Several factors contribute to pickleball's explosive growth:

Easy to Learn: The rules are simple, and beginners can quickly pick up the basics.
Social and Inclusive: Pickleball is a very social sport, and the smaller court size encourages interaction between players.
Low Impact: While it provides a good workout, pickleball is relatively low-impact, making it suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, including seniors.
Affordable: Compared to other racquet sports, pickleball equipment is relatively inexpensive.
Accessible: Pickleball courts are popping up everywhere, from community centers and parks to dedicated pickleball facilities.

Pickleball vs. Other Sports: Key Differences

Many people wonder how pickleball compares to other racquet sports. Here are some key distinctions:

Pickleball vs. Tennis: Pickleball is played on a smaller court with a lower net. The serve is underhand, and the two-bounce rule is a significant difference.
Pickleball vs. Badminton: While the court size is the same, the scoring and serving are different. Pickleball uses a plastic ball and paddles, while badminton uses a shuttlecock and racquets.
Pickleball vs. Ping-Pong: Pickleball is played on a larger court with larger paddles and a larger ball. The scoring and serving are also different.

Finding Pickleball Near You with Rankd

Now that you know what pickleball is, you're probably eager to get out on the court. That's where Rankd comes in!

Rankd is your one-stop shop for finding pickleball players and courts near you. Our platform helps you:

Find Pickleball Courts: Locate nearby courts, see their availability, and even book court time.
Connect with Players: Find players of all skill levels in your area and connect with them for games.
Join or Create Groups: Find pickleball communities or create your own group to organize games and events.
Stay Updated: Get the latest news and information about pickleball in your area.

Pickleball for Seniors: A Great Way to Stay Active

Pickleball is particularly popular among seniors due to its low-impact nature and social benefits. It’s a great way to:

Improve cardiovascular health
Increase balance and coordination
Enhance social interaction
Stay mentally engaged

Pickleball Etiquette: Being a Good Sport

Like any sport, pickleball has some basic etiquette guidelines:

Call out the score clearly before each serve.
Be respectful of other players.
Retrieve stray balls.
Be aware of your positioning on the court.

Conclusion: Join the Pickleball Craze!

Pickleball is more than just a sport; it’s a community. It’s a game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds. With its easy-to-learn rules, social nature, and health benefits, it’s no wonder pickleball is taking the world by storm.

So, what are you waiting for? Download the Rankd app, find a court and players near you, and join the pickleball craze today!

Download the Rankd app now and find pickleball players and courts near you!