What is Pickleball? The Fast-Growing Sport Taking the World by Storm

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the world, blending the best elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis into an exciting, easy-to-learn game. Played on a compact court with solid paddles and a perforated plastic ball, pickleball is accessible to all ages and skill levels while offering fast-paced action and strategic depth.

The Origins of Pickleball: From Backyard Fun to Global Phenomenon

Pickleball was born in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, when three dads—Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum—improvised a game to entertain their families. Using ping-pong paddles, a wiffle ball, and a lowered badminton net, they created a sport that quickly evolved
into the dynamic game we know today. 

Pickleball Rules: Simple to Learn, Challenging to Master 

Pickleball is played on a 20 x 44-foot court (similar to a badminton court) and can be played in either singles or doubles format. The game features a net that is slightly lower than that of tennis and uses a lightweight paddle along with a perforated plastic ball designed for controlled flight and consistent bounce. 

Key Rules include: 
1. Underhand Serve – Must be hit diagonally and below the waist. 
2. Double Bounce Rule – The ball must bounce once on each side before volleys are allowed. 
3. The “Kitchen” (Non-Volley Zone) – A 7-foot area near the net where volleys are prohibited
— preventing slam-dunk-style plays. 
4. Scoring – Only the serving team can score. Games go to 11 points (win by 2) in most
matches. 

While pickleball has many detailed rules, truly grasping the game comes down to these four essentials.

Pickleball Tournaments: From Local Play to Pro-Level Competition

Pickleball tournaments thrive worldwide, offering competitive play for all ages and skill levels. Events categorize players by age group and skill rating, ensuring fair and exciting matches against similarly-leveled opponents. 

For amateur players, tournaments are the perfect way to: 

• Build your official player rating  (a four-digit number from 2.000/novice to 8.000/expert) 
• Climb the global rankings, where every player—from #1 pros to rising amateurs—has a place on the leaderboard

Whether you’re chasing a Tour title or just starting out, competitive pickleball helps you measure progress, challenge yourself, and join a growing global community.