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You can play it with your kids. You can play it with your grandparents. Or you can turn up with your mates and get way more competitive than you expected.
Pickleball happens to be one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and chances are you've heard about it and seen it popping up at your local courts or gym.
Part tennis, part badminton, part table tennis, pickleball is easy to learn, surprisingly competitive and seriously addictive.
You can play it with your kids. You can play it with your grandparents. Or you can turn up with your mates and get way more competitive than you expected.
So, if you've been hearing the buzz and wondering what it's all about, here's everything you need to know.
So what is pickleball?
At its core, pickleball is a paddle sport played on a smaller court using a perforated plastic ball (similar to a wiffle ball).
It combines elements of:
- Tennis (court layout and serving style)
- Badminton (net height and court size)
- Table tennis (paddles and quick reactions)
Games are usually played as doubles, but singles is just as popular.
The basics:
- Played on a court about one-third the size of a tennis court
- Uses a solid paddle (no strings)
- Served underarm and diagonally
- Points are typically played to 11 (win by 2)
Learn how to choose the right paddle here and the basic rules of pickleball, here.
Where did pickleball come from?
Pickleball was created in 1965 by Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell, who were looking for a way to entertain their kids during Summer.
Using a mix of improvised equipment – paddles, a plastic ball and a lowered net – they created a game that quickly stuck.
As for the name? There are a couple of stories, but the most popular is that it was named after the Pritchard family dog, Pickles.
Why has pickleball become so popular?
Pickleball isn't “new” anymore, but its growth has exploded globally, including here in Australia.
Here's why:
- It's easy to learn: You can rally within minutes, even if you've never picked up a racquet before.
- It's social: Doubles is the most common format, making it a great way to meet people and stay active.
- It's low impact (but still a workout): The smaller court means less sprinting than tennis, but you'll still get your heart rate up.
- It's skill-based, not just power-based: Placement, patience and control often beat raw strength, which levels the playing field across ages and abilities.
What is “the kitchen” in pickleball?
You know the saying: If you can't handle the heat, get out of the kitchen. Well, it applies in pickleball as well. The “kitchen” is one of the most unique and important parts of pickleball.
It's the non-volley zone – a 2.1 metre area on either side of the net where players cannot hit the ball out of the air (volley).
Why it matters:
- Prevents players from dominating the net with smashes
- Encourages longer rallies and strategic play
- Forces players to rely on control and touch
Step into the kitchen and volley the ball? You lose the point. If you're used to tennis, this rule can take some time to wrap your head around.
Is pickleball easier than tennis?
Short answer: it's easier to start, but not necessarily easier to master.
Because the court is smaller and the movements are less intense:
- It's generally easier on joints like knees and ankles
- It's more accessible for beginners
But don't let that fool you. High-level pickleball is fast, tactical and seriously competitive.
Why should you play pickleball?
Because it ticks a lot of boxes:
- Easy to pick up
- Social and inclusive
- Great for fitness
- Competitive when you want it to be
Whether you're looking for a new sport, a social hit on the weekend, or something to mix up your training, pickleball is worth a try. And fair warning: once you start playing, it can be hard to stop.
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